Mercedes C63 AMG Estate (2008 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The pumped-up, assertive lines of the C63 AMG arguably look even better when applied to the Mercedes C-Class estate car. There’s something deeply appealing about such an overtly practical choice packing so much performance. The shaped bonnet of the C63 does little to hide its potency. The flared wheel arches add to the strong stance, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels filling them nicely. Lots of scoops, vents and those four large tailpipes make sure that you’re left in little doubt of the C63’s performance potential – estate car or not.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

There’s too much in common inside with the C63 AMG estate’s lesser brethren for a car costing so much. Deeply-sculpted, figure-hugging sports bucket seats, AMG instrumentation with some big number read-outs and some brushed metal trim pieces do add some glamour to the inside. Not enough though. It’s all a bit ordinary, and some of the plastics aren’t up to the standards on offer from BMW and Audi.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

Performance cars don’t come much more practical, with rocket-ship pace combined with a large practical boot. It’s unlikely that furniture dealers will opt for a C63 AMG Estate, but with a maximum boot capacity of 1,500 litres with the seats folded flat the C63 AMG Estate’s rear load area is commendably big. Rear headroom is improved over the saloon, though tight legroom and limited room under the front seats does limit the car’s usefulness for carrying adult passengers in the back.

Our rating: 5

4. Ride and handling

That AMG went to the effort of moving the front axle forward to improve steering response demonstrates that the C63 should be a sharper, more involving car. The steering is nicely weighted, and delivers good feel through its rim. The suspension is firm, though not to the point of harshness. The C63’s ability to ride bumps improves with speed. Slow speed bumps cause the odd knock and jerk through the suspension. It’s possible to pick a stiffer set-up via AMG’s Performance Package option. We’d suggest you don’t bother, particularly if you value your back.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

The 6.2-litre V8 engine’s performance seems even sillier when it’s combined with the practicality of the estate body. It’s not quite as quick as the C63 saloon, but if you can feel the 0.1 seconds it adds to the 4.5-second 0-62mph time then you’re better than us. The V8 is a high-revving monster of an engine and it’s fast across its entire spread of revs. It’s mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox that can be controlled via wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. It’s smooth, but it’s not always on your side, sometimes second-guessing your inputs – or ignoring them.

Our rating: 5

6. Running costs

Even thirstier than its saloon relative, the C63 AMG Estate returns an average fuel economy figure of just 20.6mpg. Factor in a high tax band due to its CO2 emissions and the C63 isn’t a cheap ownership proposition. Servicing and insurance won’t be inexpensive either.

Our rating: 2

7. Reliability

Once a byword for bombproof reliability and excellent customer service, Mercedes has dropped the ball in recent years. The company has recognised that though, and is doing a lot to sort it out. Your C63 AMG estate should prove reliable, and a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty with 30-year roadside recovery should instill some faith in its reliability.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

Mercedes-Benz has always taken safety seriously and the massive arsenal of safety devices that come as standard in the C63 underlines that. Big brakes, lots of airbags and a five-star EuroNCAP score make this one safe estate car.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

It’s a shame AMG sees fit to charge extra for a limited-slip differential and the bigger, composite brakes as part of a Performance Pack rather than including them as standard. Otherwise the list is comprehensive, though bet on spending a few thousand additional pounds on sat-nav, parking sensors and a Bluetooth telephone system. It’s worth spending extra on the load restraint system, which will ensure secure luggage even when you’re enjoying the C63 AMG’s ample performance.

Our rating: 3

10. Why buy?

The C63 AMG Estate is even more of a giggle to drive than the saloon version by virtue of its obviously more practical roots. Anything with a 6.2-litre V8 engine is going to be fun, and it’s even better that there’s ample space to take the family along for the ride.

Our rating: 4