Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance car division has revealed the second in a range of new four-wheel-drive Sport models – the C450 AMG 4Matic - at the Detroit motor show.
Following on from the recently revealed CLA450 Coupé AMG 4Matic, the new model will sold in both saloon and estate bodystyles from June.
It will slot into the existing Mercedes line-up between the most powerful of the existing C-class models on offer in the UK, the C250 Bluetec Hybrid, and soon-to-be-launched Mercedes-AMG C63 at a price expected to pitch it into direct competition with the £39,310 Audi S4 and £38,260 BMW 335i M Sport.
Power for the C450 AMG 4Matic hails from a tuned version of Mercedes’ twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, running added boost pressure, among other unspecified performance enhancements.
As in the GLE63 Coupé AMG 4Matic, the 90-degree unit delivers 362bhp at 5500rpm and 382lb ft of torque between 2000 and 4200rpm.
Drive is channelled through a reworked version of Mercedes’ 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox featuring software mapping and other tweaks from AMG’s more highly developed seven-speed SpeedShift unit – as used on the new C63.
It is allied to Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel drive system, providing the C450 AMG 4Matic saloon with a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.9sec (estate 5.0sec) and electronically limited 155mph top speed. Despite the heady performance potential, AMG says its new model returns 37.2mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle, along with CO2 emissions of 178g/km.
The C450 is underpinned by a chassis that shares various components and dynamics with that of the C63. Among the changes over the standard C-class are revised front pull rods, a modified front axle carrier, adjustable three-stage dampers, new load bearing joints, modified steering knuckles, additional negative camber and more firmer springs.
The standard wheel and tyre package pairs 7.5Jx18in rims with 225/45 tyres up front and 8.5Jx18in rims with 245/40 rubber at the rear.
The 4Matic system has been modified by AMG to provide a nominal 33/67 per cent apportioning of drive front to rear, while the electronic stability program has been recalibrated with unique properties for what Mercedes describes as “more sporting driving qualities than standard C-class models”.
Further changes have been focused on the steering and brake system – the latter of which uses upgraded 360mm front and 320mm rear ventilated steel discs with grey-coloured brake calipers as standard.
Distinguishing the C450 AMG 4Matic from existing Mercedes-Benz C-Class models fitted with the Avantgarde styling package is a restyled front bumper with larger cooling ducts, an altered grille, black door mirror housings and darkened chrome tailpipes. The saloon also receives a subtle boot lip spoiler, while the estate uses a uniquely styled spoiler element attached to the tailgate.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Could be perfect