'Edition 63' takes the gloss off C 63 Benz

Mercedes-Benz performance tuner AMG sells a lot of cars in Australia. The local market usually makes it into the top five around the globe for sales of AMG-modified cars.

In light of that local support and following customer feedback at last year's Classic Adelaide tarmac rally, AMG has developed a version of the Benz C 63 exclusively for Aussie buyers.

Named 'Edition 63', the upgraded C 63 will be limited to just 63 units, but will be available in sedan and wagon variants -- with 10 per cent of the cars finished in matt grey paint (Magno Allanite Grey in Benz speak). It's an acknowledgement that some buyers are keen for a C 63 AMG that's just a bit more special than the standard car.

"I believe that apart from one or two Lambos, this is the first appearance of matt paint in the Australian market," says David McCarthy, Senior Manager Corporate Communications.

"No other market is getting them. This is specifically for the Australian market, to recognise the success we've had with C 63 sedan and Estate. Also, we debuted the C 63 Estate at Classic Adelaide last year and that's why some of them are wagons."

AMG's Performance Studio was handed the job of developing the car after it was given the go-ahead by the company's management in Affalterbach.

"We've negotiated this with AMG -- and they've been enthusiastic -- but getting all this to happen has been quite difficult," says McCarthy. "They've agreed and done it, simply because of our success with the sedan and wagon in the Australian market."

"The beautiful thing about this is that these cars -- because of our pool with AMG -- we've been able to get these cars as an additional production allocation. So it's not 63 cars replacing an existing allocation, they are additional."

According to McCarthy, there were no technical stumbling blocks associated with the matt paint.

"No, it's actually been available from the Performance Studio at AMG for a couple of years, almost. The challenge with it is... when people that own cars with matt paint [wash the car], what they've gotta remember is not to polish it.

"AMG and Mercedes have perfected it and it's been running around in some pretty severe climates obviously in Europe for a couple of years or so -- so durability is no problem."

Edition 63 is priced from $169,900 for the sedan and $172,900 for the wagon. Both prices are manufacturer's list prices, exclusive of on-road costs and pre-delivery.

For the additional cost over the standard C 63 AMG, buyers gain Designo upholstery in sand or classic red leather, double-stitched black leather for the dash/door inserts/centre armrest, unique DTM-style 19-inch alloy wheels, a locking differential, two Designo metallic paints (as an alternative to the matt black), illuminated door sills and 'Edition 63' badging for gear shifter and floor mats.

The wheels are finished in titanium grey with a high-sheen gloss and are fitted with 235/35 R19 (front) and 255/30 R19 (rear) tyres. Buyers can opt for one of three colours, Platinum Black (metallic), Mystic White (metallic) and Allanite Grey (matt). The wagon comes with privacy glass for the rear.

Mercedes-Benz will commence local delivery of the Edition 63 from December of this year. If you want one in matt finish, get in quick, because Benz is only bringing in 10 cars in this colour.

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