Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4Matic: Driven

Mercedes' new AMG sub-brand debuts with a 367hp four-wheel drive C-Class - PH takes a drive

Back when we first drove the new W205 generation C-Class we entertained ourselves on a launch event populated with four-cylinder diesels by jumping in a twin-turbo V6, confidently predicting such a model would never make it to the UK. Thankfully we were dead wrong.

PH fast wagon bias further reinforced

The C450 AMG 4Matic is that car with bells on and will be sold in the UK, giving the C-Class a mid-way sporting model between the 'civilian' range and full-on AMG version. Think of it as Mercedes' equivalent to 'S' Audis or M Performance BMWs and you get the idea, AMG offering just enough technical and marketing garnish to elevate it above the hoi polloi without treading on the toes of its own senior product.

Big news for this car is an upgrade over the 333hp of the C400 we drove on that launch event to a more than satisfactory 367hp - same as a C55 AMG of a couple of generations ago, fact spotters. 122.5hp per litre in a 'junior' performance product is pretty astonishing too. Being twin turbo it's also got bags of torque - 383lb ft - and will clock a sub-five 0-62 while recording official figures of 178g/km and 37.1mpg (180g/km and 36.6mpg for the wagon). Oh, and it finally brings Mercedes' long-standing 4Matic four-wheel drive to a UK market C-Class. And this is AMG-lite?

Steering and suspension also get AMG touch

Don't call me junior
Up to a point, yes. And it's more than just a souped up engine, featuring C63-inspired aluminium suspension components with beefed up steering knuckles, increased negative camber front and back and firmer mounting bushings to improve response. Three-stage adjustable AMG Ride Control dampers also feature. It also gets the C63's linear ratio steering rack in place of the progressive one of the standard car.

Aesthetically and practically speaking in estate form it makes for an especially appealing package, albeit against some pretty accomplished competition in the shape of the widely acclaimed 333hp Audi S4 and unexpectedly impressive 350hp Volvo V60 Polestar. The 306hp BMW 335i and 340hp Jaguar XE S would likely be on the same shopping list too. Other than the BMW and Jag all are four-wheel drive, all use forced induction six-cylinder engines and have automated gearbox options - an S Tronic dual-clutch in the Audi, six-speed slusher in the Volvo, seven-speed auto in the Mercedes and the all conquering eight-speed ZF automatic in the BMW and Jaguar.

Yes, it's got 'that' tablet style display...

Four-wheel drive aside the gearbox is a key difference between the C450 and C63 - though the latter also uses a version of the seven-speed gearbox it is connected to the engine by an automated wet clutch while the C450 uses a more traditional torque converter. This means an immediate softening of the power delivery and a more refined driving experience, as you'd expect of a non-AMG Mercedes.

Two sides to every story
There is decently responsive manual control if you want it via the paddles and, indeed, the mode-based transformation from wafty cruiser into something more aggressive is probably more dramatic than the AMG, which is pretty burly in its base setting. In Eco or Comfort modes the C450 feels like a fast Mercedes and is quiet, comfortable and understated. But nudge the rocker switch to Sport+ and it really comes alive, the steering firming up noticeably and the exhaust suddenly emitting ripples of contrived bangs and pops on the overrun. The engine sounds louder and more assertive too but, as AMG boss Tobias Moers confesses, has some help via the speakers. Not something you'll find in a full AMG model on his watch.

367hp twin-turbo V6 is punchy and smooth

As we found recently in the E400 it's very much a new-school direct-injected petrol and a little gruff and dieselly at low revs. But once it spins up it's a lot smoother and more pleasant than the current BMW turbo sixes and proves itself keen to rev out. It's strong too, boost picking up quickly and the power delivery rarely caught off guard. On the road it feels every bit as rapid as the numbers suggest while never threatening to steal the thunder of the '63.

Though rear-biased to the tune of 33:67 the four-wheel drive system makes the C450 resolutely neutral through corners where the C63 would be starting to transition into oversteer at comparable speeds. While we tested it on dry Portuguese roads you get the impression it would feel similarly secure on greasy winter ones back home, adding to the sense this is a fast car you can enjoy in all conditions. It also feels agile and nimble, which is some achievement given it's not a small car. The steering is light and positive, with more feel than the equivalent Audi but a more natural heft than the artificially weighty 3 Series. Here, and in damping feel, Mercedes has consistently bettered its German equivalents in recent years and even with four-wheel drive there's no noticeable corruption in steering feel.

Fine balance of sensible and speedy

AMG lite or Mercedes plus?
The interior is a lot more lavish in design, technology and ambience than the rather severe previous generation C-Class. Yes, it's got that controversial tablet-style screen seemingly tacked on top of the dashboard but Mercedes maintains this puts the information into the driver's eyeline and means the dash height in general can be reduced.

With the fleet friendly numbers, all-weather security and performance that would shame a full-fat AMG of just a couple of generations ago the C450 is a very appealing package. It won't scare the neighbours/domestic harmony/office car park and is a properly refined place to cover big miles. But on those occasions when you have the car to yourself it's also more than capable of putting a quiet grin on your face and carrying serious cross-country pace.

We'll have to wait though. LHD markets will get the car almost immediately but it won't arrive in the UK until next year, with pricing to be confirmed. For context an S4 Avant is £39,865 and a 335i Touring M Sport is £38,295 - the fully loaded V60 Polestar is just shy of £50K. Place your bets...

MERCEDES-BENZ C450 AMG 4MATIC
Engine: 2,996cc V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 7-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 367@5,500-6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 383@2,000-4,200rpm
0-62mph: 4.9sec (Estate 5.0sec)
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 1,615kg (Estate 1,690kg, both to EU without driver)
MPG: 37.1mpg (Estate 36.6mpg, both NEDC combined)
CO2: 178g/km (Estate 180g/km
Price: TBC