Has the time finally come for Mercedes-Benz to challenge the almighty BMW M3 , asks Shane O'Donoghue
Before you waltz into the BMW showroom brandishing a deposit for that new M3, you should be aware that Mercedes-Benz has just announced a range-topping C-Class saloon that promises to take the executive fight to BMW.
The C 63 AMG goes on sale after its Frankfurt Motor Show debut in September and, if the price is right, it could seriously affect sales of BMW's new M-car.
In the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint, the C 63 betters the M3 by 0.3 seconds with a time of 4.5 seconds, which may not sound like very much, but the Mercedes is 150kg heavier and anyway, this performance metric relies on gearing and traction as much as anything else.
Despite the extra weight (remember, the Mercedes is a four-door, while the BMW is only initially available as a coupé), it is believed that the AMG-fettled C-Class will be significantly quicker in a straight line.
No crystal ball is needed to work that out, as AMG has shoehorned its incredible 6.2-litre V8 under the new power-domed bonnet.
In this installation, output is down from that of the CL 63 AMG, but still quite incredible at 451bhp. As if high rev power was not enough, the AMG lads have used the large capacity to good effect, releasing a wall of torque peaking at 5,000rpm with 600Nm.
Unlike the torque-light BMW motor, the C 63's driver has the luxury of at least 500Nm at his disposal between 2,000 and 6,250rpm, which will endow the new car with an untouchable mid-range.
Although buyers will be interested in a lot more than just speed, the numbers indicate where AMG would like to see their new baby compete.
All other aspects of the car have been upgraded to cope with the performance, with guarantees that the driving experience will be something special - despite the only gearbox option being an automatic.
If the new Mercedes drives as well as its beefed up exterior (and interior) looks, BMW should be worried.