Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4Matic Estate (2016)

Supreme or dynamic: the choice is yours

Thanks to a hefty torque curve the new AMG sports model is agile, direct and dynamic. With the help of various AMG-specific drive programmes the driver is able to tailor the character of the C450 AMG 4Matic to his or her personal preferences: the modes "Eco", "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus" as well as "Individual" are available to choose from for this purpose. The drive programmes adjust the suspension, steering and powertrain as desired, and are selected conveniently with the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch to the left of the touchpad.

Especially the "Sport Plus" programme delivers impressive hallmark AMG dynamics and enhances the emotional appeal: partial cylinder suppression during gear changes by means of a momentary and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection under full throttle speeds up the gear changes, and can also be acoustically experienced by the driver. The emotional double-declutching functions during downshifts and the "exhaust rumbling" in overrun mode provide the fitting accompaniment. The throaty engine sound - a hallmark AMG experience - also plays a crucial role in the most powerful V6 model: to this end, the engineers have developed a new sports exhaust system with lower back-pressure and reduced weight.

The driving sensation is also characterised by the set-up of the accelerator pedal: the more the driver changes the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT settings from "Eco" towards "Sport Plus", the more spontaneous and dynamic is the throttle response of the twin-turbo V6 engine. The driver also experiences authentic and emotional dynamics during engine start if desired: when the twin-turbo V6 engine is started in the "Sport Plus" drive programme, the engine speed quickly jumps to 2000 rpm for a moment before immediately settling back down to idle speed. Whether the driver wants to experience the engine start accompanied by a sporty or a more subdued sound depends on the most recently activated drive programme - it remains stored for four hours.

The "Eco" programme integrates an ECO start/stop function and a sailing function to reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch of the transmission is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with short response times

The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission responds with superior composure or maximum spontaneity depending on the driver's preference and selected drive programme. The "Sport Plus" mode delivers thrillingly short response times: the driver's shift commands are implemented at lightning speed - the drivetrain responds spontaneously and precisely. The development engineers also take advantage of numerous hardware and software solutions of the C63 in this regard. The 'M' button on the centre console allows savouring the high pulling power across the entire rev range. In manual transmission mode the 7G-TRONIC PLUS no longer shifts to the next higher gear on its own, not even when prompted by kick-down or upon reaching the redline speed. The driver alone makes the decisions about his or her shift request via the steering-wheel paddle shifters.

The momentary 'M' mode offers another feature: it combines the performance of manual gear changes with automatic upshifts and downshifts. The driver has the option to shift up or down at any time with the paddle shifters. If no gear change is requested, the transmission independently reverts to the automatic shift mode after a defined period of time has passed.

The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission features a dual-turbine torsional damper with speed-sensitive centrifugal pendulum, which minimises vibrations and enhances the passengers' perceived comfort.

AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with special axles and adjustable dampers

Agility and sportiness: in the new C450 AMG 4Matic the driver can experience on every kilometre why AMG has been successful in motor racing as the sports car and performance brand of Mercedes-Benz for more than four decades. The basis for this intense experience is the combination of permanent Performance all-wheel-drive system and the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. The 3-stage damper adjustment borrows from the top-of-the-line V8 model Mercedes-AMG C63, and combines high agility with superior everyday practicality.

The highlight of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension is the combination of independently developed axle components with high aluminium content and electronically controlled shock absorbers with 3-stage adjustment range. The driver of a C450 AMG 4Matic can select his or her tailor-made suspension set-up at the push of a button. The spectrum ranges from balanced long-distance comfort to maximum sportiness.

The technical substance of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension is characterised by components with sophisticated design: the four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints; all components were optimised in terms of rigidity. A more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle enhances lateral dynamics. Stiffening of the body shell improves steering behaviour, feedback during cornering, and tyre noise. The elastokinematics of both axles were designed to be more rigid in general. All these measures improve the precision and agility, and boost the dynamics. In addition, the driver benefits from reduced body roll, higher lateral acceleration, better traction, and strong neutral handling at the limit. In short: the C450 AMG 4Matic is a very agile sports model on one hand, while optimised pull rods and front-axle carrier mounts ensure the hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort on the other.

Optimal traction thanks to Performance all-wheel drive

The all-wheel-drive system familiar from a number of AMG high-performance cars is also being used in the C450 AMG 4Matic. The perfect grip during acceleration effectively prevents losses caused by slip. For thrilling driving dynamics 33 percent of the engine power is sent to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear axle. The rear-biased torque split results in higher agility around the vehicle's vertical axis. Another major factor in this is the sportier set-up of the ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist. The tangible effects for sporty drivers are lateral dynamics and cornering performance increased to an above-average level.

Steering and braking system support a dynamic driving style

The electro-mechanical speed-sensitive sports steering supports tracking a precise line and a dynamic driving style. The agile handling benefits from the direct and constant AMG-specific steering ratio including optimised tuning and response. The steering forces are adapted electronically to the given vehicle speed in optimal fashion. In addition, the optimal steering characteristics are selected depending on the activated drive programme - in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" modes to deliver a sporty steering feel for a dynamic driving style on twisty roads or to deliver a comfortable steering feel in the "Eco" or "Comfort" modes. The "Individual" programme offers an additional choice. For example, it allows combining sporty firm steering characteristics with a comfortable suspension set-up - or vice-versa.

