[CARS]: South Africa’s favourite Mercedes Benz AMG

The greatest era for automobiles was when manufactures were sticking big V8 engines into compact sedans. Essentially crating the greatest rivalry in history. The likes of BMW E90 M3, Audi B7/B8 RS4, Lexus ISF and South Africa’s favorite. The Mercedes-Benz W204 C63 AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG was launched in 2008 and gripped the attention of the entire world. With its incredible 6.2 litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 450 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, which made it the best compact sedan for years to come. Despite its seven-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox in the pre-facelift model. During the facelift model in 2012, it got a quicker seven speed multi-clutch automatic. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG offered some performance packages which got customers more power, Carbon Ceramic brakes and a limited-slip differential.

Yes, it did not handle as good as an M3 or be as quick as the RS4 in the wet with its all-wheel drive. But the sound of that monstrous engine, was a real party piece, with an exhaust note that could wake neighbors in the next town. Even though the engine was used in the bigger 63 models like the E63, S63, SL63 and SLS. The AMG division managed to tune the exhaust note and character differently throughout the entire line-up.

With the help of depreciation, W204 C63 is an absolute bargain. Although one will have to be cautious when purchasing one, as some may have been beat-up and worn out. On Autotrader, there are a few clean title one’s going for under R600 000 for the pre-facelift versions and the facelift might be a smidge over R600 000. This is excluding the special edition models that were also on the market.