THE Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is a strong seller in Australia as it is, though a high proportion of buyers have historically treated their hi-po C-Class to an even bigger dollop of performance via the optional $14,990 Performance Pack.

But with the departure of the third generation C-Class looming, and a new-generation version on the way, Mercedes has set out to show there is life in the old dog yet by replacing the regular Performance Pack with a power-added and cheaper $14,507 Edition 507 option.

The engine modifications boost output from 336kW in standard guise (and 358kW on the outgoing Performance Pack) to an enticing 373kW (or 507 brake-horsepower as its namesake suggests) and also throws in a 10Nm torque top-up to 610Nm.

AMG enthusiasts can get in to an Edition 507 sedan for $169,407, a load-lugging wagon for $171,407 or the top of the line coupe that we drove for $172,407, so it requires a bit more piggy-bank space than less powerful but similarly performing Audi RS4. But does the extra cash put the Merc far enough ahead of its German rivals to justify the investment?

With BMW’s M4 and the new W205 C-Class just around the corner with a new AMG version likely to follow, can the aging but ever-popular C63 AMG cut the mustard with one final farewell performance?

We jumped behind the wheel of what might be one of the last naturally aspirated V8 Mercedes to see if the final atmo C63 AMG is the best yet.



Click here for the full review...