The Mercedes C63 AMG is one of our favourite cars, so it should be even better with another 50bhp for this, the Edition 507 coupe
What’s the Edition 507?
The 507 has been launched as a last hurrah for the C63 AMG, which, with the new C-class being shown at Detroit 2014, is at the end of its run. Since 2007, the C63 (launched as a saloon and estate, initially) has been one of the lairiest, most entertaining performance cars on the road, taking the fight to one of our other favourites – the outgoing BMW M3 – and often winning on character and thrills if outperformed in terms of overall dynamic polish.
To make the 507, Mercedes has fettled the 6208cc V8 engine with parts from the fire breathing SLS AMG to increase power from 470bhp to 510bhp, while torque has been upped a mere 8lb ft to 450lb ft. The C63 and the SLS – which bookend the range – use two versions of the naturally-aspirated V8 (the M156 and M159 for the trainspotters) and remain the only two models not yet using the newer, cleaner (less characterful) 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. So the 507 is the end of an era – get it while you can.
>> Click here for CAR’s full story on the new Mercedes C-class
How much faster is it?
The 507 matches the fastest C63 of all, the Black Series. In a straight line, it lops 0.3sec off the standard coupe’s 0-62mph time for a 4.2sec official claim. That’s better than the outgoing BMW M3’s 4.6sec claim, 0.1sec better than the Audi RS5’s time and only 0.1sec behind the new BMW M4 coupe’s number (for the fastest, twin-clutch version) as well. Top speed for the 507 is limited, but not to the usual 155mph – you can stretch this Merc’s legs to 174mph on its native autobahns when permitted…
Any other changes?
Inside, not much has changed – there’re the excellent leather sports seats – both brilliantly bolstered and supportive – and the Alcantara-wrapped three-spoke AMG steering wheel that, for the 507, has a red ‘straight ahead’ maker.
Outside, you’ll spot the unique, elegant five-spoke charcoal 19in alloys and the black roof (mimicking the BMW M3’s genuine carbon top) that all C63 coupes wear, as well as the red calipers that squeeze carbon-ceramic brakes. The 507 also has gloss black vents and detailing, plus a pair of power domes up front – that’s the bonnet from the C63 Black Series. Yet this isn’t a car that’s put a sock down its drawers…
What’s it like to drive?
Madness. The C63 has that satanic bark that’s unmatched by anything beyond the AMG family. Only the Maserati GranTurismo V8 comes close to the thunder from the C63’s quad exhausts pipes, and while the BMW M3 has a sophisticated, metallically snarling V8 under the outgoing E92 model, the AMG is the baddest sounding coupe this side of a bikie gang. The seven-speed G-tronic ’box is accessed by beautifully finished metal levers, and the extra punch packed by that masterful V8 makes what’s already a ferocious, tyre-frying monster into the ultimate entertainment.
Like we said of the SLS, there’s few cars that can mix capability with entertainment, and although we’d pick an M3 over the Merc for cutting laps, the C63’s miniscule dynamic deficiency is forgotten – it’s still a stellar performer with loads of grip, brilliant change of direction and a throttle sharper than a cut diamond. This is a car thank links corners with precision, ferocity and poise while telling the world about. It’s unashamedly brash, and we love it for that alone.
Verdict: is the 507 worth it?
The extra coin for this special model – £10K more, for a list price of £68,470 if you want the coupe (saloon and estate versions are on offer, too) – isn’t worth it in terms of pace or performance. It’s like giving a Rottweiler an extra few teeth: better, but not for a dramatically different result. Yet if you’re after something a little exclusive, the 507’s that bit more special and is a superb performance car under all that bravado.