C63 S

When Mercedes-AMG broke away from Mercedes-Benz to form its own brand in mid-2015, it initially only had two models in its stable – the halo GT S, and the C63 S offered in sedan and Estate guise.

Australia got only the most powerful AMG C63 S version, with the 375kW 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 powering both sedan and wagon versions, sending torque to the back wheels via a seven-speed Speedshift multi-clutch automatic transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

With 700Nm of torque, the C63 sedan can accelerate to 100km/h from zero in just 4.0-seconds – eclipsing its BMW M3 arch rival by a skinny 0.1-seconds – and will go on to a top speed of 250km/h, while the Estate matches the M3’s acceleration.

Despite the serious performance, Mercedes said its venomous C63 S could still return 8.6 litres per 100km when driven more conservatively in the Drive Select C mode. Other settings included Sport+ and Race.

The C63’s exterior was set apart from standard C-Class models with a power-bulge bonnet, exaggerated bumpers with bigger air openings at the front and diffuser at the back, side skirts and front mudguards that broaden 14mm on each side and house 19-inch alloys.

In June 2016 the range was expanded to include the C63 S Coupe, which largely mirrored its four-door siblings mechanically but with styling tweaks.

Just the bootlid, roof panel and door skins were carried over from the sedan, while the overall shape was biased more towards a sporty appearance than practicality for back seat passengers, with a much more pronounced roof sweep than the previous car.

Aero tweaks around the front of the car were also unique to the coupe.

Just a single high-spec S variant was imported, with a similar level of equipment to the sedan and wagon.

This included AMG seats, steering wheels, electronic locking rear diff, digital TV, heads-up display, dynamic engine mounts, performance exhaust, LED headlamps and a panoramic glass roof.