Really Fast Load Shifter: Mercedes-Benz Launches New C63 AMG Wagon

It was only a couple of days ago that we reported on the introduction of the

brand new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon. With the compact wagon segment quickly growing, the C-Class is the perfect fit as Mercedes-Benz says that it's got the best cargo carrying capacity in the segment. True to their words, it's capable of accepting 52.9 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear seats are folded. Not bad at all.

The C-Class Wagon also comes with quite a large selection of powertrains, including a robust 3.5-liter V6 that makes 272 horsepower. With the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission and available 4Matic all-wheel drive (standard on certain models, no less), it sounds like a great all-year, all-round vehicle. But for a certain few a mere 272 horsepower just isn't enough, which is why Mercedes-Benz took the initiative to drop in the 6.2-liter V8 that it recently fitted to the C-Class Sedan.

Yes, the little C-Class Wagon will now be available with the same V8 engine that all

the other "63" series AMG cars have, including its bigger brother the E63 AMG Wagon. Due to issues of engine bay size, output has been slightly downgraded to 457 horsepower from 507 horsepower. Still, that'll make it a very quick cargo hauler, with Mercedes-Benz estimating a sprint to 60 mph from standstill in 4.6 seconds, and the ability to power on with great strength to its electronically limited 155 mph.

The gearbox that this monster of an engine is mated to is a beefed up version of the 7G-Tronic with three different gearshift modes, including normal, sport and manual which blips the throttle upon each downshift.

Underneath, the C63 wagon gets the same chassis modifications as the sedan, including wider front and rear tracks, the front axle derived from the CLK 63 Black Series, and a set of high-performance brakes. Like the sedan, 18-inch wheels are standard equipment, though either car can be upgraded to 19-inchers at extra cost.

The C63 AMG Wagon will set European buyers back 58,700 euros, which is equal to about $79,850. Besides the engineering detail that these cars possess, the bigger engine and revised underpinnings, you also get a bit of extra equipment. For instance the EASY-PACK power liftgate is standard, and the cargo securing system, which is normally an option, is now standard. That's a pretty good thing considering that the amount of g-forces this thing is capable of pulling might put your cargo at risk.

Hopefully the C63 AMG Wagon won't be restricted for sale to Europe. In the past, we've only seen Benz ship over the E55 AMG wagon. Besides, with this on our shores, it might propagate the high-performance wagon market, and stir Audi and BMW to bring in their rivals as well.