Through Ian's Lens: 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63

Picture this: Smoke floats effortlessly across the screen, a soft voice tells you about horsepower, and then, out of nowhere, comes the rear end of a car drifting sideways into the frame with tires blazing. You realize that the effortlessly floating smoke is being created by one of the biggest burnouts you’ve ever seen. This is not a NASCAR dream; this is a commercial for the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63. Ah … the imagery.

Ever since I saw this commercial six months ago, I knew I would love this car. Visually, I have enjoyed the redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class. With a different hood and some serious fender work, the C63 takes that elegant design and turns it on its head. The front end of the C63 looks like it might bite you with its wide grille, big air intakes in front of the tires, and furrowed hood. Harsh lines from the front fender travel all the way back through the spoiler, infusing this car with style and performance. And who knew that Mercedes would release a car in candy-apple red? I could gush about the C63 for weeks, but I’ll let the photos do the talking for me. Please leave your remarks in the comments section; a full set of photos is below. Feel free to use the “Full Screen” mode on the photo browser. This car is meant to be seen up close.