Mercedes-Benz C-class Review

The Review

Daily Drives Estates Mercedes-Benz C-class C-class T-mod (S205) - (2014) AMG C 63 V8 (476 Hp) SPEEDSHIFT MCT

Definitely a more refined and grown up car, but missing some of the heart from its previous life

Summary

From the day I first picked up my C200 I wanted the mighty C32, then C43, then C55. Then I finally got the 2012 C63 and then a 2017 C63 estate (was an older family man by then). Was it worth the wait? Kinda! Loved the car. It's an absolute beast. But a refined one! Its fast, fun, comfortable and the perfect size all around. BUT, I don't think it has the soul of my 2012 C63. So I would say that even though this car is an engineering masterpiece, my heart still belongs to 'old yeller'.

Practicality and Comfort

For a 4.0 bi-turbo V8, with 476hp available whenever you need it, this is about as practical a car as you can get. The non-performance seats are supple and comfortable with little adjustment. No where near as hard as the seats you get in the S, but with just enough hug to keep you still. Interior space is good, and for all the long journeys we did, I got out feeling fresh and ready. Boot space is awesome. Like a bottomless pit of space. In comfort mode, that's exactly what you get. A tame and easy to drive every day motor, with a gentle burble from the quad (hmmm... don't get me started) exhausts. Twist the performance dial into the S's and the comfort starts to go a little south, but never loses its poise and never becomes to stiff on the road. I would comfortably say that this is a great one for every day driving for those looking for balance.

Despite harping on about the old C63 throughout this review, it I had to get another C63, I would still likely get a newer one. It was a car I could easily live with all day every day for any occasion. I would actually argue, that this is one of the best all rounders ever made. Yes there are many cars that do more, go faster, etc, but if I could only have one car, it would be this one. Fuel economy is the big one that seems to get raised as a concern, however, I didn't find this to be a massive issue. Sure the screen showed 18-23mpg in general, however, I was able to touch 33mpg on a few trips, which meant around 300 and some miles to the tank.

Performance and Handling

It's fast. Very fast! It picks up just as you would expect from a car just short of 500hp. But buyer beware, it spins! Generally speaking, drive it with respect and its balanced, rewarding and made me smile a lot. But try and get too enthusiastic and it will eat you alive. Not quite the axe murderer Jeremy Clarkson drove on Top Gear, but still aggressive and a bit jumpy on anything other than a dry dry surface. However, sitting in the passenger seat, being driven by someone who actually knows what they are doing, I appreciate that this is a very accomplished car, even at its limits. Compared to the previous C63, this is faster and does handle better, however, there was something about the previous model that just made me feel a bit more alive.

Would I recommend it? YES

Simply put, yes! With the exception of the new 4matic+ with drift mode, which I would have appreciated, I think that this covers all bases for someone who needs a bit of everything. I am keeping an eye on the new GLC63 right now, as the jacked up 4matic cousin of a great car. If you want more heart and soul, look at the old one (or something else), otherwise the new C63 is a very worthy buy.