You boys are going to love this one. In the most powerful expression yet of C-Class technology, Mercedes have come up with something that simply thrills as soon as you turn the key. Borrowing heavily from their race car siblings competing in Germany's DTM touring car series, the new flagship C-Class epitomizes the AMG brand. With its extravagant sills and AMG bodywork what is, underneath, a C-Class, resembles something utterly different - something compelling. Any similarity to a standard C-Class ends as soon as you enter the snug suede and leather racing seats. Yes, you can use this beast as a practical four-door saloon, do the shopping, drive some friends or family about, but there's something else this car was made for. And that's fun. Pure unadulterated fun. The C63 AMG is best when you're sitting at the wheel, no one else in the car, and driving for pleasure. The tough suspension, that 6.3-liter V8 and microsecond response make for an almost unrivaled drive. This car wants to be driven and it wants to reward the talented driver with as many thrills as it possibly can - and that's quite a few thrills indeed. CHECKING OUT THE COMPETITION But has Mercedes finally put to bed a ghost that has haunted it for decades? You see, the C63 AMG puts this medium sized saloon right in the sights of BMW's M3. Has Mercedes finally created a genuine rival to its fellow German powerhouse? The short and unequivocal answer is a resounding yes. There will always be those who believe the BMW M3 offers what it claims to be the ultimate driving experience and has no equal. Well, BMW should take note. There's a rival here in this brilliant Merc. Just look at the stats. That massive engine, which constantly growls, urging you to test it and use all that power, operates like a true pro at high revs; and the higher you go before shifting up via the immaculately developed flappy paddle system, the more thrilling it becomes. It produces an awesome 457hp and a 0-60mph performance to get your heart racing at just under 4.5 seconds. Yes, that's supercar speed and this car, expected to be available around $63,000, is significantly less expensive. ON THE ROAD Twisting around the sloping and smooth countryside roads the Merc was on top form. Pinpoint accuracy, power and brakes exactly when I wanted them. If it wasn't for speed limIts, the C63 AMG would surely nudge some phenomenal speeds and really show off its touring car pedigree. As for that flappy paddle shift, Mercedes have produced something even many of the top supercar marques have failed to do. The AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic (to give the paddles their correct name) ideally complements the V8's power. Of course, you can just turn off the sport mode, slip the box into a traditional automatic mode and gently cruise if you wish, but where's the fun in that? The 7G-Tronic incorporates a double-declutching function and this merely intensifies the driving enjoyment; as it seamlessly blips the throttle when you shift down through the gears, it allows the car to maintain its performance throughout as well as enhancing stability, particularly through the sumptuous undulating corners around my neck of the woods. Whether or not the seven gears are really required is debatable, but they do help power you through incredibly well. ADDED EXTRAS For an extra relatively modest injection of cash, those who really enjoy excitement can opt for the AMG performance package, which provides an even more finely honed experience. It's worth it, let me tell you. It includes a rear limited-slip differential lock using multiple disc technology to increase traction and enhance all the fun. As for that limited 155mph, you can ignore that if you go for the AMG driver's package. However, let's face it; unless you're going to take it for regular track days then you might reconsider forking out for the ability to reach speeds that are frankly foolish and unrealistic on public roads. The C63 AMG may be the closest thing you'll ever get to your very own touring car, but there's even more to it than that. It provides all the top-of-the-range home comforts we've come to expect from our Mercs. An excellent and simple-to-use computer system, mobile phone connectivity, comfort (if you really want it) and all the other gadgets and gizmos the modern driver is becoming increasingly used to and has come to expect along with this sort of price tag. But forget the phone, the heated seats, the electronic bits and bobs. And there's certainly no need to turn the stereo on when you can just listen to the sweet music produced from under the bonnet. This car is for driving, for experiencing what the best German automotive technology has to offer.