Black Series shootout! CLK63 versus C63 Mercedes-AMG Black Series

[@PeteRench]

Mercedes does some of the all-time best fender flares.

[@turbosydney]

Insanely overlooked and underappreciated aspect of both the Black Series , and the DTM as well

[@ericcarson342]

Yes! Something about the flares on a CLK63 AMG Black Series. It just stands out. Spoilers, slats, scoops, dive planes can't compare.

[@daggidding4478]

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

[@fence4821]

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

[@Columbo777]

Mug…clk is crap

[@andyp8464]

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 !

[@jakejohal6672]

Good man

[@goga511]

@@Columbo777 and u dont even own a car

[@LATAKEOVERS101]

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.

[@quigonjay9]

The CLK is the perfect candidate for one of the ZF 8 speed conversions

[@camryt]

Yessss!

[@boscochan3728]

the 7G MCT conversion might also do the trick

[@jeebus2121]

And not a manual transmission?

[@shikarbabulall3897]

The head lights of that CLK looks very similar to the previous gen C class

[@WBenzSEL]

MANUAL SWAP

[@steerj07]

Nothing can stop the CLK from being my #1 Black Series.

[@imperator6253]

YES YES YES YES,BEST AMG EVER🔥🔥🔥

[@KirkLazurus]

SL65 black can.

[@imperator6253]

@@KirkLazurus not for me

[@steerj07]

@@KirkLazurus nah

[@JackScooter17]

@@KirkLazurusohhh yes

[@HandsomeAlex25]

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.

[@gruppegee]

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

[@matt1081]

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

[@camryt]

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.

[@K.D.R_]

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.

[@powersliding]

it looks like it's been worked on by a cheap accessories shop with those black wheels, wing and canards

[@LATAKEOVERS101]

@@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

[@AutobahnVault]

Having owned both, I kept the CLK Black ❤️

[@jscifres100]

Good choice

[@AntoniusTyas]

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.

[@andyp8464]

I'd take an AMG GT R black series thank you 😂 most beautiful AMG I've ever seen ❤❤

[@jo05dk]

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.

[@Tracertme]

The older car still has the looks completely nailed… ❤

[@Under_Construction100]

Flaws & all, when we mention Black Series, one word springs to mind. The CLK63 Black Series.

[@longtailgt]

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!"

[@90MinutenLang020Damsko]

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!

[@adamalianik]

Gosh Clarkson's old car seems to be doing the rounds on youtube these days!

[@vindevhunta4905]

Veee8 goodness ❤ I’d have em both,but CLK GETS THE EDGE. Its a shame to see 4cyls in a c63AMG today..

[@EnverC-yp7tr]

I love Mercedes. Love that CLK 63! But I've never been a fan of Mercedes' steering feel or handling.

[@SmallBlogV8]

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.

[@Phil_T86]

Owned my W204 C63 since new in 2013, Black series will always be one of my dream cars.

[@DEEuroworks]

The missing B pillar alone makes the CLK63BS better for me.

[@BeBarnee]

I totally agree, however that might be one of the reasons why it's less agile

[@DEEuroworks]

@@BeBarnee yes, for sure.

[@jscifres100]

💯 the pillarless design is far more unique in the modern automotive world.

[@Xboxracer1]

I love how Dan pushed back on the matte paint 🤣 I can't take it either. Fantastic video and cars.

[@nitramh24]

If only Mercedes had made a manual gearbox for these cars, the world would have been a better place…

[@gro9465]

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.

[@brucerobertson5919]

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.

[@gro9465]

@@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?

[@UKAbandonedMineExplores]

Nice video, love the production quality, and love the sound of the C63 :)

[@jscifres100]

Old cars keep aging while new cars keep pushing the performance envelope further and further along. Years later, we tend to value a relic not for the performance numbers it puts down, but for the emotions it (and only it) invokes. There’s a reason the old guy here doesn’t have a growing audience… he’s a relic himself and totally out of touch with what really matters between these cars. With a pillarless design which is all but extinct in the modern automotive world, more people will find the CLK to be the better looking car. It is unique and classy in a manner much more befitting the brand. In ten more years, who the hell will care which one of these two is faster? There’s always something new which is faster, but the CLK will always be more special, end of story.

[@flat6croc]

50kg in the context of over 1,700kg is not meaningful. You won't be able to feel that.

[@powersliding]

thats true in percentage, it's very small

[@Satori-Automotive]

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.

[@brucerobertson5919]

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.

[@karabokotsedi8267]

All is relative. A car must be rated for what it was at its time against its rivals.

[@JackScooter17]

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

[@j.s.9576]

Jeremy Clarkson & Chris Harris both of them owned a CLK 63 AMG Black - that pretty much says it all..

[@powersliding]

to drive the c63, to own the clk63, much better looking car and we need to fall in love with what we would owning

[@carsaregood911]

Hot take but the Black Series is pointless, they CLK looks so cool though

[@ahmadbenzz9664]

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.

[@ians2868]

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

[@jscifres100]

💯 this one is likely set up soft.

[@audiophilesland969]

clk looks is killer

[@AdhirSingh_SA_1995]

That intro is pretty cool😎 Video was great 💪

[@TheIntercooler]

Thank you!

