[CardinalZeus77]

Had my test drive today in the A45 AMG and C63 AMG.

Here are my views after driving both:

A45 AMG

I was surprised how quick this car is and how well it handles. It looks quite unassuming like a normal A class but the power is great. I was expecting the usual turbo lag before the power kicks in but it was instant. The car keeps the higher revs before kicking down so if you are slowing down and then back on the pedal the power is there. The four wheel drive system keeps you firmly on the road. Inside it looks good but didn't feel that special to me. The engine sound is not that loud. The dealer did show me one with the performance exhaust option and this sounded great :-). Overall this car is worth the money for a very fast car that has four wheel drive and can give reasonable economy. The car definitely deserves the AMG badge. They have done a great job and I can imagine this being absolutely great on a track.

C63 AMG

This feels special the moment you see it. Getting in it feels special and the interior is very nice and comfortable. You turn the ignition and hear the V8 come to life. Wow what a sound! I drove this first in comfort mode and it feels just like a normal car but with some serious power. In sport mode things tighten up and the pedal is more responsive. Sport plus mode and everything is as tight as possible. A little pressure on the pedal unleashes the power. The acceleration is phenomenal and never ending. It just keeps giving more and more. The sound of that V8 is amazing ... lots of big smiles on my part :-)! I was also surprised at how planted the car was. I was expecting roll but no it grips the road sucks in the air and just gives more power. I have owned an E92 4.0 V8 M3 and this was quicker and an absolute beast! There is no loss of power as it keeps the revs high. I can now appreciate when people say the C63 is a beast. The crackle and noise of that engine is amazing but it's more than just the sound. The car is an all round great performer.

So glad I drove both. They are both great cars. It is a matter of personal choice.

[Dan-danGT]

Hi, I really like the amg range at Mercedes. I work for Mercedes but on trucks and vans, not ovally exciting but we do a Vito sport with 220bhp! But still not quite a car lol.

Any way back to my point, when I did my apprentiship Mercedes did a presentation and meal along with an amg experience. We went to Mercedes Benz world near London, our car was a CLS 63 AMG, 2010 model. 3 of us all had chance to driver it around a track and drift it! The handling for such a big car was suprising (bit like me e90 330d m sport) but the sound is something else! It just sounds like thunder. If I could afford to buy one I would, or if I ever got the offer to drive one again I most certainly would.

[Vaheed1]

I took a friends new E63 for a drive a couple of weeks back - and the power delivery was savagery.

[1sh@Crystalwhite]

Thanks for the great review! I've always wanted to get an M3 owners perspective on the C63!

I think your description of the C63 is exactly what I wanted to hear, especially that engine sound!

[007_e350]

With an mpg of 8, ill pass
ours cars rock, nearly same performance yet 20 + mpg

[Boz335i]

I do wish people would stop reviewing the C63, I'm seriously thinking of ordering one, and this ain't helping
I was going to go for an M3 but a C63 is so tempting.

Does the C63 handle as well as an M3? I'm thinking that it probably doesnt.

Does it have a carbon roof?

Cheers

[CardinalZeus77]

Originally Posted by Boz335i

I do wish people would stop reviewing the C63, I'm seriously thinking of ordering one, and this ain't helping
I was going to go for an M3 but a C63 is so tempting.

Does the C63 handle as well as an M3? I'm thinking that it probably doesnt.

Does it have a carbon roof?

Cheers

Hi,

If you are looking at track driving then I think the M3 has better handling. On roads there is not a lot of difference. Power delivery the C63 wins hands down. No carbon fiber roof on the C63. Drive both and then decide. I had the same dilemma last time and I choose the M3. This time I would go for the C63.

[Dan-danGT]

Who said the amg does 8 mpg? It will be 20's same as the m3! If I had to choice I would be picking amg all day long! M3's are quite common where as the amg is a much rare car, admittedly they are noticeable when driving down the road just the same as an m3

[CardinalZeus77]

Originally Posted by 007_e350

With an mpg of 8, ill pass
ours cars rock, nearly same performance yet 20 + mpg

Depends on how you drive it. They both average around 20.

[CardinalZeus77]

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

I took a friends new E63 for a drive a couple of weeks back - and the power delivery was savagery.

Absolutely savage!

I am looking at lease deals on the C63 AMG 507 Edition. The dealer is supposed to get one in 7 weeks.

[davyk31]

Will be interested to hear the deals on the C63, those noises are tempting!!

[chris330D]

Originally Posted by Hitman999

Depends on how you drive it. They both average around 20.

