Mercedes-Benz is digging into its excellent C-class model, expanding the forms it takes with a new coupe version and a station wagon of its C63 AMG. Good times are in store for C-class buyers.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Taking a cue from how BMW markets its 3-series, Mercedes-Benz is expanding the model variations of its C-class. Launched as a small sedan, the C-class can be had as a wagon, as an AMG performance car, and now a coupe.
From the front, this car looks like the standard rip snorting pile of power that is the C63 AMG. The front air dam is unique to the AMG version of the C-class, but the roof rails tell another story.
Yes, this car has the homely profile of a wagon, with side windows stretching back to a D pillar. But underneath, it is laden with Mercedes-Benz's latest performance gear from the AMG tuner division, such as the 457 horsepower V-8.
To emphasize the practicality of this monster, Mercedes-Benz fits the rear area with cargo rails. The divider net will come in handy when a month's worth of pet supplies are bouncing off the sides and ceiling.
Although there might be boxes of clothes heading for the Goodwill donation center in the cargo area, the front, with its seriously bolstered seats, feels like AMG.
The steering wheel has a flat bottom, which means the car is supposed to be cornered hard. And the AMG logo on the instrument cluster reminds that this car really is Superman hiding in a Clark Kent disguise.
Mercedes-Benz updated the AMG gear in this C63 wagon, using knowledge gained from SLS AMG development. That means a refined seven-speed gearbox and better suspension tuning. A knob by the shifter lets the driver choose different modes. We assume the S means scary, and the S+ means change your underwear.
