crown prince

Mercedes-Benz's smallest U.S. sedan, the C-class, continues to impress us, this time with the sport-tuned 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG version. We previously reviewed the C300, and found that its updated electronics put to shame the tech in more expensive models from Mercedes-Benz. With the AMG version we have a car that competes with the BMW not only in cabin tech but also in sheer performance and the exhilarating drive it offers.

The cabin electronics in the C63 are the same as in the C300, with the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's navigation and phone system. The sound produced by the audio system blew us away, as did the sound from the engine. The C63 gets the same 6.2-liter AMG engine it uses in the much bigger S63, resulting in better power-to-weight. The car's shorter length and sport-tuned suspension result in nimble handling.

Test the tech: Sound off
The C63 AMG's engine produced a vicious bark when fired up, the kind of sound that sends small dogs running, makes any ninjas in the vicinity go into a fighting crouch, and puts even the most macho gearheads into a swoon. At the same time, our ears were delighted by the silky purr of an Italian in our garage. We decided to enlist Wayne Cunningham, Antuan Goodwin, and Mike Markovich as judges to determine which had the best engine sound, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Our judges gathered around each car and listened to the engine note as we turned on the ignition, then revved it up. Because the Mercedes-Benz limited the revs to 4,000 in Neutral and Park, we set that as the upper limit for both cars.

A powerful V-8 engine and a smart seven-speed automatic transmission make up the 2009 Mercedes-BenzGas mileage isn't going to be good with a 6.2-liter engine. The navigation system doesn't offer traf