I averaged 15 from mine and that was not hanging about. 8 would be hooligan levels or on the track.

[Dan-danGT]

They will be about the same in normal driving I doubt there is any difference at all to be honest

[ian_m]

with these cars at the level of performance, i think its is really down to what you prefer to be seen in, day to day you are not going to get many more overtakes in in either car or get to b from a any quicker, and it all boils down to the lump of meat behind the steering wheel and their ability to make progress

[Vaheed1]

The 'problem' with the AMG Mercs is the noise. It's impossible to drive one without wanting to hearing that mental noise from the exhausts. That has a detrimental effect on the economy. If you're worried about MPG - get a E220 CDI.

[sheps]

Originally Posted by Dan-danGT

Who said the amg does 8 mpg? It will be 20's same as the m3! If I had to choice I would be picking amg all day long! M3's are quite common where as the amg is a much rare car, admittedly they are noticeable when driving down the road just the same as an m3

I've done 50k now in my C63 and the average is no where near 20, let alone solidly in the 20's - and that includes a significant low-speed daily commute.

Like the OP I also drove an A45 this weekend, as the C63 contract hire ceases the week before Christmas and I need to start considering a replacement. I found it a cracking little car - very quick for a 2 litre 4 banger - the noise it makes is great (I love the 'parp' on the upshift) - obviously very different from the C, with which it will never been able t compete - there's no replacement for displacement.

I'm too tired to type a full review (and frankly the OP has done a decent job) but suffice to say, I think I could drive the A45 harder and faster for more of the time than I could in the C63 - I'm of the opinion that I could cover ground far quicker in the A45 than the C63.

Interior feels cheap though - thats the biggest point I'll have to come to terms with.

[CardinalZeus77]

I've done 50k now in my C63 and the average is no where near 20, let alone solidly in the 20's - and that includes a significant low-speed daily commute.

Like the OP I also drove an A45 this weekend, as the C63 contract hire ceases the week before Christmas and I need to start considering a replacement. I found it a cracking little car - very quick for a 2 litre 4 banger - the noise it makes is great (I love the 'parp' on the upshift) - obviously very different from the C, with which it will never been able t compete - there's no replacement for displacement.

I'm too tired to type a full review (and frankly the OP has done a decent job) but suffice to say, I think I could drive the A45 harder and faster for more of the time than I could in the C63 - I'm of the opinion that I could cover ground far quicker in the A45 than the C63.

Interior feels cheap though - thats the biggest point I'll have to come to terms with.

Agreed the A45 is a lot of bang for the money!

[Kerr]

Has anyone sat down to discuss a deal on one yet?

I had a little play online to see the cost. They start at £37k and the options list is huge.

I'd bet if you ticked every box you'd end up near £60k.

I've got a feeling those who have to have well specced cars will hit £45k without even blinking.

[CardinalZeus77]

Originally Posted by Kerr

Has anyone sat down to discuss a deal on one yet?

I had a little play online to see the cost. They start at 37k and the options list is huge.

I'd bet if you ticked every box you'd end up near 60k.

I've got a feeling those who have to have well specced cars will hit 45k without even blinking.

Yes there is a healthy options list. I did ask the dealer when I went but there were no offers on the A45 AMG. I guess it's too new. I can't remember the exact deposit but the monthly payments were £499 per month on a standard car.

You could try Niche leasing or Freedom contracts for quotes.

[Real Thing]

Originally Posted by Kerr

Has anyone sat down to discuss a deal on one yet?

I had a little play online to see the cost. They start at £37k and the options list is huge.

I'd bet if you ticked every box you'd end up near £60k.

I've got a feeling those who have to have well specced cars will hit £45k without even blinking.

I Collect mine September 3rd Don't feel the need to load it up as I think they come well speced coming out at just over £39K to include 19" Black Alloys, Performance Exhaust, Performance Steering Wheel, Red Brake Calipers and Becker Map Pilot Think for such a good performance Car the RFL is amazing £175 including Showroom Tax (My GT-R was £1040)

[Boz335i]

Originally Posted by sheps

I've done 50k now in my C63 and the average is no where near 20, let alone solidly in the 20's - and that includes a significant low-speed daily commute.

What mpg have you averaged over the time you've had it?

Also, would you consider another one when the lease is up.

thanks.

[briers]

Originally Posted by Boz335i

What mpg have you averaged over the time you've had it?

Also, would you consider another one when the lease is up.

thanks.

It's a very special car, the numbers go away when you start it up every morning... unless of course you've sold yourself into debt to run one.