The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG->ke1593 can be easily summed up in just two words. The first is massively powerful, with a 457-horsepower V8. The second word is flashy. The C63 has looks that can turn heads and a noise that can shatter windows. Welcome to one of the most insane German sedans on the road.

When you first see the C63, you want it. That massive power and those stunning looks are shocking at first, but that initial impression does wear off.

So, does the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG deserve those looks or is it another look fast and go-slow family car. There’s only one way to find out, take the car to the track.

We usually start with looks first, but in this German monster, it’s the engine that matters most. The 90-degree DOHC V8 engine displaces 6.2-liter and has an 11.3:1 compression ratio. This monster puts out 457 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 442 pound-feet of torque. Not bad for a start.

Hit the jump for the rest of the review.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

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  • Model: 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
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That world-starting engine is connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission with three shift modes and two paddles on the wheel. While we prefer an old fashion manual, the auto in the C63 is pretty good.

When the pedal is pushed to the floor the C63->ke1593 lays down rubber in the first three gears and then takes off to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds and then on to 100 miles per hour in no time. The power in this car is simply overwhelming and there is far more of it then we find in the Audi S4->ke1087 and the BMW M3->ke290.

The traction control has three settings, normal, sport, and off. If you want tire spinning aggressive starts then the off setting would be ideal, but it’s best to leave it in sport on a track with corners.

In the looks department, the C63 is very gaudy. Where as the Audi S4->ke1088 is discrete and quiet, the Mercedes->ke187 AMG is loud and a bit revolting. There is a shiny front grille that allows air to easily penetrate the radiator. The exhaust travels out the quad exhaust outlets that let out the perfect noise for competing with thunder.

The headlights look like they have chrome eye shadow and those massive front fender flairs look like extra large hips. The car has a 1.4-inch-wider front track and it runs on 18-inch Pirelli P Zero tires with big alloy wheels. If you want subtlety, buy something else.

On the track, the C63 AMG gets a stiffer front suspension setup that helps front-end grip and performance. While it works, this car is down right scary. After an aggressive lap of the Road America track, you’re happy just to be alive.

If you’re a really good driver you should be able to handle the massive power of the AMG C-Class. A lift of the throttle allows us to point the nose of the car at the apex of the corner, but be careful. Go near the throttle and you will either put on a smoking drift show the likes most people have never seen before or spin out and go in the grass.

The brakes are impressive for a car that weights 3,993 pounds. We managed to get the big Merc down from 60 mph in 114 feet. That number is thanks to the car's six-piston fixed calipers and two-piece compound front rotors.

On the Wisconsin back roads, the C63 is simply too hard. Any leaf or bug in the road is felt by the driver and passenger sitting in the heavily bolstered front-seats, unlike the Audi->ke14, which is soft on the road, but perfect for the track.

It would be easy to say that this car is too hard for the road and you shouldn’t buy one, but that is just impossible. That power is something that we need to have in our lives and you should want it too.

So, how much does that motor and those insane looks cost. Well, around $53,800, but that is only the tip of the iceberg.

The multimedia package that includes navigation and a bunch of other toys is around $2,950. Seat heaters and leather seats that use AMG napa leather cost $2,950.

If you go for the AMG Performance Package you will end up shelling out another $3,900. Then, let’s not forget that this thirsty V8 will only get you around 12 miles per gallon city and 19 on the highway.

As much as we love the C63 and its super motor, the Audi is a better buy, as is the BMW->ke178. Both of those cars are far more subtle and offer more comfort on the road. That being said, the 6.2-liter V8 is hard to turn away from.