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Should you buy a 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG?

If you’re seriously considering it then yes, you probably should. With the writing on the wall for combustion engines in general, the large-capacity simple V8 isn’t going to make a comeback; even AMG traded 2.2-litres of capacity for turbocharged sophistication. Now even the big brutes are getting smaller, more complex – even hybrid – engines with fewer cylinders, losing that old-school visceral V8 howl.

The W204 C-Class based AMGs are a great blend of classic mechanical engineering prowess and technical wizardry; enough feedback and precision to feel like you’re driving rather than a computer, but some gadgetry that still feels modern, if not cutting edge. The Performance Pack unlocks the full potential.

Long-term maintenance should be easier, too. While it’s far from ‘simple’ (or cheap), the lack of turbochargers and AMG’s precision engineering should ensure a well-maintained C 63 AMG keeps delivering thrills for decades. Driven sensibly, they aren’t too bad on fuel either.

Best of all, there’s a bodystyle to suit your household and lifestyle. No kids, weekend or trackday indulgence? Coupe is ideal. Need to try and cram everything into one car? The Estate is a natural fit. This may have marked the time AMG lost the exclusivity associated with the likes of the SL60, or C36, but for car enthusiasts it’s a golden moment, a legitimate, fully-developed high-performance V8 Estate that reached the mainstream and is relatively easy to find.

What we like

Visceral V8 soundtrack, unchained performance, immensely flexible power delivery and, for a Mercedes, sharp responses that can be dialled back for effortless long drives. Wrapped in distinctive looks, and supported with genuinely useful technology, it’s a daily driver that’s as thrilling as many supercars.

What we don’t like

Quite cramped for rear passengers, the Coupe in particular. It’s also quite capable of biting back if you turn off the traction control and limiters, meaning anyone used to the foolproof security of a modern AMG’s all-wheel drive 4Matic grip could be in for a nasty surprise when trying to push the first-generation C63 AMG to the limit.