2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C63 AMG

Reviewers seem to agree on a few things about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: Its 6.2-liter, 451-hp hand-built V8 has enough power to push a driver firmly back into an exceptionally bolstered seat, and its steering and adjustable transmission will give that driver complete and enjoyable control over a car the maker claims can get from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds. Its 12-speaker, 320-watt Harman Kardon stereo sounds incredible. And its 12/19 mpg rating takes some of the luster off its under-$60,000 base price and seems poorly timed.

While the C-Class serves as Mercedes' entry-level luxury sedan line-up, the C63 AMG is the top of the heap in that class and far from entry level in pricing, gadgetry, and driving dynamics. Adding a little bling to the front and rear fascia, dashboard, exhaust tips, and wheels of Mercedes' smallest American sedan only hints at the additional capabilities of AMG's single-builder-signed engine under the hood, three-mode seven-speed automatic transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and speed-sensitive steering. The C63 AMG may look a lot like a C300, but it doesn't sound, feel, or perform like one.

Mercedes-Benz and its ad agency have developed an iPhone application that provides a taste of the C63 AMG's speed, sound, and looks via video and photos. The application is free and requires iPhone OS 2.1 software.

By Steve Halloran