SG Archives: Mercedes-Benz C63 (C204)

 SG Archives: Mercedes-Benz C63 (C204)

Singapore - 10/3/24 - The "204" generation of C-Class was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2007 to 2014, seen as being a bigger runaway success than its predecessors and one of better and more lasting popularity.

The 204 generation is a high point in the C-Class range, being quite a popular choice when it was new, and still a popular car some 10 years on used. The 204 series was a stylistic departure from the 203 series, replacing the W203's rounder design language with a more sleek and sharper design.

One can say that this design language both appealed not just to the older demographic, but the new too. Ask Singaporeans about the older cars, W203 and older, and they might just comment that it looks like an "Uncle's car". I've asked this before and received such a response.

Apart from the contemporary design that still holds strong a decade later, plus improved quality, the heart of the 204 lineup, the fabled C63, was Mercedes' holy grail for the model.

The 6.3L was, sure, one of many performance saloons of the time, but that's putting it in a basic manner. The C63 was powered by the M156 V8, the highest displacement out of all of the performance saloons of its day, a close second being the Dodge Charger SRT-8 with its 6.1L V8. Power depending on specification outputted from 457 to 500HP. Plenty quick for a saloon.

There are other more desirable variants of the 204 generation C63, from the Black Series C204, with its widened bodykit that is significantly more aggressive than the normal C204, or the Edition 507, both surprisingly in Singapore, the BS having less than 10 units left, and at least (or only) one Edition 507.

Featured here is neither of those editions; this is a C204 C63, the coupe variant.

Personally I do not remember seeing any standard C204's, more commonly do I remember seeing the Black Series variants, if they were real ones. But this, this is an understated little beast.

Per COE cycle, the population of W204 C63's will only dwindle. I'm not so sure whether or not the cult classic status these have acclaimed will be enough to be worth renewing or keeping for some people. For one, your annual cost in road tax alone is in the 5 digits. Paying 10k per year in road tax is really just burning money in the eyes of most.

I could blabber a bit more about the ownership woes taken at face-value even though we have its smaller relative, the C350, but, if you forget the sacrifices you'd have to make to own one of these, they must be great, then?

These being a popular choice for hooligan shenanigans, the power and traction that these make and can make, the rawness of it all that content creators talk about frequently, they must be a hoot to drive.

Overall, based purely on look, spec sheet and what people have to say about them, its no wonder these are as popular as they are. 

Furthermore, the 204 generation was the last of the C-Class to have a naturally aspirated V8. (Although not the only, the W203 C55 also had a V8) This is the distinct departure from this generation of C-Class and the ones after, which are all turbocharged. 

Its a similar choice with new and old cars, whereby you either choose to have a car that is more raw and visceral, or one that is softened. Those who prefer the 204 series prefer the non-turbocharged muscle car-like sound and delivery, whilst those who prefer the generations after don't mind a turbo with their big V8's.

Me? Probably the former, I'm not so used to turbos yet.

And last but not least, if you're talking about Singaporean C63's, you can't miss this video.

And past that, I'll be taking my leave now. See you on the next entry!

(Photos all taken 9/3/24)

~Efini