Mercedes C63 AMG DR 520

[mikeyb]

This is the limited edition Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG DR 520. That's a very long name for a very powerful family saloon. What makes the C63 AMG DR 520 limited?

Aside from the fact that there will be only 20 built, this car has 513bhp and 480lb ft of torque. That's up 59bhp and 36lb ft compared to the regular C63, thanks to new forged pistons, con-rods and crankshafts.
This brings the 0-62mph time down to 4.1 seconds for the saloon and 4.2 seconds for the estate; both are limited to 187mph. The cars are brought to a halt by an uprated AMG braking system, clutched by red calipers.
Externally the DR's paintwork can be had in either angelic matt white or satanic matt black, with both colours featuring titanium-finished grilles and wheels, as well as an AMG carbonfibre rear wing. Inside the car receives a full AMG leather and Alcantara makeover, complete with contrast red or white stitching.
How much for a glorified C-class?

Mercedes are charging a fiver under 10k for the upgrades, bringing the saloon to a not-insignificant 62,430, with the estate costing 63,680. However you should see this as an end-of-line finale for the C63; Mercedes is in the process of downsizing the 6.2 V8 to a blown 5.5, which will filter its way through the AMG range in the future.



[car]

 

[Kymerik]

moar Red X Hell from mikey...you're strugglin today mate

 

[mikeyb]

I do not see any red Xs and I am on a different pc from earlier.

 

[Outlawstar98]

They work for me, But DAMN I love Mercades...... so nice! I want the white one!

 

[mikeyb]

I would take the touring...there is something about a fast wagen that makes me all hot and bothered.

 

[Kymerik]

ahhh i see them now, and im glad i can, cuz where and how can i pick up one of those wagons from hell?

 

[mikeyb]

First Drive: Mercedes C63 AMG DR520

What is it?

Where do you go next when youre already in the realm of saloons with the thick end of 500bhp?

Exclusivity. Thats precisely the tactic being employed by Mercedes, whose DR520 an uprated version of the C63 AMG is being offered in a run of just 20 cars. And if you want one youll have to go to Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, because its Specialist Vehicles division came up with the idea and its the only dealer that will sell you one.

Youll need deep pockets, because at 62,430 the DR520 costs a full 9995 more than a regular C63 AMG. For that you get an uprated engine with forged pistons, new connecting rods and a revised crankshaft, producing 513bhp and 479lb ft an increase of 59bhp and 37lb ft.

Mercedes also throws in a matt paint finish (black or white), a carbonfibre boot spoiler, matt-finish front grille, bespoke alloy wheels, Alcantara sports seats and dash, and AMGs Performance steering wheel clad, naturally, in Nappa leather and yet more Alcantara.

What's it like?

On the road the DR520 feels as rapid as you might expect but not day-and-night quicker than a regular C63. The 6.2-litre V8 remains a peach, despite the mods, and its soundtrack is considerably more appealing than a BMW M3s. Mercs seven-speed automatic transmission just about avoids getting in the way of fun, too.

The DR520 has improved body control and a little more crispness on turn-in than the regular car. Its a modest gain, but one that appears to have been achieved without too many sacrifices in ride quality

The DR520 is stiff, but not unacceptably so for something with this cars high-performance credentials. The fabulously supportive seats play their part, too, holding you firmly in place on B-roads but keeping you comfortable enough on motorways.
Should I buy one?

This is a compelling, rapid saloon, then, with an astonishing engine and a capable chassis. But the trouble is, so is the regular C63 AMG. All of the DR520s will find customers, Ive no doubt of that. But the smart money will be divvied up thus: 53k on a regular C63 AMG and 10k on fuel.




Mercedes C63 AMG DR520

Price: 62,430; Top speed: 187mph; 0-62mph: 4.1sec; Economy: 21.1mpg; CO2: 319g/km; Kerb weight: 1730kg; Engine: V8, 6208cc, petrol; Power: 513bhp at 6800rpm; Torque: 479lb ft at 5000rpm; Gearbox: 7-spd auto

[autocar]

 

[Hughes412]

Never would I pay 72+k for a car that looked like this inside.

 

[mikeyb]

Never would I pay 72+k for a car that looked like this inside.

So guess you would not buy a Nissan GT-R either. I think the GT-R's interior is horrible for a sportscar.

 

[mikeyb]

Mercedes C63 DR520 Estate



















The Mercedes C63 AMG isnt exactly a common sight on our roads, but if youd like a little more exclusivity, how about this: the DR520. Its based on the C63, but fettled at Mercedes-Benzs Brooklands UK headquarters. Only 20 will be built in either saloon or estate spec, and were driving the estate.
What are the changes that create the new Mercedes DR520 from the C63 AMG?

Well, DR520 stands for Dyno-Rated 520ps. That means the Brooklands boffins have a rolling road print out tucked in a drawer proving that this C63 makes 520ps, or 513bhp. The base engine is the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, which produces 451bhp in standard C63s, and is also found in the E-, S-, CL- and SL63 in 518bhp tune. The DR520 gains the Performance Pack Plus kit thats a 4.5k option on any C63, plus a new crank and pistons to yield that 513bhp total.
Elsewhere there are whopping great six-pot front/four-pot rear brakes, while Mercedes has wisely stuck with the stock fixed-rate suspension (the optional sports kit is too firm in the UK) but specified the optional (1560) limited slip differential on our test car.
Minus the diff, the DR costs 63,680, or 9k more than a basic C63. Still, if we were going to spec our own C63, we wouldnt do it any differently.
How does it drive?

