The Mercedes-AMG C-Class is as appealing as it has ever been. With a host of technological advancements, the latest AMG C-Class is in a league of its own. Marrying premium quality and high-performance, the C-Class presents a package that is easy to live with and exciting to drive.
The AMG brand is steeped on motor racing history and their latest offerings continue to bring race-inspired design and technology to the masses. Everything from their 'hot inside V' turbo arrangement to their 9-speed gearboxes, all started on the racetrack. You too can enjoy the spoils of their efforts with one of the two C-Class models that AMG has on offer today; the Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC or the Mercedes-AMG C63S.
Before you head out and go test drive one of these fine machines, we think that you should know what to look out for. Continue reading to find out what you should be looking at on a new AMG C-Class.
Related: The 2018 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC – Is this the perfect daily?
1. Power
Let's get address the elephant in the room straight away. There's one main reason why you're headed to a showroom to test drive a new AMG C-Class, and that's power.
There are two engines on offer in the AMG C-Class stable, the 3.0-litre biturbo V6 in the C43 4MATIC and the 4.0-litre biturbo powerplant in the fire-breathing C63S.
The C43 develops 287 kW and 520 Nm torque. This makes it good for a 0 - 100 km/h sprint time of 4.7-seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
In the C63S you will get 375 kW of power and 700 Nm torque from the twin-turbo V8 which will get the C63S to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4-seconds flat. It will go on to top out at a limited 290 km/h.
2. Drivetrain
The big difference between the two AMG C-Class models is the way that they put the power down. The C43 employs all-wheel drive with the use of Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC system. In the C43 it's been programmed to split the power in favour of the rear wheels with 69% of the power going to the rear and 31% sent to the front. This does make it rather agile through the corners.
In the C63S, power is sent to the rear wheels only in a traditional manner. While 700 Nm is a lot of torque to send through only two wheels, the C63S is fitted with an electrically operated limited-slip differential that will send the power to the wheel with the most traction. This AMG differential will also help keep thing planted when turning into a corner.
Both cars use a 9-speed automatic gearbox with slight variations between the two. You may feel that the shifts are more aggressive in the C63S as this one uses the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed as opposed to the 9G-TRONIC gearbox that is fitted to the C43.
3. Handling and comfort
Both AMG models are equipped with the AMG Ride Control system that allows for various drive modes depending on the application. You will be able to choose from an economy mode, a comfort mode and of course several sport modes. The sport modes will liven up the throttle response, firm up the steering and of course, the suspension.
You will also be able to select an individual setting that allows you to pick and choose the features that you want to be activated and leave out those that you feel are best in comfort or eco.
4. Touchpoints
Both AMG models have wonderful cabins and you should want for anything. The AMG seats in both models, while different in each application, will offer more than enough lateral support and adequate adjustment to allow you to get the best driving position possible. While you're at the dealership, check out what upholstery options are available to you.
The AMG steering wheel is all part of the AMG experience and this thick, leather-bound wheel feel great in the hands. Be sure to play with the touchpads on either spoke of the wheel to see how they work and what they do to the screens presented in front of you and for the infotainment.
In the C53S you will notice the two digital dials resting in the nooks created by the steering wheel spokes. These will offer you the ability to change the aforementioned drive modes with the left-hand side one acting as a shortcut. You will be able to press and rotate the knurled border for the selection you want.
5. Design cues
When you're done with your drive, be sure to take a walk around the model you've driven and notice the AMG-specific styling cues that have been integrated into the design. It's these cues that make the AMG models that little bit different.
The C43 slots in beautifully between the regular C-Class models and the AMG C63S with its two-bar satin silver grille element and AMg badging. It has a similar lower apron to the C63S with large, slatted vents in the corners of the front bumper. At the rear, there are two sets of twin-exit exhaust tips, finished off in chrome.
The C63S is certainly more aggressive with two power bars running down the length of the bonnet and a vertical slat design to the front grille. At the rear, four rectangular exhausts tips poke their head out from the included diffuser.
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