The C 63 is a serious beast of a sedan and far less understated than its C 55 predecessor that won our first ever PCOTY.

Crank the key and the V8 lump fires into life with a meaningful growl. Wind the windows down and hoof the pedal and you realise why it is called the loud pedal. Check the clocks as you’ll soon eclipse the legal limit. Although not the quickest in the PCOTY field, the C 63 feels the most urgent off the line and cleans up the 80 to 120km/h race. Slow down with the impressive anchors and change down the cogs with the brilliant paddle system.

Changes are fast and smooth and the throttle blip is almost enough to scoop C 63 the honours. The engine, gearbox and acceleration figures are on the mark and the aggro-classy look is exceptional. Five doors, a massive boot, top-flight spec level and luxury leather bucket seats make the interior one of the most practical here.

While a two-minute 8-second lap is nothing to laugh at, the C 63’s comfort-sport compromise is shown up on circuit. Cornering at high-speed is an uneasy feeling as weight transfer unsettles the beast and removes predictability and confidence.

The C 63 is a brutal performer and a versatile package, at home at a hot car meet or the red carpet occasion. Versatility often means compromise but Merc has managed to keep the percentages well balanced.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
Price: R729 000
kW/Nm: 336/600
0-100km/h (g): 5.9 secs
Top speed (c): 250km/h
Hot Lap (g): 2m08.3

» On to the next contender: Opel Corsa OPC

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