New C Class, opinions?

[niva441]

I've found the configuarator misses a few options. I almost didn't go look at a car as according to the configurator the spec I wanted wasn't possible.

[oop north]

hammerrr7 said:

I hope they make a diesel C400. I currently have the C350 CDI and it's perfect for me; V6 returning 40+MPG so looking for the same again.

If they do, it'll be a clear cut upgrade for me.

There is no published intention to deliver anything between the 250 diesel and the 450 announced today, sadly

[btcc123]

I thought the recently announced C450 was a twin turbo V6 petrol engine so sits between the petrol C200 and the C63.

[RBrown]

btcc123 said:

I thought the recently announced C450 was a twin turbo V6 petrol engine so sits between the petrol C200 and the C63.

You are correct. Due to be out in June! But details patchy!

[btcc123]

Its one of a range of cars that AMG are making to sit between the run of the mill AMG line cars and the full blown AMG models like the C63.

The first one announced was the CLA450 4Matic and the second is this one the C450.

Permanent four wheel drive,extra boost for the twin turbo V6 petrol engine,reworked gearbox,improved steering,similar suspension components to a full blown Amg car so had the once over by the full AMG guys.Priced about 39k and available in saloon and estate.

Available from June 2015

[Sheepshanks]

btcc123 said:

..
Permanent four wheel drive,...

Available from June 2015

I've yet to see an plausible explanation of how they're going to do this (in RHD).

[gizlaroc]

They already offer it in Ireland.

[gizlaroc]

But then you can also order the C400 in Ireland too, just Mercedes UK and their stupid decision making that has kept the decent petrols and awd from the UK market.

[Sheepshanks]

gizlaroc said:

They already offer it in Ireland.

Hmmm...at a quick glance I see the C250 Bluetec with 4Matic. But it's not in the Ireland price list.

I remember the Ireland website showing 4Matic E Class a while ago and MB said it was a mistake.

[r129sl]

gizlaroc said:

But then you can also order the C400 in Ireland too, just Mercedes UK and their stupid decision making that has kept the decent petrols and awd from the UK market.

And Elegance specification. Not everyone wants their big petrol (or little diesel) dressed like a spiv. Many of us would like a comfortable and discreet specification teamed with a thumping big engine.

[oop north]

r129sl said:

And Elegance specification. Not everyone wants their big petrol (or little diesel) dressed like a spiv. Many of us would like a comfortable and discreet specification teamed with a thumping big engine.

I certainly would!

[niva441]

r129sl said:

And Elegance specification. Not everyone wants their big petrol (or little diesel) dressed like a spiv. Many of us would like a comfortable and discreet specification teamed with a thumping big engine.

I got the impression looking at what was available in the UK and Mercedes GB had abandoned it. I was looking into the possibility of getting a German spec car, with the option of non-oversized wheels and alternative interiors to coal hole black.

[gizlaroc]

I posted this in the c450 thread a few days ago...

gizlaroc said:

I loved the way the press videos of the new E Class were all from a car bathed in light leather in Elegance trim, but you couldn't actually order that in the UK.

My Avantgarde was woeful ride wise, the F11 5 series I swapped it for was in a different league comfort wise.

The C400 in Elegance trim would appeal to a lot of people I reckon, hopefully we will see the E400 available in that guise when it is released.

[Moosey47]

I test drove a C220 back in September (I think it was)
The car was pretty much as I had spec'd it on the configurator (approx £38k)
AMG line, Paladium silver, big wheels, Sports suspension (not air) pano roof etc.

My impressions were as follows:
Cabin
Generally it's a nice place to be.
The cabin environment was lovely although I felt the plastics on the centre console would mark easily and probably get scratched over time.
It was comfortable and the driving position was easily sorted to my liking (I'm an average 5'10)
Driving wise
The car made decent progress but the engine noise was a bit disappointing especially when pressing on.
The stability control was like an iron fist, you'd barely realise it was RWD apart from the fleeting nanosecond before the traction reigns in the "fun"
It cannot be disabled either.
Turn in was very good - even on greasy roads
The steering didn't seem all that consistent (electric variable rack)
Looks
It's all a bit subjective, but I really like how the AMG line cars look from every angle except the rear 3/4 but that's just me.

