I think it is crazy that after reading through the owners manual for nearly a week, waiting for our 2012 C63 to be delivered, that a quick push of the esp button turns it to sport, but a longer push completely turns it off. I was getting a little worried that my car's throttle response was pretty soggy when I could floor it off the line and not start spinning until about 50' out. "Thanks MB world".

you will love S+.... LOVE IT!

Takes about 5 seconds

S+ is for wimps... M is the only mode for drivers

Does this work for the earlier models as well? Say, a 2010 C63?

i have a 2010 so yes

just press the esp button for a few seconds and you're in s+ mode. its a ton of fun.....but your tires will really hate you for it lolz

What about older S class cars 06 and up
Like S600 and S65

All I have to say is be careful! She turns into a different kind of monster with ESP off! I had a few close calls my first few times... But now I only drive it like that because I hate when it cuts the power, enjoy!

In this car, off really means off. As Jeremy Clarkson said, if you turn traction control off, you'd better be awake.

You really can't push the car to its limit with ESP on. I took my C63 autocross racing last weekend and the one run where I accidentally had ESP on I lost 5 seconds on what was otherwise about a 55 second course for me. I also took out some cones due to the car going straight when I was expecting oversteer.