Black Series shootout! CLK63 versus C63 Mercedes-AMG Black Series
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2024
- Mercedes-AMG has produced two Black Series models that are based on the C-Class - the CLK63 Black Series and the C63 Black Series. Both have monstrous V8 engines and outrageous looks, but only one is truly special to drive. Dan Prosser drives both cars on the best roads in South Wales and reveals how they compare.
The CLK63 Black Series arrived in 2007, only the second Mercedes to wear the Black Series badge. With 500bhp, widened tracks front and rear, manually adjustable suspension, an LSD, bigger brakes and tyres and various weight saving measures, it was one of the most extreme C-Classes ever produced. Its successor, the C63 Black Series, landed in 2011 with 510bhp and all the same upgrades as its predecessor. So which is best?
Read Dan's written comparison test here - www.the-intercooler.com/libra...
#mercedesamg #mercedes #mercedesblackseries
0:00 Introduction
1:13 CLK63 Black Series
6:40 C63 Black Series
11:38 Conclusion
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The CLK is the perfect candidate for one of the ZF 8 speed conversions
Yessss!
the 7G MCT conversion might also do the trick
And not a manual transmission?
The head lights of that CLK looks very similar to the previous gen C class
MANUAL SWAP
Mercedes does some of the all-time best fender flares.
Insanely overlooked and underappreciated aspect of both the Black Series , and the DTM as well
Yes! Something about the flares on a CLK63 AMG Black Series. It just stands out. Spoilers, slats, scoops, dive planes can't compare.
Great video!
This is what an AMG should be, has to be: a V8 engined beast. No nonsense hybrid with a four cylinder. The horror
Driven both. Chose to own the CLK. Had it 3 years and done full resto on it. So proud to be a custodian of one of these. I just dont think the C63 will ever hold the same kind of cudos long term. Est.. clk +£200k car in 5 more years. Ive had offers of £135k last year before full resto and will never sell. Great video @theintercooler
Mug…clk is crap
Congratulations 🎉beautiful car, wanted a 6.2l convertible with 4 seats but the CLK didn't have quad exhausts at the back but your black series does !
Good man
@@Columbo777 and u dont even own a car
I’m on the other end of that, I chose the c63bs. It was just more refined and looked better to me.
.
Plus they are way more limited here in the USA compared to the clk63bs.
Nothing can stop the CLK from being my #1 Black Series.
YES YES YES YES,BEST AMG EVER🔥🔥🔥
SL65 black can.
@@KirkLazurus not for me
@@KirkLazurus nah
@@KirkLazurusohhh yes
I drove a colleague's 2012 C63 and I have to agree on the engine - it's phenomenal! The low down torque just builds and builds all the way to the 7500 RPM redline. It's a wonderful engine.
Interestingly I drove a US spec C63 BS yesterday, post my AMG GTR and in the midst of currently owning a 3RS. I loved it, it was a great mix of power and comfort. Heavy, sure but well balanced and confidence inspiring. Having previously driven a CLK63 BS late last year and walking away disappointed. I was truly surprised how much better the C63 felt. Both great cars but that extra generation of newness for me creates the happy place. Visually NOTHING is sexier than the CLK for me
I had a C63 Black Series “Lite” aka the runout 507 Edition. It was a bloody brilliant car and I deeply regret moving it on. The MCT gearbox is not a world beater but in sports + mode it was highly addictive with both up and down shifts. The engine is a masterpiece, one of the best (coming also from an F Type R). The M156 is so special I loved everything about it. The noise, the torque, the power delivery and its willingness to rev. I was also blessed to have a car with the LSD so it was a hoot to drive too.
I’ll agree with others, the CLK looks nicer but would jump at the change to get back into the C63
The looks of the CLK alone are what sells me on it. In this day and age gearbox and suspension can be improved, a modern ZF8-speed would do wonders to wake this thing up. But it's such a good looking car.
If I have to make list for my favourite Blacks:
1. SLS Black. The best, most menacing, angriest version of the best car Mercedes has ever made full stop. No contest. And it comes in pearlescent metal flake yellow.
2. SL65 Black. The weirdest and the most horrific of them all to drive. But also the most bonkers and probably the best-looking. And the only one with V12.
3. CLK63 Black. Clarkson got one, it's his favourite car of 2008, and the first car that introduces me to the whole concept of Mercedes-AMG being a one-eyed lunatic.
4. C63 Black. It's not big but it looks like an absolute madmen, way too big of an engine for a car that small, comes from the best-looking generation of C-Class.
5. GT Black. It got the looks, it is the most refined and the sharpest to drive, but where's the vocal cord?
6. SLK55 Black. Never really liked SLK, and turning it into a Black Series doesn't really help.
I'd take an AMG GT R black series thank you 😂 most beautiful AMG I've ever seen ❤❤
Nice video, love the production quality, and love the sound of the C63 :)
Both are great, but there is something the C63, about all of the elements they added looks wise, that just makes it so crazy, and angry. That front bumper just gives it such a mean look, and of course the wide fenders. To me, that is THE spec of the black series.Matte black, black wheels and red calipers.
it looks like it's been worked on by a cheap accessories shop with those black wheels, wing and canards
@@powerslidingit’s a track car, fully adjustable suspension and corner balance with dot track tires
.
Those canards and wing are just as functional as those found on a GT3rs
In isolation the C63 is a very cool car, but I'd take the CLK any second of any minute of any hour...aso. Such an awesome car. The looks and the engine alone does it for me.
That intro is pretty cool😎
Video was great 💪
Thank you!
I love how Dan pushed back on the matte paint 🤣 I can't take it either. Fantastic video and cars.
These are my two dream cars. Great video
Either one thank you..would defo make my weekends fun , ever time..
Epic as ever guys..😮
If only Mercedes had made a manual gearbox for these cars, the world would have been a better place…
Owned my W204 C63 since new in 2013, Black series will always be one of my dream cars.
I'd take the CLK for the looks alone. It looks absolutely sublime! And as long as you don't treat it as a 911 GT3 alternative, I don't think the flaws are really that bad. And as Jeremy Clarkson once said about the SLS "there are many reasons why you would not buy one of these. But there is one reason why you would: because it is fantastic!"
Having owned both, I kept the CLK Black ❤️
Gosh Clarkson's old car seems to be doing the rounds on youtube these days!
50kg in the context of over 1,700kg is not meaningful. You won't be able to feel that.
thats true in percentage, it's very small
The missing B pillar alone makes the CLK63BS better for me.
I totally agree, however that might be one of the reasons why it's less agile
@@BeBarnee yes, for sure.
c63 black series all day. it’s exactly what a black series should be. the clk bs is a bit too tame but the clk DTM is a true masterpiece
I wonder if that particular CLK isn't fully fit somehow, if it's so far removed from what everyone seems to say about it normally.
Just wished these had a manual gearbox.
I believe the suspension was adjustable for ride height and compression and rebound for the dampers from the factory so it is possible this was set different to the standard Mercedes ones.
Edit hadn’t got to the bit when mentioned the adjustable suspension when I wrote this which definitely makes me suspect this has just been softened to improve the what was described in practically every other review even recent ones as firm/hard but controlled. The gearbox was considered cr*p back in the day too
Clk63 amg black series~~❤❤❤ I love it.
Fun cars, but I just couldn't cope with the middle-ranking narcotics sales operative vibe.
The older car still has the looks completely nailed… ❤
I yearned for a CLK63 when they were new (I was running a 997 Turbo) until the C63 arrived. I am fortunate to have had a C63, C63 507 and C63 Black Series, all as company cars. I drove them all like they were stolen, on one occasion refuelling 4 times in one day in the BS. Aesthetically I like the C63 more than the CLK, however I did go to look at a C63 BS recently and I was so disappointed with the ride and general noise inside, and this was a 27,000m car. I decided not to part with the £145k as I didn’t see the value, and purchased a 720. Seriously the prices of some of these vehicles is comical. Before thinking about buying one of these cars reviewed, consider what else you could find for a similar price.
I am very happy with my 710bhp 0-60 2.8s 212mph convertible addition.
You're missing the point if you just compare performance numbers. Peoples fantasies and the collector car market don't work on that basis, or we'd all be driving Model S Plaid instead of our cool stuff.
@@brucerobertson5919 Hi Bruce, thank you for your reply. I was not making my comment based on performance numbers alone. Any purchase decision is subjective, mine was based on my personal view on the value of the vehicle relative to what else would be available for roughly the same cost. I had 3 x C63 when new, and loved them. However today I didn’t see the cost/value factor. We are fortunate to have a small collection of motor cars from 1920, almost all the vintage are owned by my family from new. Despite some having frankly obscene values, they will never be sold, certainly not in my lifetime. It is not a question of cost or performance. The 720 was 20k more than the C63 BS. Which would you take?
And what is a Model S Plaid?
Where are they driving in this video?
You had a lot of faith in those sheep remaining calm
Seems strange to talk about one of these falling short when the current top C class is 4 cylinder with the weight of a small planet.
Veee8 goodness ❤ I’d have em both,but CLK GETS THE EDGE.
Its a shame to see 4cyls in a c63AMG today..
The CLK63 for me every day over the C63, the time it was build, the car the engine, it's just right! It's just better looking too!
All is relative. A car must be rated for what it was at its time against its rivals.
The suspension is adjustable from the factory on the clk63 black series with coilovers. It sounds like you were driving it in a soft setting.
The engines aren't identical either. I agree that the biggest weak point on the clk is the trans.
@theintercooler when you shift with the little gear stick it will shift quicker (triptronic)
I love Mercedes. Love that CLK 63! But I've never been a fan of Mercedes' steering feel or handling.
Peak mercedes era
Sorry to dissapoint both of you, I still prefer the W208 Chassis and definitely Looks! After all, one doesn't go thrashing around all the, but one has to live with it - like turning around and just looking at it, and in that the W208 just looks better!
And not only that, the W208 is like an "E Class" and these two definitely "C Classes"... No contest!
Why does Andrew Frankel say the SLK55 Black Series was terrible? That doesn't match up with other reviews of the time?
Flaws & all, when we mention Black Series, one word springs to mind. The CLK63 Black Series.
The CLK63 black series, CLK DTM and the SL65 black series will be my all time favorite mercedes road going cars (after 2005)
Only a couple older cars can come close and of course some unicorns like CLK GTR and the 300SL.
Mercedes dont make them like this anymore. Not even close.
Still the best motor AMG ever made.
I had the clk63 black biggest problem was the downshifting
Jeremy Clarkson
&
Chris Harris
both of them owned a CLK 63 AMG Black - that pretty much says it all..
Love both. Clarkson had a black 56 plate CLK didn't he?
Not a 56, this actual car was his.
Anyone know which road he's driving on? Guessing Brecon Beacons but can't name it
Clk a classic ❤😊
clk looks is killer
Best cars
So, apart from the bendy body, the shite gearbox, shonky interior, no steering feel, and absent body control...! I can't believe people pay £90k+ for the CLK.
'Nooooiiyyy'
I’m with Dan on the looks and charm of the CLK.
to drive the c63, to own the clk63, much better looking car and we need to fall in love with what we would owning
Based on the fact that this specific CLK63 was previously owned by the orangutan, I'd take it any day.
Is that Clarkson?
@@duffydon1741yes
And then there's the CLK DTM. And then there's the CLK GTR (albeit that's the older generation)
is it possible that the CLK was not in the right condition to be tested?
I was wondering the same thing when he criticized the steering, because the steering in the CLK Black Series is top of its class.
The old one looks better but clearly won't drive better. Shame they couldn't get a CLK DTM to go with the other two for comparison.
Chris Martin does car reviews now??
That's exactly what I thought throughout the video!
Lmfao
Before they started going downhill😢.
Never forgive this guy for having an issue with the England rugby team last year, thinking he's informed enough to have an opinion.
The first one is better.
CLK Black Series is my top 10 all time favorite car. Superb.
not shit its a 2008, I own one, but what do you expect for a 2008, but do agree if you upgrade the transmission, this car would be a killer on the ring.
