By 2007 Mercedes engineers had settled on a V8 engine for their W204 AMG model, with the C63's 6,208cc 32-valve V8 delivering 457hp at 6,800rpm and a maximum 443lb ft of torque at 5,000rpm. Performance was up on the C55, with a 4.5-second 0-62mph time and the Speedshift automatic transmission offered four modes - Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Manual.
6,208cc M156 V8 a complete triumph
For those seeking that bit extra - without affecting their warranty - Mercedes offered a Performance Package Plus from 2009, which lifted power to 480hp and included uprated brake discs with red painted brake calipers, a carbon fibre rear spoiler on the saloon and a Nappa/Alcantara AMG performance steering wheel.
Style-wise the extrovert C63 is far flashier than the C55 AMG and a hotter 520hp DR520 limited edition C63 AMG followed in 2010 - with just twenty cars offered for sale. Extras included uprated pistons, rods and crank, titanium alloys, larger front discs, red calipers, stiffer springs and dampers and a limited-slip diff, plus an Alcantara dash and steering wheel. The 0-62mph sprint took just 4.1 seconds whilst the top speed was limited to 187 mph.
The 2011 facelift coincided with the introduction of a revised AMG Speedshift transmission and improved fuel economy. The optional AMG Performance Package now delivered 487hp with suspension tweaks that enhanced the C63's handling, grip and ride.
Budget for these with a C63. Lots of them
A coupe version was also released with the facelift followed by the track-focused 510hp C63 AMG Coupe Black Series - with a sub 4.0-second 0-62mph time and a truly terrifying £120,000 price tag.
Finally Mercedes launched the Edition 507 model in 2013. With 507hp at 6,800rpm and maximum torque of 450lb ft at 5,200rpm the car features forged pistons and conrods plus a lightweight crankshaft. It was available in all three bodystyles.
AMG's composite braking system (with red brake calipers) is standard fit and the top speed is limited to 174mph, with 62mph arriving in just 4.2 seconds. A comprehensive spec includes 19-inch AMG alloys, bonnet power domes and Edition 507 badging.
Priced at £57,275 OTR (or £67,270 for the Edition 507 version) the C63 AMG has outsold the W203 C55 by a massive margin, with 2,932 saloons, 1,415 coupes and 533 estates sold in the UK - including 38 saloon, 136 coupe and 26 estate Edition 507 models.
Saloon, estate and coupe for the first time
So which C63s should you be looking to buy? Money no object it has to be a C63 Black Series - as Tom Jaconelli at performance and supercar specialists Romans International emphasises: "They could become a cult car in the future - with Mercedes downsizing engines that awesome-sounding C63 is going to become even more desirable. They won't make an engine like that again."
The best C63 AMG value buy? Early models are now around £22,000 which seems fantastic value. Any C63 though is an epic drive, but 'standard' C63s and the Edition 507 model still have some serious depreciating to do - so those concerned with residuals should steer clear for now. And although a C63 will turns heads wherever you go, with so many currently around it's far from an exclusive ride.
Buy if: You want the ultimate AMG C-Class. Edition 507 is one of the finest sports saloons ever
Don't buy if: You're hoping to get your money back (DR520 and Black Series aside)
We found:2010 C63 AMG estate, silver, full service history, 38K miles, £28,000
Price Guide
Poor: Under £21,995
Good: £22,000 to £35,000
A1: £35,000+
Special Editions: Edition 507 £55,000 to £75,000, DR520 £65,000+, C63 AMG Black Series Coupe £94,000 to £110,000.