The 2010 Mercedes C63 AMG is a special car in the history of AMG.  The W204 is the first car with a fully engineered AMG engine – a wonderful 6.2 liter V8 – that sets the tone for the rest of the car.  Built at a time when the BMW M3 had a rear wheel drive motorsports V8, Audi had an all wheel drive 4.2 liter motorsports V8, and Jaguar offered their XFR with a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 as well, AMG felt the need offer its customers some special as well.  Like the Jaguar, the C63 AMG only came with an automatic gearbox and rear wheel drive.

The M156 V8 motor has become much talked about over the years and for just reason.  The sonorous motor will spin too over 7,000 rpm, even in base form with 451 hp and 443 lbs torque.  Starting with a deep burble down low and finishing with an absolute wail at the top end, the M156 was only produced and used for the W204 series of cars along with the SLS in more specialized form.  The engine dominates the driving experience with potent acceleration that’s still very relevant today.  In short, it’s a force with a great deal of emotional character.

The chassis dynamics are strong – which surprised me.  Historically, AMG products have had potent modified Mercedes motors that worked well in a straight line.  Turning skills, however, where less accomplished.  The W204 is different.  The car corners well and rotates nicely around its rear axle so you can tell AMG got both the wider front and rear tracks right and they highlight Mercedes’ good work on the base car.  The  car in base trim doesn’t have a limit slip differential so power oversteer is a mere throttle tickle away.

Worth noting is the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).  It’s very good and with the windows rolled up and the car humming along in auto mode, the car is quiet and peaceful.  I didn’t quite expect this either.  The suspension is on the firm side, but never beats you up.  It is clear AMG set this sedan up as a road car and not just for glass smooth German roads, but less than perfect American/British/Italian ribbons of pavement that ebb and flow with the landscape.

I always enjoy cars (and motorcycles) that communicate with chatty feedback through the steering wheel, pedals, and seat.  Nothing to make the driver tired or weary, but to have a conversation about how all the mechanicals are getting on with each other, along with the speed and the impact of the road surface, is deeply satisfying.

The interior is a mix of good materials that fit well together nine years on with the upper dash in black looking appropriate in period.  Door card materials are decent with some color differences in the car I drove – black and light gray – and nothing rattled.  However, some plastics that look inappropriate for a $35,000 car when new let alone a $75,000 sports sedan are glaring.  The center console has to come in for some definite criticism here and it’s surprising Mercedes and/or AMG could not have put in just a bit more effort to improve the console’s appearance.  Given how much better interiors have become over the last nine years – thanks to competition from Audi – stepping back is a worthwhile reminder of how much water has passed under the bridge in this area.

The biggest weakness of the W204 is the automatic transmission.  In normal driving conditions in full auto mode – puttering through city traffic, cruising down a lane, humming along a two lane highway – the car shifts well enough.  But add some spirit through the paddles or the center shift stalk and the transmission’s limitations become very evident.  The transmission needs between 1.5 to 2 seconds to shift, so approaching bends or overtaking slower traffic requires thought and planning.  The box is certainly the most significant component that dates the W204.

The tires and brakes provide very good confidence.  The AMG engineers should be congratulated for providing very linear stopping power and feel along with easy modulation.  The brakes are not at all grabby and are very consistent throughout the braking stroke.  The 18″ rims are a good size and a reminder that the new 20″ – 22″ tire and rim packages could learn something from their older siblings in the field.  Less thump and drone should be the order of the day.

Instrumentation and electronics are good overall for the period with very legible gauges for all of the important things – speedometer, fuel, cooling temperature, tachometer – and there are some electronic alerts when something needs attention.  Predictably, the COMMAND navigation system is dated.  But it can be hidden away, which cannot be said for modern Mercedes Benz and AMG systems.  Tucking things away helps the interior look less dated and more pleasing to the eye.  The W204 retains some long standing Mercedes interior hallmarks and organization – which is worth appreciating.

In my view, the W204 C63 AMG is a car that will become a future classic and it deserves to be recognized for its special qualities.  It’s M156 motor is a one-off that we will not see again and it’s a standout for it’s power, revving nature, flat torque curve and sonorous noise.  The car’s very good chassis dynamics and tight packaging and size make it a real weapon on a variety of roads – including tighter lanes and back country byways.  The car has strong brakes, snug seats that fit most people, and the Mercedes Benz build quality is very much present.

Fortunately, the car was sold in sufficient quantities that finding good examples is still possible and bargains can be found with careful sleuthing and a cash reserve.  Moreover, the core product is very sound and parts availability is definitely not an issue.  The transmission is a weak point due to it’s slow shifting nature, but there are some aftermarket options – such as pedal commander – that help.  Four people can be carted around in comfort and the trunk is decent.  When you consider the average price of a new car in the United States is $36,000 and cherry C63s of this vintage go for the same money, this sports sedan makes for a compelling proposition if you can work with the compromises.

This C63 AMG is available for rent through Turo.  Here is the link:

https://turo.com/rentals/cars/va/charlottesville/mercedes-benz-c-class/150088?searchId=V_6WuhLu

Happy Motoring