The AMG brand, synonymous with driving performance and distinctive character, broadens its appeal to a wider audience with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC. This new AMG sports model serves as an enticing entry point into the world of AMG, masterfully blending a potent 362-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with the unwavering grip of a permanent Performance all-wheel-drive system. Coupled with sophisticated suspension technology inherited from the formidable Mercedes-AMG C63, the benz c450 delivers exhilarating driving dynamics and the signature emotional resonance that defines the AMG marque. Set to amplify the already compelling C-Class lineup, the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC is poised to make a significant impact in the US market, starting in the fall of 2015.
The arrival of the new AMG sports models signals a clear commitment to delivering exceptional product substance. Even a fleeting glance at the characteristic AMG body styling immediately confirms its lineage within the Mercedes-AMG family. Further solidifying its unique identity is a special AMG badge proudly displayed on the front fenders. From an engineering perspective, the benz c450 and other AMG sports models meticulously fulfill the visual promise of sporty prowess, boasting powerful engines, standard all-wheel drive systems with a rear-biased torque distribution, and advanced suspension solutions.
Following in the footsteps of the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, the benz c450 represents the second phase of this exciting new model initiative. Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasizes this point: “With the C450 AMG, we introduce the second sporty and emotionally charged vehicle in our product range. It seamlessly merges the might of a robust twin-turbo V6 engine with a captivating emotional character, drawing upon the technical DNA of the new C63. These new sports models present a compelling proposition for our clientele: sports car technology and the thrill of motor racing become more accessible, thereby attracting a broader spectrum of customers.” Expect more emotionally inspiring AMG sports models to join the lineup in the future.
Authentic AMG Driving Dynamics: The Core of the Benz C450
The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC builds upon the foundation of the C-Class’s most powerful production model, the C400 4MATIC. AMG’s engineers have meticulously refined numerous technical aspects of this new sports model with a clear objective: to achieve a level of authentic driving dynamics that closely mirrors the esteemed Mercedes-AMG C63. To accomplish this, a significant number of suspension components were directly adopted from the top-tier V8 model. The influence of the C63’s DNA is also palpable in the engine and transmission management, contributing to the agility and sportiness that define the intense driving experience of the benz c450 AMG 4MATIC on every journey.
Key Performance Specifications of the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2996 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 88.0 x 82.1 mm |
| Horsepower | 362 hp @ 5500 – 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 384 lb/ft @ 2000 – 4200 rpm |
| Power-to-Displacement Ratio | 120.8 hp/liter |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
The heart of the benz c450 is the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, a member of Mercedes-Benz’s BlueDIRECT engine family. AMG engineers have enhanced its output and torque through technical advancements, including modifications to boost pressure. Generating 362 horsepower and 384 lb/ft of torque, this V6 engine establishes a new benchmark in its class. This power translates directly into compelling performance, as evidenced by the benz c450‘s ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.9 seconds, underscoring its inherent sporty character. Furthermore, this high-performance V6 engine maintains impressive fuel efficiency, positioning the benz c450 at the forefront of its competitive segment.
Tailoring Your Drive: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC offers a driving experience that is both agile and adaptable, thanks to its robust torque curve and customizable drive programs. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system allows drivers to fine-tune the vehicle’s character to match their preferences, offering modes ranging from “Eco” and “Comfort” to “Sport,” “Sport Plus,” and “Individual.” Accessible via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch located to the left of the touchpad, these programs adjust the suspension, steering, and powertrain settings.
For the most intense AMG driving dynamics and heightened emotional engagement, the “Sport Plus” program is the ultimate choice. This mode sharpens responsiveness and introduces features like partial cylinder suppression during gear changes. This innovative function momentarily retards ignition and injection under full throttle, resulting in quicker gear shifts that are also audibly enhanced for the driver. Complementing this are the emotionally resonant double-declutching function during downshifts and the distinctive “exhaust rumbling” in overrun mode. The throaty engine sound, a hallmark of the AMG experience, is a crucial element of the benz c450‘s character. Engineers have developed a new sports exhaust system with reduced back-pressure and weight to further amplify this auditory experience.
The accelerator pedal setup further shapes the driving sensation. As drivers transition from “Eco” to “Sport Plus” modes, the throttle response of the twin-turbo V6 engine becomes increasingly spontaneous and dynamic. Even engine starts are infused with authentic AMG emotion, particularly in “Sport Plus” mode, where the engine speed briefly surges to 2000 rpm before settling into idle. The chosen drive program, and its associated engine sound profile, remains active for up to four hours.
In contrast, the “Eco” program prioritizes fuel efficiency, incorporating an ECO start/stop function and a “sailing” function. When the driver releases the accelerator between 37 and 99 mph, the transmission clutch disengages, decoupling the engine from the powertrain and reducing engine speed to idle.
7G-TRONIC PLUS: Transmission Precision and Speed
The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission in the benz c450 AMG 4MATIC adapts seamlessly to driving demands, offering both refined composure and rapid responsiveness. In “Sport Plus” mode, the transmission delivers exceptionally short response times, executing driver shift commands with lightning speed and precision. Drawing on hardware and software solutions from the C63, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS further enhances the benz c450‘s performance capabilities.
Manual gear changes are readily accessible via the ‘M’ button on the center console, allowing drivers to fully exploit the engine’s potent pulling power across the rev range. In manual mode, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS holds gears, even at redline or during kick-down, granting the driver complete control via the steering-wheel paddle shifters.
The momentary ‘M’ mode offers a unique blend of manual performance and automatic convenience. Drivers can manually shift gears using the paddles, but if no input is detected, the transmission automatically reverts to automatic mode after a set period. Further enhancing refinement, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS features a dual-turbine torsional damper with a speed-sensitive centrifugal pendulum, effectively minimizing vibrations and improving passenger comfort.