I got both cars 😂
2 of each right ?
The oldy looks way better.
Is the driver a real person or an animation?
Intro was a bit cringe and unnecessary but good content nonetheless
Andrew Frankel’s response sums it up. Pass. Especially given crazy prices and much better experiences for far less money.
The AMG black line is special, but the CLK is untouchable
Hot take but the Black Series is pointless, they CLK looks so cool though
Yeah I take the CLK because it looks much better. I dont like the bulky looks of the CL. It looks like shit when u compare it to CLK.
The CLK look much better!
Boring. The best N/a V8 engine is the one the E90 M3 has. The E92 GTS M3 ran rings around this C63 black series 😂
M3 has the better chassis/gearbox, Merc has the better engine no question
@@supraJZA80s agree
Not a chance in hell.on my drive is a v8 m3 and a 525hp E63 pp 6.2l amg with hydraulic steering and other than the m3 being smaller and therefore more agile for narrow roads and louder in the cabin, it's got nothing on that AMG at all. 0, nil. The AMG is NA and has more torque than even the turbo F80 and makes both the greatest engine sound and exhaust note. The flat plane v8 of the M3 has a lovely induction sound but the mechanical orchestra from the 6.2l is in a completely different league. Sorry to disappoint you mate 😂 unless you bring your stopwatch to check how fast you did your laptime 😂 I do love the dct when pushing the car on the gearshifts but the 6.2 shoves you in the back of the seat and is more enjoyable to drive , has far more breath of ability and a 550l boot too. I'll be keeping my e92 as my commuter but when I want a special drive , it's the 6.2.
The M159 even revs to 8k, I'd love to have one of those next.
It's worth noting that the claimed 420ish hp from the v8 s65 isn't even accurate, I bet if I dyno mine it will be around 390ish. I gotta say one thing for the S65 the throttle response set up is fantastic though I almost never drive it in "power" mode as it's very sensitive but a nice feature to have .
I agree.
Maybe I'm an old fart but man do I miss a good solid colour on tasteful silver painted alloys.
No silly, moody paint jobs to rob a car of it's lines and details.
The older car wipes the floor with the newer car in my opinion.
It was made to be an 1800kg Hammer.
The newer car tries to be a 1750kg scalpel .
Who the hell is doing the video editing? The constant switching between inside and outside commentary makes it almost unwatchable. Dan this was a brilliant video ruined by the constant switching
CLK soooo beautiful. One of the loveliest looking cars ever. C63 may be better driver but no contest on the looks and lines.
And now you tell me you want an EV, lol, the world has gone crazy, these people have no soul...love live the internal combustion engine..
I want SL BS!!!
The CLK63 is much better looking! The face of the C63 is pretty ugly, matte black paint is dumb, and that wing is ridiculous for anything but a dedicated track car.
Seems the best option then is to get a C63 Black with no wing, gloss paint, silver wheels, and no canards. That’s the best of both worlds.
@@BarikSinghthat’s basically a c63 507 edition
C63 w204 is better looking the sharp angles make it look better than any of current mercs
That clk looks like a frog…w204 is where it’s at
I absolutely disagree. The C63 is the better looking of the two.
This would be a great video if it wasn't for the potato video quality.
And the CLK 63 BS still beaten the C63 BS at the nurnburgring, what a joke this test driver is, has no clue lmao.
The CLK does look a lot better, really a lot. I would forgive it everything, like having a beautiful, very lovely girlfriend, the sweetest girl in the world, but she can't cook....
I had a C63 Black Series “Lite” aka the runout 507 Edition. It was a bloody brilliant car and I deeply regret moving it on. The MCT gearbox is not a world beater but in sports + mode it was highly addictive with both up and down shifts. The engine is a masterpiece, one of the best (coming also from an F Type R). The M156 is so special I loved everything about it. The noise, the torque, the power delivery and its willingness to rev. I was also blessed to have a car with the LSD so it was a hoot to drive too.
I’ll agree with others, the CLK looks nicer but would jump at the change to get back into the C63