What is it?
Mercedes continues to deliver the motoring equivalent of a chocolate selection box with its hottest C Class: there’s something on offer for all tastes, whether they be saloon, coupé, convertible or estate-shaped.
While all have the performance punch of a carolina reaper chilli pepper, only the estate delivers that hit with a side of sensibility. It’s the sensible choice in a niche where sensible rarely applies anywhere else.
A handful of visual changes for 2019 include a revised AMG front grille and rear diffuser, some new-look air inlets and new alloy wheel options, but you’d need to be paying attention to notice.
Digital instruments and a slimmer, updated steering wheel are the main additions inside the cabin, with an AMG-specific rotary dial and customisable shortcut keys with their own tiny LCD screens to show whether you’re sharpening up the gearbox response or switching off the traction control.
The mid-life facelift hasn’t added any more power - but it wasn’t like the C63 S needed any. The 503bhp produced by its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 is sufficient for a mere 4.1 second 0-62mph sprint and a 172mph top speed. It does benefit from a new nine-speed wet clutch automatic gearbox, which replaces the seven-speed torque converter found in the outgoing car.
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9 levels of assistance and 5
Set it up properly in the first place. That is what we pay them to do. And traction control on or off.
I have a 2007 AMG. In manual mode the gearbox (proper auto, 7 speed) does exactly as commanded in manual. And is sensible in auto. Where is the progress?
Progress is Subjective?
Where is the progress indeed. For the likes of you and me its hard to find. My 19yr old son however is primarily interested in the latest Golf GTI's connectivity versus his 'old' one. He likes the very things that annoy you and I, he likes multiple driving modes (menu options just like all his electronic devices have). As an acknowledged Porsche guy, I love my 2016 GT4, but even that has crap I don't care for (navigation, radio, electric windows etc). There are very, very few new cars I prefer over old. Hope they don't spoil this years GT4.
@eseaton - reverse the options?
Hi - if Mercedes had originally given your car multiple modes then a few years later said "We're taking the modes away and just giving you our one setting, for all roads and all conditions" would you consider that an improvement?
Love the idea get one while you can
But this is nearly 80k optioned for a C class. Dare I say it makes the older ones look like a bargain same big silly motors.
[quote=jer]
[quote=jer]
But this is nearly 80k optioned for a C class. Dare I say it makes the older ones look like a bargain same big silly motors.
Agree with that jer, especially given how much coin these things lose after a couple of years.
Not sure...
...I'd count the B5 as a rival to the C63. To the E63 for sure, but the B3 is a better 'fit' on size and price to the C.