AMG Adaptive Sports Suspension: Agility and Comfort
The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC embodies AMG’s racing heritage, delivering agility and sportiness honed over four decades of motorsport success. This exhilarating driving experience is rooted in the synergy of the permanent Performance all-wheel-drive system and the AMG Adaptive sports suspension. Featuring 3-stage adjustable dampers derived from the Mercedes-AMG C63, the suspension strikes a balance between exceptional agility and everyday usability.
At the heart of the AMG Adaptive sports suspension is a combination of uniquely engineered axle components with high aluminum content and electronically controlled shock absorbers offering three distinct damping stages. Drivers can tailor the benz c450‘s suspension setup at the touch of a button, choosing between comfortable long-distance cruising and maximum спортивность.
Technically sophisticated components define the AMG Adaptive sports suspension. The four-link front axle features specialized steering knuckles and load-bearing joints, optimized for rigidity. Increased negative camber on both axles enhances lateral dynamics. Body shell stiffening improves steering response, cornering feedback, and reduces tire noise. The elastokinematics of both axles are engineered for greater rigidity, resulting in enhanced precision, agility, and dynamics. Drivers benefit from reduced body roll, higher lateral acceleration, improved traction, and predictable neutral handling at the limit. The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC achieves a remarkable duality: a highly agile sports model that also provides the signature Mercedes-Benz long-distance comfort, thanks to optimized pull-rods and front-axle carrier mounts.
Performance All-Wheel Drive: Optimal Traction
The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC utilizes the Performance all-wheel-drive system, a proven technology shared with other high-performance AMG models. This system ensures exceptional grip during acceleration, effectively minimizing wheel slip. For thrilling driving dynamics, the system distributes 33 percent of the engine’s power to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear axle, creating a rear-biased torque split that enhances agility around the vehicle’s vertical axis. The sportier calibration of the ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist further contributes to this enhanced agility, translating to superior lateral dynamics and cornering performance.
Steering and Braking: Dynamic Control
The electro-mechanical speed-sensitive sports steering in the benz c450 AMG 4MATIC promotes precise line tracking and a dynamic driving style. The direct and consistent AMG-specific steering ratio, along with optimized tuning and response, contributes to agile handling. Steering effort is electronically adjusted based on vehicle speed, and steering characteristics are further refined by the selected drive program. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes deliver a sportier steering feel, while “Eco” and “Comfort” offer a more relaxed steering experience. The “Individual” program allows drivers to customize steering and suspension settings independently.
The sports braking system of the benz c450 AMG 4MATIC provides reliable and fade-free stopping power. Ventilated brake discs at all four corners, measuring 14.2 inches at the front and 12.6 inches at the rear, along with gray brake calipers featuring “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, are standard equipment.
AMG Design: Expressive Sportiness
The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC visually embodies the thrill of motor racing in everyday driving. As an AMG sports model, it immediately conveys its membership within the AMG family through distinctive design elements, including AMG body styling, light-alloy wheels, and a special AMG badge on the front fenders. These elements underscore the brand’s progressive nature and performance focus. The engine cover features a red aluminum insert, highlighting the potency of the new twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.
The AMG body styling encompasses a front bumper with sporty air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, and a matte iridium silver diffuser insert in the rear bumper. The sedan model includes a separation edge on the trunk lid to enhance rear axle grip.
Silver chrome and high-gloss black exterior accents lend the benz c450 AMG 4MATIC a sporty and expressive character. The radiator grille features a high-gloss black louver and chrome inserts, while the diamond grille with chrome pins adds a touch of flair. Additional highlights include black exterior mirror housings, high-gloss black waistline trim and window frames, and dual chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements. The optional Night package further enhances the sporty aesthetic with high-gloss black front bumper trim, a high-gloss black diffuser-look rear insert, and black chrome-plated tailpipe trim.
Standard 5-spoke black AMG light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish complete the design. The benz c450 is fitted with size 225/45 R 18 tires on 7.5 x 18 wheels at the front and 245/40 R 18 tires on 8.5 x 18 wheels at the rear. Optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels in various designs offer further personalization.
Interior: Exclusive and Sporty
The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC interior exudes exclusivity and sportiness. Premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship create a high-value and emotionally engaging environment.
MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery and a black MB-Tex trimmed instrument panel establish a sporty ambiance. MB-Tex extends to the upper body edges, armrests, door center panels, and center console. Red contrasting topstitching, designo red safety belts, and black floor mats with red edging add striking accents. Aluminum trim pieces with a light-tone longitudinal grain provide visual contrast on the instrument panel and doors.
Sports seats with AMG-specific upholstery and pronounced lateral support offer both long-distance comfort and secure support during dynamic cornering. The 3-spoke Nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with a flat bottom complements the sporty handling, featuring red contrasting topstitching, molded grip areas, steering-wheel paddle shifters, and silver chrome trim. The instrument cluster, in typical AMG fashion, features sporty “checkered flag” dials, a 175 mph speedometer scale, red needles, and unique typography.
Standard Equipment Highlights of the Benz 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
Optional AMG Extras (excerpt):
- 19-inch light-alloy wheels in various designs and finishes
- Performance seats
- designo leather seat upholstery
- Leather seat upholstery
- Carbon-fiber/aluminum trim with light-tone longitudinal-grain
Intelligent Drive: Top-Tier Safety
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes making top-class safety accessible to all. The benz c450 AMG 4MATIC upholds this commitment by incorporating many of the advanced assistance systems also found in the S-Class. Standard features include enhanced ATTENTION ASSIST and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which helps mitigate rear-end collisions. These systems enhance both comfort and safety, building upon the already impressive passive safety performance of the previous C-Class model, setting new benchmarks in safety standards.