The sports braking system of the C450 AMG 4Matic impresses with fade-free and effective stopping power. Vented brake discs at all four corners measuring 360 millimetres in diameter at the front and 320 millimetres at the rear as well as grey brake callipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering are part of the standard equipment.

Design elements bear typical AMG signature

The fascination of motor racing in everyday life - the C450 AMG 4Matic incorporates this combination visually as well: the second AMG sports model immediately demonstrates that it is part of the unique AMG family. Dominating design elements are the AMG body styling, the light-alloy wheels and the special AMG badge on the front wings. They underscore the progressive nature and performance of the brand. The engine cover with red aluminium insert likewise visualises the strengths of the new twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.

The AMG body styling includes the front bumper with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear bumper with matt iridium silver diffuser insert. The saloon is equipped with a separation edge on the boot lid, the estate with a roof spoiler. Both additionally increase grip on the rear axle.

Silver chrome and high-gloss black exterior elements lend the C450 AMG 4Matic a sporty-expressive character. The radiator grille sports a high-gloss black louvre and chrome inserts. The diamond grille adorned with chrome pins adds special flair. Additional highlights are the black exterior mirror housings, the high-gloss black waistline trim strip and window frame, and the two chrome-plated dual tailpipe trim elements.

Customers can opt for the complementary Night package, which adds heat-insulating dark tinted glass rearward of the B-pillar, high-gloss black front bumper trim, a high-gloss black diffuser-look insert at the rear, and two black chrome-plated dual tailpipe trim elements.

5-spoke black AMG light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish round out the design perfectly. Size 225/45 R 18 tyres on 7.5 x 18 light-alloy wheels are fitted at the front, while the rear axle comes with 245/40 R 18 tyres on 8.5 x 18 wheels. Attractive 48.3-cm (19") light-alloy wheels in various designs are optionally available for even more individualisation.

Interior with exclusive, sporty flair

The C450 AMG 4Matic fascinates with exclusivity and sportiness in the interior as well. The pleasant touch and feel of the materials and the quality of workmanship ensure a convincing value appeal and an emotional passenger experience.

The ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery and the instrument panel trimmed with black ARTICO man-made leather convey the sporty ambience in superior fashion. ARTICO is also used on the upper edges of the body, the armrests, the door centre panels and the centre console. Red contrasting topstitching, designo red safety belts and black floor mats with red edging add attractive highlights. The aluminium trim pieces with light-tone longitudinal grain embedded in the instrument panel and the doors provide effective contrasts.

Sports seats with AMG-specific seat upholstery layout and pronounced lateral support offer long-distance comfort and brace the passengers during dynamic cornering. A fitting complement to the sporty handling is the 3-spoke nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with flat bottom. The convincing looks and touch and feel comes in part also courtesy of loving details such as red contrasting topstitching, the moulded grip area, steering-wheel paddle shifters and the silver chrome steering wheel trim.

The instrument cluster also sports the typical AMG style: this source of information comprises dials in the sporty "chequered flag" design, a 280-km/h speedometer scale, red speedometer needles and a specific typography.

Other standard equipment features of the C450 AMG 4Matic (excerpt):

• ADAPTIVE BRAKE
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Audio 20 USB multimedia system
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
• ECO start/stop function
• ISOFIX child seat attachment system
• Sports pedals

Additional AMG optional extras (excerpt):

• 5-double-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, tyres of size 225/40 R 19 on 7.5 x 19 rims (front) and 255/35 R 19 on 8.5 x 19 (rear)
• 5-double-spoke light-alloy wheels painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, tyres of size 225/40 R 19 on 7.5 x 19 rims (front) and 255/35 R 19 on 8.5 x 19 (rear)
• Multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, tyres of size 225/40 R 19 on 7.5 x 19 rims (front) and 255/35 R 19 on 8.5 x 19 (rear)
• Multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, tyres of size 225/40 R 19 on 7.5 x 19 rims (front) and 255/35 R 19 on 8.5 x 19 (rear)
• Performance seats (lower seating position, more contoured seat shape for enhanced lateral support with integral head restraints and AMG badges)
• designo leather seat upholstery
• Lugano leather seat upholstery
• Carbon-fibre/aluminium trim with light-tone longitudinal-grain

Intelligent Drive: safety of the very highest calibre

The declared goal of Mercedes-Benz is making top-class safety available to everyone. The C450 AMG 4Matic lives up to this standard as well because it adopts many of the new and significantly enhanced assistance systems that are also being used in the S-Class. It comes standard-equipped with the further enhanced ATTENTION ASSIST fatigue detection system and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which helps prevent rear-end collisions. The assistance systems increase both comfort and safety. The predecessor to the new C-Class already impressed with excellent results regarding passive safety. The current model surpasses it and sets new standards.