Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edo Competition

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edo Competition

Mercedes-Benz has decided to take its latest AMG C-Class model several notches higher. Outstanding comfort, sporty performance, and long-distance capability have all been packed into just one vehicle, namely the 2009 Edo Competition Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The latest AMG C-Class version derives its power from a naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 engine with a stunning 555 horsepower and an impressive 680 Nm (or 501 ft.-lb.) of torque. These numbers are made possible by a recalibrated ECU, new filters, high-flow catalytic converters, exhaust headers, and a newly-enhanced high-performance exhaust system. The new exhaust system is accompanied by a programmable controller and integrated exhaust flaps that open at a preset backpressure level. The newest AMG C-Class model can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 199 mph. The 2009 Edo Competition Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG also offers special wheel/tire combinations for greater levels of grip. The 2009 C63 has a new wheel design and is equipped with ultra-lightweight sport wheels.

DaimlerChrysler threw a spanner in the works by introducing a 4-door coupe in the form of Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Come to think of it, they had actually done this before - blurring the lines of distinction of a body form - when they tagged their C-Class hatchback a coupe! Well, so much for nomenclature. Imagine the enthusiasm when Naza-Brabus invited me to review their tuned and kitted version: the CLS B7. Looking sleek and menacing in black, the B7鈥檚 flared front wheel arches runs backwards into a distinctive band just below the beltline, culminating in a very shapely arc to the rear. Within the wheel arches lurks massive Brabus Monoblock VI dual-spoke design alloys: 8.5J x 19鈥? Chromed window surrounds - making a comeback in most new MB models - lends a highlight of classy elegance to the roof-window arch and beltline. Interiorly, the dashboard looks more British than Teutonic, with a big chunk of 鈥榳ood鈥?splashed across it. Instruments panel looks like they come right off the E-Class production line save for the bulging pods layout with distinctive chrome rings.

Similarly, parts like the Thermotronic A/C controls, power windows鈥?switches, column stalks, dash buttons, radio-CD, door handles and ashtrays are very familiar looking too. Conversely, the new-design four spoke steering wheel goes into the E-Class facelift. Window sills are higher than the 鈥榥ormal鈥?Mercedes saloons, but it鈥檚 nowhere claustrophobic inside, even with the lower ceiling. Seating position is low, snug and comfortable. My burly frame also fitted in the rear rather well, despite being less spacious than the E-Class. Ingress and egress to the rear - which sits only two - may be hindered by the sloping door aperture. Boot is also less capacious than the W211 Brabus K4 (500 vs. Popping up the shapely bonnet revealed a very neat engine cover, highlighted by a racing-red V-shape border with a central 鈥楤鈥?insignia and Brabus B7 inscriptions bilaterally. Firing up the ignition button on the gear knob, the normally aspirated quad-cam 24-valves motor comes alive with a purr.

Run this V6 along with the superbly smooth 7-G Tronic auto 鈥榖ox, the engine鈥檚 sporty note - almost guttural but somewhat muted - is simply lovely as it stretches past the 6000 rpm mark. The Brabus Sports exhaust sounded quite Porsche-like with its deep-bassy growls. But after a long drive, it鈥檚 decidedly better NOT to have this 鈥榮how-off鈥?quad exhaust ports in place of the OE bi-ovals, as these mufflers can boomingly tired out your eardrums! The engine is responsive and willing. It pushes meaningfully from 2000rpm onwards, not due any inherent lag from the powerplant but likely due to the inertia of this 1.75 tonne beast. Gun it past 2500rpm (and that鈥檚 no sweat) you get dollops of big V6 torque, resulting in a broad band of effortless acceleration. Power delivery is delightfully smooth with the ever affable RWD dynamics a plus point. I call this power-refinement-comfort combo. As such, speed just creeps up on you - before you know it, the speedometer is about the only thing that tells you鈥檙e doing high three digits speed. Despite its misleading size, the car handles well in quick lane-changes, not as nimble as say a C-Class but still quite agile.