Its incredible. The extra shove isnt particularly noticeable low-down where the DR520 feels as flexible and burbly and torquey as ever but the extra eagerness to wind round the last portion of the rev counter certainly is.
The suspension is firm and well-controlled while still compliant, the steering beautifully weighted and consistent, the brakes endlessly strong, the seven-speed auto gearbox smooth and quick if not as quick as the oppositions dual-clutchers and theres a feeling of very high front-end grip with a strong rear bias.
Isnt it a bit of a handful?

It can but doesnt need to be thats the beauty of traction control and stability control. Leave all the systems on and its far from intimidating. Turn them off and its hilariously wayward: trickle through a junction in second, then feed in full throttle and the DR520 will ignite its rear tyres, leave a trail of smoke behind and swing from lock-to-lock in a straight line while feeling entirely trustworthy and consistent in its motions. Repeat the process in big brother E63 and it will only just start to lose grip.
Whats with the paint?

Its a matt wrap. The DR520 starts life with either a gloss white or black paint finish, and the wrap is added at Brooklands. Its very well applied and, if you dont like it, you can always remove it later.
Rather than being stealthy, though, we found it drew attention, and it makes the red brake calipers stand out in a very tarty manner.
Any interior treats?

Its business as usual with high build quality and user-friendly controls but with an added helping of leather and Alcantara on the dash and seats and some subtle DR520 logos. It looks and feels great.
Verdict

No question about it, this is the ultimate C63, a car that can morph from family runabout to the most sideways thing on the street without breaking sweat. Shame that the wrap is standard and the diff isnt it should be the other way around.
If you cant get your hands on one of the 20 DR520s, try to spec your C63 as close to this spec as possible.



tatistics

<table> <tbody><tr id="ctl00_placeHolderContainer_placeHolderMainContent_placeHolderColumn02_placeHolderColumn02Body_Statistics1_rowHowMuch"> <th>How much?</th> <td>63,680</td> </tr> <tr id="ctl00_placeHolderContainer_placeHolderMainContent_placeHolderColumn02_placeHolderColumn02Body_Statistics1_rowOnSale"> <th>On sale in the UK:</th> <td>Now</td> </tr> <tr id="ctl00_placeHolderContainer_placeHolderMainContent_placeHolderColumn02_placeHolderColumn02Body_Statistics1_rowEngine"> <th>Engine:</th> <td>6208cc 32v V8, 513bhp @ 6800rpm, 479lb ft @ 5200rpm</td> </tr> <tr id="ctl00_placeHolderContainer_placeHolderMainContent_placeHolderColumn02_placeHolderColumn02Body_Statistics1_rowTransmission"> <th>Transmission:</th> <td>Seven-speed auto, rear-wheel drive</td> </tr> <tr id="ctl00_placeHolderContainer_placeHolderMainContent_placeHolderColumn02_placeHolderColumn02Body_Statistics1_rowPerformance"> <th>Performance:</th> <td>4.2sec 0-62mph, 187mph, 21mpg (est), 320g/km CO2 (est)</td> </tr> <tr id="ctl00_placeHolderContainer_placeHolderMainContent_placeHolderColumn02_placeHolderColumn02Body_Statistics1_rowWeight"> <th>How heavy / made of?</th> <td>1795kg/steel</td> </tr> <tr id="ctl00_placeHolderContainer_placeHolderMainContent_placeHolderColumn02_placeHolderColumn02Body_Statistics1_rowSize"> <th>How big (length/width/height in mm)?</th> <td>4711/1795/1442</td></tr></tbody></table>
CAR's rating

5

Handling

5
Performance

5
Usability

5
Feelgood factor

5
Readers' rating

4


[car]

 

[mikeyb]

Test Drive: Mercedes C63 AMG DR520 Estate

Blast-off in fastest, most exclusive C-Class!

FROM the silky smooth E-Class Cabriolet to this sledgehammer C-Class! The DR520 is based on Mercedes already-potent C63 AMG, and is the fastest C-Class money can buy. Its been created by the firms flagship UK dealer,Mercedes-Benz Brooklands, and only 20 cars 15 saloons and five estates will be built.

Buyers will have the choice of matt white or black paint, with titanium-finish alloy wheels and extra badging. Inside is a set of sports seats and Alcantara trim, but the main changes are reserved for the engine.
Officially, DR520 stands for Dyno Rated at 520 metric horsepower. That equates to 513bhp, or 62bhp more than the standard car delivers.

This has been achieved by adding the AMG Performance Pack Plus, which brings forged pistons, new con rods and a revised crankshaft. Ask the AMG engineers at Brooklands in Surrey, and they reckon DR should stand for de-restricted, as top speed has been raised from 155mph to 187mph.
Regardless of its name, this car is incredibly quick. The engine is great, providing a broad spread of torque and effortless acceleration in any gear, at any speed. It sounds fantastic, emitting a guttural roar from its quad exhausts.

The seven-speed auto gearbox is super-smooth, the steering is very positive and the brakes excellent. But the handling cant match that of a BMW M3 partly because the C63 weighs 1,795kg, but mostly due to the suspension being too firm for UK roads.

Expansion gaps send thumps through the cabin, compromising the otherwise impressive refinement, while poorly surfaced B-roads jiggle passengers around. The major issue with this car, though, is price. The DR520 costs 9,995 more than a standard C63, and provides relatively small rewards. The extra power makes only a minor difference, while the new top speed isnt much use away from Germanys autobahns.
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[autoexpress]

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