| New Performance Model | Frankfurt Motor Show | Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate |
You know how it goes, Mercedes-Benz announces a new model and a few days later its tuning division tells us it's popped a ridiculously powerful engine into it. So when the
C-Class Estate was officially unveiled last week it was only a matter of time before we heard of a wagon that would strain at an electronic 155mph limiter and feature AMG's 457bhp, 6.3-litre V8 engine nestling under a re-sculptured bonnet. Imagine our surprise then when the info arrived here about the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate, a wunder-wagon that's perfect for the family in a hurry...
Like its
saloon relative the C 63 Estate is more than merely an engine transplant job. AMG has been very busy indeed, repositioning the front suspension, sharpening up the already impressive dynamics, and adding brakes up to the task of hauling the C 63 AMG Estate, its occupants and ample luggage capacity down from the ludicrous speeds it'll so easily manage. Pop it into Drive; hold it on the brake before pinning the accelerator and you should be able to manage the 4.6 second 0-62mph time Mercedes claims. However, be sure you've lashed down any luggage in the back, as otherwise it'll be going out the back window. Quickly.
Thankfully then, the AMG go-fasta makeover hasn't taken away any of the regular C-Class estate car's sensible additions; the bag hooks, luggage restraints, stowage compartments and a collapsible shopping crate all come as standard. As do the obvious visual alterations inside and out. That means bigger alloy wheels, deeper front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a re-profiled 'power domed' bonnet and four chromed tailpipes. Inside it's all AMG badging, new instruments, body-hugging sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddles for the seven-speed automatic transmission.
Prices have yet to be released, but expect the new C 63 AMG Estate to be in the region of £56-57,000 when it arrives in Mercedes-Benz showrooms early next year.
Kyle Fortune - 5 Sep 2007
