What's that?

It's called the Mercedes C63 AMG 'Edition 507', the latter part denoting this car's particular power output. That's 507hp. And 50hp more than the 'regular' C63's 457, if you can ever call that car normal. It replaces the old 'Performance Pack' spec C63, and before that the DR520, sitting just underneath the Black Series in the power hierarchy.

507hp. How does it make that extra power?

Because it's a 6.2-litre V8, like the one in Merc's now outgoing halo supercar, the SLS, and as such, uses the forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft from that car, saving 3kgs. There's a reprogrammed ECU too, that boosts torque to 610Nm.

So it's faster, right?

Yep. Both the coupe and the sedan we tested here willsprint from 0-100km/h in 4.2secs (three tenths quicker than the regular car), while the estate does it in 4.3. It's also been unleashed a bit and will now top out at 280km/h. Prepare your Autobahn driving gloves.

I'm assuming it's got bigger brakes to cope with the added poweeerrr?

You're quite right. Mercedes has fitted 360mm ventilated composite discs with six-pistons calipers up front, and four-piston calipers on the back, lighter than the stoppers you get on the standard C63, along with 19in lightweight alloys that actually look really fantastic.

It looks a bit Black Series spec to me.

That's because it takes the bonnet - with its two functional vents - from the C63 Black Series, along with some AMG sports stripes, and gloss black spoiler lip, mirror housings and radiator surrounds.

And, what's it like?

This engine is, without a shadow of a doubt, a masterpiece; a howling, shrieking, floor-it-past-5000rpm-and-hold-on-tight metallic masterpiece. It's nat-asp, and clears its lungs with a special kind of venom you won't get to see for much longer.

With the SLS now bowing out of service, and the rest of the AMG range barring the A45 and CLA 45 getting the 5.5-litre twin turbo V8, this C63 is the last bastion of the 6.2-litre N/A V8. This is sad.

The extra power is difficult to notice when you're bumbling about, but open it up and the extra torque makes itself known. Loudly. On a damp-ish road you'll wheelspin in third. The brakes are good too, the steering satisfyingly meaty and wieldy, and the ride superbly judged (firm, but not bone jarringly so).

Usual C63 handling nuances apply here too; meter your inputs carefully and this C63 has acres of grip and is great at the whole point-and-squirt thing. Treat it with disrespect, and you'll be looking at the world through the side windows. Permanently. The limited slip diff is an option you should definitely tick.

Wow. I want one.

And so you should. It's the last hurrah for this C-Class, before an all-new one arrives next year, and likely the last hurrah for a C-Class with this 6.2-litre V8. Sure, the standard C63 is a great car, and this 507 costs more, but...you want the extra power. And this car is all about the engine. Do it.