Test drive: Mercedes C63 AMG coupé

Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell takes a new version of a classic car for a spin

Within a short space of time the number 63, the letters AMG and the word Mercedes have established themselves as a classic combination. Since the launch of the first C63 AMG saloon in 2007 it has won devotees the world over – and now the coupé version has arrived.

With its flared arches, power bulges and Formula 1-style rear diffuser, the coupé takes its place in the bewildering line-up of Mercedes models – and looks every bit the part. The inclusion of a Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic gearbox means you can flap your paddles and impersonate Michael Schumacher whenever you want. There are 8,250 glorious revs to play with and a punch in your back that's provided by 457 horsepower and 442lb ft of torque.

The gearbox offers four different modes – comfort, sport, sport+ and manual – with the first three automatically doing all the changing for you at an ever increasing rate and the last leaving it all to you. Naturally, I'm straight on to the "M" mark and then off with the traction control, swiftly bypassing the sport mode as I have the twists and turns of the Cadwell Park racing circuit in leafy Lincolnshire to play on.

To say the handling is exciting is an understatement. The electronically controlled stability systems do a brilliant job to keep you safe on the roads, but with them switched off I was busy keeping the C63 pointing in the right direction. This is a driver's car that just loves to be driven.

With revised suspension, the front of the car instantly obeys my steering wheel's command and heads for the apex of the corners – the tricky bit is to get the rear end to follow. Trying to connect all that power and torque to the tarmac means the inputs of my right foot need a delicate touch. Too little and you don't go fast enough – too much and you'll need a flash of opposite lock as the rear wheels break traction and turn the air blue with smoke. But being both responsive and easily controlled, this Mercedes offers powersliding heaven.

If the 457 horsepower isn't enough then you can up your bragging rights by opting for the 487 horsepower Performance Package upgrade, or wait until next year when the Black Series model is launched with nearly 520. Whichever you pick you'll look good, feel good and sound good.

German manufacturers dominate the über-saloon market – this car is up against BMW's M3 and Audi's RS5 – and which you choose will depend more on where your brand loyalty lies as their performances are so close. My drive was for a Fifth Gear shoot-out against the clock with the RS5. Which was fastest? Watch the show later this month.

Fifth Gear returns to Channel 5 this month.