[@billshoe22191]

Just wished these had a manual gearbox.

[@kapfazo]

Clk63 amg black series~~❤❤❤ I love it.

[@jamyhanna6181]

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.

[@julianadams2206]

I’m with Dan on the looks and charm of the CLK.

[@pauldark3044]

The CLK look much better!

[@tan9640]

The AMG black line is special, but the CLK is untouchable

[@flat6croc]

Fun cars, but I just couldn't cope with the middle-ranking narcotics sales operative vibe.

[@lukewaring2832]

Either one thank you..would defo make my weekends fun , ever time.. Epic as ever guys..😮

[@maeranni]

The oldy looks way better.

[@vio-noob_6737]

These are my two dream cars. Great video

[@aaa84gt]

CLK Black Series is my top 10 all time favorite car. Superb.

[@mosli770]

I was waiting for soundcheck....

[@jessemanmarcharris]

You had a lot of faith in those sheep remaining calm

[@mdcars1468]

@theintercooler when you shift with the little gear stick it will shift quicker (triptronic)

[@lorcanmaher9249]

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 .

[@jscifres100]

Bingo. AMG was evolving. They aren’t the same car, AT ALL.

[@GhostV8]

Before they started going downhill😢.

[@romeoandthelonelygir]

Where are they driving in this video?

[@lmc333]

The first one is better.

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

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.

[@OGYELLOW]

Clk a classic ❤😊

[@j11ssr]

And then there's the CLK DTM. And then there's the CLK GTR (albeit that's the older generation)

[@cyberdrakon]

Why does Andrew Frankel say the SLK55 Black Series was terrible? That doesn't match up with other reviews of the time?

[@jscifres100]

That old dude just seems totally out of touch and irrelevant today, tbh. There’s always something faster and more confidence inspiring. Dismissing the charm of the CLK with no mention of the pillarless design is borderline journalistic malpractice. Maybe it’s his personal C63 BS and he’s angling to sell it soon. 😂

[@peterrobinson3440]

CLK soooo beautiful. One of the loveliest looking cars ever. C63 may be better driver but no contest on the looks and lines.

[@drhanifp]

Peak mercedes era

[@Tomachine1]

Love both. Clarkson had a black 56 plate CLK didn't he?

[@adamalianik]

Not a 56, this actual car was his.

[@flat6croc]

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.

[@HEKTIC458]

Still the best motor AMG ever made.

[@user-id9sj8yj2t]

Best cars

[@ducanhcun1909]

Based on the fact that this specific CLK63 was previously owned by the orangutan, I'd take it any day.

[@duffydon1741]

Is that Clarkson?

[@adamalianik]

​@@duffydon1741yes

[@jep1912]

Never forgive this guy for having an issue with the England rugby team last year, thinking he's informed enough to have an opinion.

[@jameshull3473]

Anyone know which road he's driving on? Guessing Brecon Beacons but can't name it

[@MYMOUNTAIN_122]

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..

[@dumanimjo609]

Chris Martin does car reviews now??

[@cgl136]

That's exactly what I thought throughout the video!

[@AnnoyedGlobe-sf9yo]

Lmfao

[@FizzyMotors]

is it possible that the CLK was not in the right condition to be tested?

[@sbscottw]

I was wondering the same thing when he criticized the steering, because the steering in the CLK Black Series is top of its class.

[@prathameshghatol1230]

SL63 AMG SUPREMACY 🤌🏼🖤

[@desmondsegodi1380]

Is the driver a real person or an animation?

[@kunalmore5212]

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 😂

[@supraJZA80s]

M3 has the better chassis/gearbox, Merc has the better engine no question

[@kunalmore5212]

@@supraJZA80s agree

[@andyp8464]

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 .

[@nezabytes]

I agree.

[@kornonacob]

I got both cars 😂

[@andyp8464]

2 of each right ?

[@HybOj]

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.

[@peterjordansonthe2nd731]

'Nooooiiyyy'

[@makiwa]

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!

[@euangoold4547]

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

[@JohnGuyu]

☕️ Mickey Mouse | Walt Disney

[@chrisedge5007]

I had the clk63 black biggest problem was the downshifting

[@gregmayled]

Intro was a bit cringe and unnecessary but good content nonetheless

[@goga511]

And the CLK 63 BS still beaten the C63 BS at the nurnburgring, what a joke this test driver is, has no clue lmao.

[@JohnNick72]

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.

[@BarikSingh]

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.

[@opulan]

@@BarikSinghthat’s basically a c63 507 edition

[@johnsmith-mk3zq]

C63 w204 is better looking the sharp angles make it look better than any of current mercs

[@Columbo777]

That clk looks like a frog…w204 is where it’s at

[@chipomuleya3793]

I absolutely disagree. The C63 is the better looking of the two.

[@itsnotagsr]

Andrew Frankel’s response sums it up. Pass. Especially given crazy prices and much better experiences for far less money.

[@ronjatter]

This would be a great video if it wasn't for the potato video quality.

[@casey2732]

I want SL BS!!!

[@maartenbakker6253]

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....

[@matt1081]

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