The notion of a performance Mercedes above the AMG model is not a new one - the Black Series SLK was now 10 years ago - but, even so, the
AMG GT R
came as quite a surprise. The technology and engineering that has gone into the car is remarkable; from nine-way traction control to adjustable coilovers to super light forged wheels, it promises to be a spectacular car.
But what if you can't wait for a GT R? What if you want a V8 without turbochargers? And what if you just really like the Black Series name? There is the
C63 Black
The flagship W204 C63 appears to have been forgotten a little of late, what with the latest turbocharged V8, the new C63 arriving and the transition from SLS to GT for AMG's supercar. Those and the million other models AMG has released since 2011, when the Black Series first appeared.
It deserves recognition though, certainly. Its transformation may not have been quite to GT R levels, but it still featured significantly wider tracks, engine internals from the SLS and seriously pumped-up driving style. As is the way with uber AMG products, it looked mean as hell too.
The trouble was, as is often the way with cars like these, with the price. More than £100,000 for a C-Class looked a lot, especially with the then-outgoing 997 GT3 available for less. Entertaining though the Black most definitely is on circuit, the Porsche would make a more convincing track car.
That being said, not only has the Black been campaigned as one of the great road cars, it's also held on to its value tremendously well. This car is still £90,000 after 21,000 miles; it may not be as rock steady as an M3 GTS, but that's still an admirable resistance to the dark lords of depreciation.
And would you just look at it?! This Iridium Silver car without the Aerodynamic Package is quite restrained as Black Series cars go, but those arches lend it comfortably enough menace by itself. The noise should help the intimidation factor too.
It will now be interesting to see whether these cars can retain their value. A successor to this Black Series still looks a little way off, and it will not have that legendary V8 in it either. There seems little danger of it being forgotten about in the swathe of new AMG models, put it that way. If you can manage the fuel and tyre bills, the Black looks like a rather excellent way to cover road and occasional track car in one. Finally, if it is too much, the '507' cars with very nearly the same engine are available for half as much...
MERCEDES C63 AMG BLACK SERIES
Engine: 6,208cc, V8
Transmission: Seven-speed MCT automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 503@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 457@5,200rpm
MPG: 23.2
CO2: 286g/km
First registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 21,000
Price new: £100,000
Yours for: £89,995
See the original advert here