EXCLUSIVE NEW C-CLASS DR 520 COMBINES POTENT PERFORMANCE AND STEALTH

Mercedes-Benz UK has launched an exclusive new model, the C-Class DR 520 with more power and performance than any other C-Class. Only 20 units of this car will be available, and it is sold exclusively through the company's Specialist Products division at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, Surrey.

Based on the high-performance C 63 AMG, the DR 520 has a performance upgrade and boasts 520 hp and 650 Nm of torque, a 60 hp and 50 Nm advantage over than the standard C 63 AMG. The DR 520 Saloon can reach 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds with the Estate achieving the same in 4.2 seconds, and both are electronically limited to a top speed of 187 mph.

The AMG Performance Pack Plus is fitted to the DR 520 as standard and features AMG's high-performance braking system with red calipers, with the addition of engine upgrades in the form of forged pistons, newly-developed connecting rods and a revised crankshaft, as well as an AMG Carbon Fibre rear spoiler for the Saloon.

Available with a black or white matt wrap and complimented by Titanium finish alloy wheels, grille and discreet DR 520 badging on the wing and the boot lid, the DR 520 combines stealthy looks with potent performance.

Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in leather and exclusive Alcantara finished with red or white contrast stitching, as is the dashboard and upper door panels. The multi-function AMG Performance steering wheel is clad in Nappa leather and Alcantara.

Nigel Unsworth, Specialist Products Division Manager commented: "We wanted to launch the Specialist Products Division with something unique – and the DR 520 fits the bill perfectly. Mercedes-Benz World is located at Brooklands, and there's a proud history of 'Brooklands Specials' being sold here over the years. The DR 520 – which is dyno-rated at 520 hp - is our chance to create an exclusive model in the UK. It's a great opportunity for us to offer our customers who enjoy sports and supercars a bespoke car with even more performance than the already very successful C 63 AMG. And as well as the increased performance, it looks incredible, too."

The DR 520 costs £9,995 above the standard C 63 AMG price, making the DR 520 Saloon £62,430 OTR and the Estate £63,680 OTR. The cars are also backed by a three-year, 60,000 mileage warranty.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a potent new sports saloon and estate. Dubbed the C-class DR 520, it’s a substantially uprated version of the C63 AMG, and somewhat uniquely, will be a UK special.

It effectively launches the company’s Special Products division at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, and does so with some clout. With 513bhp and 479lb ft, its 6.2-litre V8 is 62bhp and 37lb ft up on standard. The extra grunt sees acceleration times significantly sliced – 0-62mph takes 4.1sec for the saloon, 4.2sec for the estate, while the top speed is upped to a limited 187mph. Quite how much further the DR 520 will go beyond that is a question we’d like to find out the answer to…

Fittingly, the AMG Performance Pack Plus comes as standard, and sees the fitment of a big-spec brake system (note the red callipers) and engine ugrades: forged pistons, new connecting rods and a revised crankshaft. Cosmetically, the pack sees an AMG carbonfibre rear spoiler for the DR 520 saloon.

Both versions look pretty mean, though, your choice of black or white matt paint wrap mated to titanium-finished alloys and grille. We’re rather big fans of the estate, especially. Inside there’s a pair of leather and alcantara sports seats.

Mercedes bigs up the cars’ UK exclusive status and the return of the ‘Brooklands Special’. If it drives like it looks, we’ll be inclined to concur.

Ask your bank manager for an extra £9995 if you want to abandon your regular C63 AMG purchase for a DR 520, the saloon costing £62,430 and the estate £63,680. A pretty reasonable sum of money when you consider just 20 will be made, sold exclusively through the Brooklands dealership and with a full-strength three-year warranty included.