Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG (2011 - 2015) C63 Saloon (Performance Pack Plus) 4d Auto Owner Review

I bought this as a replacement for my e92 M3 after finding a Mk3 Focus RS seriously underwhelming in performance. The positives 1. Lovely interior right up there with Audi and better seats and plastics than the BMW. 2. The engine. None of this piped in nonsense, simply the best sounding engine of a car I’ve ever driven bar a Lamborghini. The performance is fantastic, torque and power in every gear, it is not slow! 3. The traction control - it’s not as invasive as the BMW systems and the car feels significantly more stable and less happy in wet weather than the BMW did. 4. Reliability - other than a sporadic sticky handbrake handle the engine and everything else has been solid. No dodgy bearings, carbon buildup, headgaskets or actuator problems like other marques’ competitors. 5. Simple - no annoying stop start, no 100 ways to configure the car, just 3 modes. The car has the ability to be a nice quiet cruiser or a mad bruiser at the touch of a pedal :). 6. Practicality - boot is massive, plenty of interior room if you have kids and associated paraphernalia. Downsides 1. Running costs. Ferocious appetite for rear tyres and petrol, and servicing and parts like other German marques aren’t cheap and this isn’t a car to run on a shoestring; yearly service intervals. 2. The ride is a little firmer than the M3’s EDC in comfort but significantly better than the Audi RS models. 3. Handling is very good, but it feels heavier on the road and less nimble than an M car. In a straight line it will show a clean pair of heels to many cars on the road especially when rolling, but in corners there is still an element of noticeable roll. It’s more of a muscle car than a track car but the character and silliness of the engine makes it much more enjoyable as a daily. If you want a weekend car or track car choose the M badge. 4. Did I mention fuel? :) 5. Models with diamond cut alloys - lacquer peels and it’s easier to get them powder coated otherwise you’re looking at refurbs every 1-2 years.