Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 507 2013 Review

Not so much:
>> Lacks subtlety
>> Steering not as sharp as an M3's
>> Infotainment switching could be simpler

The C 63 AMG 507 comes close – very close – to matching the Black Series coupe for performance and cachet.

In fact, torque for the new 507 model is just 10Nm shy of the coupe's 620Nm output. And, at 373kW the 507 is a meagre 7kW behind the Black Series. The 507 is effectively a limited edition sedan that replaces the Performance Pack variants of the standard C 63 AMG, as we reported in February.

In effect, the 507 is the last of the line for the 6.2-litre V8 in the C-Class application. There'll be a new AMG-fettled C-Class next year, believed to be powered by a twin-turbo V8 displacing 4.0 litres.

The 507 arrives in Australia priced from $169,407 for the sedan, $171,407 for the wagon and $172,407 for the coupe, and motoring.com.au has already driven it on local roads.

For all its performance potential the 507 is a very easy car to drive, should you think that it's going to be a little more highly strung than the standard C 63.

Even with the transmission in manual mode it's pretty much set and forget driving – until you need to shift up a gear...

Shift points naturally change in the migration from 'Controlled Efficiency' to Manual (with stops along the way for 'Sport' and 'Sport+'), but the C 63 is ready to fire up at a moment's notice by simply pushing hard on the loud pedal. And should the car happen to be in manual mode at the time, shifting down with the left paddle will excite a guttural bark from the exhaust as it prepares to slingshot into the distance.

That, in fact, is probably what will shock first-time C 63 drivers the most – the swiftness with which it can change from Clark Kent to Superman.

Across a wide intersection of arterial road and freeway ramps the 507 can literally launch itself with the sport of speed that could result in a traffic infringement fine in the mail before the car has left the intersection. Literally, the 507 can easily exceed the speed limit from a standing start, before exiting the intersection – it's that quick.

It's not like you need to be standing on both pedals to build up the revs first, either. Just stomping on the accelerator will send the 507 hurtling on its way (on dry bitumen, at least) with optimal tractive force.

Yet the ride quality is superb, pointing to the 507's primary demographic: drivers wanting to make a statement, but not at the expense of personal comfort. The flipside of that coin is the steering is a little numb straight ahead, and turn-in is slower than the very crisp steering of a BMW M3, as one example.

That's not to say, however, that the 507's cornering ability is in any way lacking. There's more feedback through the wheel once the car is committed to a corner and front end grip is formidable. In faster bends the 507 just tracks through with the power applied until it's reaching the kind of speed matched only by the Renault Megane RS 265, in my personal experience. There's no sign of waywardness from the rear until you start trying harder in tighter bends. Then the traction control intervenes and the car bogs down momentarily. But the 507 is hair-raising for its adhesion and cornering competence.

The 507's interior is replete with nice detail touches, like the AMG medallion on the top of the gearshift knob and the stitched mock suede steering wheel rim, which is a three-spoke multi-function unit flat at the bottom. The no-nonsense leather-trimmed seats are very comfortable and supportive, lacking only for shoulder width, speaking for myself.

While the driving position is excellent, adjusting audio volume or changing tracks/channels through the COMAND system is a convoluted process involving redundant switchgear in three different locations: the volume controls on the left spoke of the steering wheel are replicated in a knob on the centre fascia, which is bracketed by two 'skip' buttons to change track/channel and this facility is also possible through the single point controller on the centre console adjacent the driver's thigh.

Other arrowed buttons on the left spoke of the steering wheel are not for the purposing of skipping through a playlist, they're to change the trip computer mode in the instrument binnacle. It's a little confusing until you are accustomed to the modus operandi.

Unlike its big brother, the E 63, the 507 has no ignition lock barrel in the dash. You carry the key with you and start the car with a push of the button. On balance that's a win for simplicity.

Striking looks are a consequence of the stark white paintwork allied with the bonnet from the Black Series, the matt black alloys, mesh grille inserts and striping along the lower flanks. There are red callipers and huge cross-drilled rotors peering out from between the spokes to add a splash of colour to the scene.

So the 507 ends up being a sort of smorgasbord for the senses – looks, sound, smell (of leather) and tactility... Definitely one for the cashed-up sensualist.

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