If you’re a car enthusiast looking for a rare beast with serious muscle car vibes, the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series is a name you need to know. This car takes the peaceful midsize luxury coupe and transforms it into a wild, aggressive powerhouse. From its giant naturally aspirated V8 engine to those iconic flared fenders, it’s a blend of brute strength and sleek design that still turns heads today.
Here’s what makes this CLK63 AMG Black Series stand out: it boasts over 500 horsepower from a 6.2-liter V8, rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds, and hits a top speed of 186 mph. Only 500 units were made worldwide, making it a rare collector’s gem that originally cost about $135,000—more than a Porsche 911 Turbo back in 2008. Plus, with unique carbon fiber parts, a pillarless coupe design, and a stripped-down two-seater interior, this car screams exclusivity and race-inspired performance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Naturally Aspirated V8 |
| Horsepower | 500 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 186 mph |
| Production Numbers | 500 units worldwide |
| Original Price (2008) | Approx. $135,000 |
| Weight | About 3,900 lbs |
Background and Design: From Luxury Coupe to Touring Car Muscle
The CLK series has always been Mercedes-Benz’s midsize luxury coupe, somewhat like today’s E-Class coupe or the CL in the past. The model started in 2003, with the high-performance CLK55 AMG offering a 360-horsepower V8. But 2007 brought a facelift and the more powerful CLK63 AMG. In the U.S., the CLK63 was available as a convertible, while the coupe got the exclusive Black Series treatment—only 500 made globally, most of which landed in the States.
What truly sets the Black Series apart visually are the flared fenders, both front and rear, that give the car a widebody look reminiscent of DTM touring race cars. These widened fenders add about three inches to the car’s track width, which improves handling by allowing bigger tires and a wider stance. This aggressive look is further enhanced by carbon fiber parts like the front bumper vent, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and even the painted carbon fiber front fenders—features unique to the Black Series.
Subtle yet meaningful exterior quirks include a distinctive fuel door shaped differently due to the fender flares, and minimal badging that only true enthusiasts would recognize. Unlike other models, the Black Series bears its badge discreetly near the rear AMG emblem, making it a car for those who know their Mercedes muscle history.
Under the Hood: Brutal Naturally Aspirated V8 Power
At the heart of the CLK63 AMG Black Series lies a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. While the standard CLK63 convertible had 475 horsepower, the Black Series cranks it up to 500 horsepower and delivers 465 lb-ft of torque. It’s not just about numbers; this car blasts from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 186 mph.
Despite using a traditional torque converter automatic transmission, the power delivery feels raw and aggressive—more muscle car than refined German luxury. The engine’s loud, rumbly exhaust note and the quad exhaust pipes integrated into the carbon fiber rear diffuser add to the visceral driving experience.
To handle this power, Mercedes upgraded the suspension with manually adjustable sport settings, allowing drivers to fine-tune stiffness for street or track use. The chassis also received extra bracing in the front strut towers and rear trunk area to boost rigidity, enhancing high-speed stability and cornering performance. This isn’t just a luxury cruiser; it’s a serious track-capable machine.
Interior Upgrades and Quirks: Focused on Performance, Not Luxury
Step inside, and you’ll notice the CLK63 AMG Black Series is stripped down for performance. The rear seats have been removed entirely, turning it into a focused two-seater that sheds some weight (though the car is still fairly heavy at nearly 3,900 lbs). Interestingly, some rear seat features remain, like floor mats, climate vents, and even rear side airbags—leftovers from the standard CLK, which highlights how Mercedes balanced performance upgrades with production realities.
The front seats are a standout: heavily bolstered sport seats that hug you tightly during aggressive cornering but remain comfortable enough for daily driving. A quirky detail is their mixed manual and power adjustments—a powered backrest and height control paired with manual forward/back and angle adjustments.
The shift lever is another unique touch—a tiny, stubby lever that nods to the rare CLK DTM race car version, adding a motorsport feel inside. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is thicker and more contoured than the standard CLK’s, enhancing grip and control.
Carbon fiber trim accents the center console and door panels, reinforcing the Black Series’ sporty character. AMG badging is scattered throughout, though the “Black Series” label inside is subtle, found only on a small plaque near the center console.
Storage is quirky too: a giant glove box latch hides a six-disc CD changer, and a hidden compartment on the passenger side dashboard offers extra space that’s easy to forget. The center console houses two cup holders—one visible and one concealed beneath a sliding lid—making for an unusual but practical setup.
The Driving Experience: Raw, Rough, and Ridiculously Fun
Driving the CLK63 AMG Black Series is like stepping into a muscle car with Mercedes engineering. It’s rough around the edges, with heavy steering and a stiff suspension that punishes rough roads but rewards precision driving. This car isn’t about comfort; it’s about pure, unfiltered power and connection.
The automatic transmission complements the engine’s brute force, delivering power quickly and aggressively without the finesse of a manual gearbox. While some enthusiasts have swapped in manual transmissions, the original torque converter automatic suits the car’s character well—it’s about pointing, shooting, and making noise rather than finesse.
The steering is sharp and direct but demands respect, especially at high speeds. The car feels twitchy in a thrilling way, requiring the driver to stay alert and engaged. This isn’t a car for casual cruises or lazy Sunday drives; it’s a vehicle that challenges you and rewards your focus.
Ultimately, the CLK63 AMG Black Series is a rare blend of touring car race styling and muscle car power. It’s loud, aggressive, and unapologetically brute, making it one of the most exciting Mercedes-AMGs ever built.
Conclusion: A Rare Muscle Car Masterpiece for the Mercedes Enthusiast
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series is a unique chapter in AMG’s history—a muscle car disguised as a luxury coupe, with wide fenders, a roaring V8, and racecar-inspired upgrades. It’s rare, powerful, and unapologetically raw, offering a driving experience that’s thrilling and a bit rough around the edges.
With only 500 produced worldwide, this car remains a collector’s dream, balancing exclusivity with serious performance. If you want a Mercedes with both muscle and style—and don’t mind a stiff ride and a demanding drive—the CLK63 AMG Black Series is an absolute legend worth chasing.
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