Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG (08-11) - Review

For a high performance car the C63 has a surprisingly supple ride and only really gets unsettled by rough or bumpy surfaces. Buyers can opt for the additional AMG performance pack (a £3,120 option) which adds firmer suspension, (among other extras) however this makes the AMG incredibly stiff and as a result it is uncomfortable on anything but a smooth surface. The seats are superbly supportive though and those in the front have lumbar and side bolster adjustment. Rear passengers in both the saloon and estate will find space quite limited though.

The C63 features the same level of practicality as the standard C-Class. The saloon has a decent boot (which is bigger than the BMW M3 and Lexus IS F) which is more than capable of carrying a couple of suitcases, plus a wide opening makes loading easy. The five-door has 485 litres of space which isn't huge for an estate - plus this is only 10 litres larger than the saloon. However fold the seats down and this opens up to a useful 1,500 litres plus there are four anchoring rings and two clever pop-out hooks to secure anything in the boot. Inside the cabin, there are a number of storage areas, such as the roomy air-conditioned glovebox, door bins and an armrest that doubles as a cubbyhole.

The driving position in the C63 has plenty of adjustment thanks to the electric sports seats, plus there are individual switches for lumbar support and side bolsters. But while the design is clean and unfussy it's not that different from a standard C-Class and aside from the aluminium pedals, AMG dials and sportier steering wheel, very little else has changed. The interior is neat but it doesn't quite have the inviting feel of the BMW 3-Series and some of the materials used, most notably on the dash top, are a little disappointing for a car which costs more than £50,000. That said build quality is superb and everything feels robustly put together.