The “Baby Benz” of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is all grown up and flexing its muscle. With features such as its intimidating shark vents and a bulging hood, not to mention that huge Mercedes star on the grille, it is certain to be a head turner in and around Chicago. Mercedes M-Class diesel fans however may have the last laugh.
Before we start raving about the 2010 C63 AMG, a note about fuel economy; it basically does not exist on this car. This model has one of the lowest fuel economy ratings for a compact car, giving drivers only 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. I guess that is the price you have to pay for being able to go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds down streets in Chicago. Mercedes M-Class diesel drivers know that in stark contrast, the diesel models can get up to 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
However, the M-Class can not bring you the street cred that the ridiculously powerful C63 AMG can. Under the hood of this compact sedan, you will be blown away by this high-performance sports car. The 6.2-liter V8 allows this car to fly, while the 7-speed automatic transmission allows you to choose from comfort, sport or manual modes, all the while growling along, intimidating other drivers on the road if not by its sound, by its aggressive exterior.
But get ready to pay extra for all of this attention you will be sure to get on the streets of Chicago. C-Class wagon drivers are well aware of this, but C63 AMG drivers may not expect it. Lots of options you would expect to come standard on this model do not. For instance, the iPod interface which you would imagine in this day and age would come standard does not. Neither does the Harman Kardon audio system which is a must add-on since the standard audio system is a bit sub-par, especially since you need to compete with the rumble of the C63 AMG’s V8.
In and around Chicago, C-Class wagon drivers looking to downsize to a more compact car with some mad speed are pumped for the C63 AMG, however its important to note that because of the poor fuel efficiency, in addition to the non-stop loud growling, this car is not really practical for daily driving, and instead should be reserved as a toy to take out for fun joy rides on the weekends. If you can afford to add this to your collection as a second or third vehicle, you will certainly not regret it.