I was given the car for 2 hours. I brought it back after 1.
Told the sales rep I would struggle to hand over 38k for it when I know I can buy a used C63 for the same money - and that's what I'll be doing.

[scherzkeks]

btcc123 said:

Its one of a range of cars that AMG are making to sit between the run of the mill AMG line cars and the full blown AMG models like the C63.

The first one announced was the CLA450 4Matic and the second is this one the C450.

Permanent four wheel drive,extra boost for the twin turbo V6 petrol engine,reworked gearbox,improved steering,similar suspension components to a full blown Amg car so had the once over by the full AMG guys.Priced about 39k and available in saloon and estate.

Available from June 2015

Source? As I understand it's just an uprated engine + the ride control suspension (no thanks). The standard AMG sport pack cars already have an upgraded suspension and a quicker steering rack.

If one were being cynical, one might say they are just doing this in order to boost sales of the six cylinder model, since the 450 is now the only one available.

[Ved]

Looks like I'll be ordering one for the missus/baby/dog next month. Settled on a C250 AMG Line estate with Premium Plus and the 19" wheels in Obsidian Black.

I know what a previous poster means about the centre console and I'm pondering adding the black wood as it's far less likely to show up the wear and tear, although that obviously still leave the little touch pad to get battered. I too had the C220 for a bit frankly found it gutless but the 250 has a fair amount more torque and is a bit more refined so that'll be the best balance for us. I was also after a C63 but the costs were just too much as we wanted to pop a 10% deposit down and do PCP.

I've gone through Drive the deal and got what I think is a pretty good offer so it's just a case of fine tuning the spec before taking the plunge.

Out of interest what's everyone's thoughts on the Air-Balance Package. Sounds like a fancy air freshener to me mixed with snake oil...

[ManiacGT]

I test drove the c250 diesel estate recently. Very noisy engine in the cabin. I was shocked. I'm going petrol c200. Doubtless less mpg and punch but revs nicely with no agricultural rattle.

[Ved]

ManiacGT said:

I test drove the c250 diesel estate recently. Very noisy engine in the cabin. I was shocked. I'm going petrol c200. Doubtless less mpg and punch but revs nicely with no agricultural rattle.

Coming from my cars it's very quiet and restrained

[btcc123]

scherzkeks said:

Source? As I understand it's just an uprated engine + the ride control suspension (no thanks). The standard AMG sport pack cars already have an upgraded suspension and a quicker steering rack.

If one were being cynical, one might say they are just doing this in order to boost sales of the six cylinder model, since the 450 is now the only one available.

Autocar website,click on car news and you will have to go back about 9 or 10 pages to read the article.The photo is of a white C450 and has much more detail than I mentioned.

Yes its an existing Mercedes engine upgraded with more boost and been developed by the full works AMG staff and is a half way house between the run of the mill AMG line cars and the C62

[anonymous-user]

Moosey47 said:

I test drove a C220 back in September (I think it was)
The car was pretty much as I had spec'd it on the configurator (approx £38k)
AMG line, Paladium silver, big wheels, Sports suspension (not air) pano roof etc.

My impressions were as follows:
Cabin
Generally it's a nice place to be.
The cabin environment was lovely although I felt the plastics on the centre console would mark easily and probably get scratched over time.
It was comfortable and the driving position was easily sorted to my liking (I'm an average 5'10)
Driving wise
The car made decent progress but the engine noise was a bit disappointing especially when pressing on.
The stability control was like an iron fist, you'd barely realise it was RWD apart from the fleeting nanosecond before the traction reigns in the "fun"
It cannot be disabled either.
Turn in was very good - even on greasy roads
The steering didn't seem all that consistent (electric variable rack)
Looks
It's all a bit subjective, but I really like how the AMG line cars look from every angle except the rear 3/4 but that's just me.

I was given the car for 2 hours. I brought it back after 1.
Told the sales rep I would struggle to hand over 38k for it when I know I can buy a used C63 for the same money - and that's what I'll be doing.

Oh yes, you can disable the stability control and a C250 will leave black lines and hang it's tail out if you do.