Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Overview

Starting at $58,200, Mercedes-Benz’s C63 AMG is a natural competitor to the BMW M3. Whereas the M3 is more a razor-sharp filleting knife, the C63 AMG is a ridiculously powerful meat cleaver. For 2011 the C63 comes in a lone body style, a 5-seat, 4-door sedan, though a coupe is set to be added for 2012. Power comes from a 6.2-liter AMG V8 making 451 hp and 443 lb-ft. of torque, or 481 hp with the optional AMG Development Package, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with AMG Speedshift manual control and rear-wheel drive. A 3-setting stability control system lets the driver dictate just how much electronic assistance the car gives.

As the range-topping C-Class the C63 pulls out all the stops in the interior department. A standard COMMAND hard-drive-based navigation system features a 7-inch display and real-time traffic. Genuine black maple wood trim classes up the interior. The AMG is good for a rather unimpressive 13 city/19 highway mpg.