Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe Black Series

Mercedes has revealed its most powerful C-Class ever - the new C63 AMG Coupe Black Series. It will get its official public debut at next weekend's German Grand Prix before going on sale next January, priced at around 100,000.

Power and performance
Under the bonnet there's a 6.2-litre V8, which gives the new Black Series 510bhp and 457lb ft of torque. Fed through the rear wheels via a seven-speed sports automatic gearbox, it can launch the new AMG to 62mph in just 4.2 seconds. That makes this the fastest accelerating Mercedes bar the SLS supercar.

To handle all that performance, Mercedes has widened the track of the C-Class Coupe and fitted suspension more commonly found on race cars.

An AMG Track Package is available as an option to make the new Black Series even more sporty. It adds track-spec tyres, a rear-axle transmission cooling system and extra aerodynamic aids, including an adjustable rear spoiler.

Bold looks
The Black Series looks radically different to a standard C-Class Coupe, with wider wheelarches and a beefed-up bodykit. There are also big air scoops in the bonnet, quad exhaust pipes, new 19-inch alloy wheels and body-coloured brake calipers.

Inside you'll find racing bucket seats, red seatbelts, a carbon fibre-trimmed dashboard and various 'AMG' and 'Black Series' logos.

The sensible stuff
Unsurprisingly, the Black Series isn't all that eco-friendly it averages 23.2mpg and emits 286g/km of CO2. However, it is reasonably practical, because it's the first Black Series model to be offered with rear seats. Mercedes sees its Black Series cars as a track-day toys, but has listened to feedback from its customers, many of whom would like to be able to carry more than one passenger. However, if you opt for rear seats you will lose the fixed racing bucket seats in the front.