What it is: The compact C-Class line includes a sedan, coupe and convertible. All three body styles are offered in performance AMG C43 and C63 versions. The C43 has all-wheel drive and the C63 has rear-wheel drive; on other C-Class models, rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
C300 models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the C43 has a turbo V-6 and the C63 uses a turbo V-8. In addition, the sedan is available as a C350e plug-in hybrid that uses the turbo four-cylinder and has an electric-only range of up to 8 miles. Key rivals include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Cadillac ATS.
The C300 sedan and coupe trade last year’s seven-speed automatic for a nine-speed automatic that was already present on the convertible. A power sunroof is standard on the sedan. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are available on all three body styles in a Smartphone Integration Package. The C350e adds standard LED headlights.
AMG C43
Formerly known as the AMG C450, the all-wheel-drive AMG C43 uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Torque is split 31:69 front to rear. A new AMG Track Pace app can connect iPhones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to record and share real-time performance data, such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and gear selection. It can also record track driving with the phone’s camera.
What's Special
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362-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6
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Adaptive suspension
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Selectable driving modes
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Staggered 18-inch wheels standard
AMG C63
The intense intramural rivalry between Mercedes-Benz and BMW requires that Mercedes offer a competitor to the BMW M3, and the AMG C63 fills that role. It comes only with rear-wheel drive, and despite the car's compact dimensions, Mercedes has managed to squeeze a twin-turbo V-8 engine under the hood.
Two versions are available: the C63 and C63 S. The latter gets an extra 34 hp, red brake calipers and dynamic engine mounts.
A new AMG Track Pace app can connect iPhones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to record and share real-time performance data such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and gear selection. It can record track driving with the phone’s camera.
What's Special
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Hand-built twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8
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469 hp (503 hp in C63 S)
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Seven-speed automatic with four modes
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Selectable driving modes
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Adaptive sport suspension
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Burmester surround-sound audio system
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Available carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim
