The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Thread

Facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 Shown

Details of the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 coupe has been revealed ahead of the New York International Auto Show which kicks off this week. Check out the details…

We saw the facelifted C-Class at the Geneva Motor Show recently and now Mercedes-AMG will be showcasing the facelifted C63 coupe, sedan and cabriolet in New York this week and although the changes are subtle, they are effective.

Key changes

The most prominent visual change is the now standard Panamericana grille which beefs up the appearance significantly. The outer air inlets and front bumper have been designed while the rear twin tailpipes with high-gloss chrome trim and rear diffuser have also been reworked.

The interior has been refined and a new AMG steering wheel is standard.

As for the interior, a host of new trim and equipment will be offered on the AMG C63 range. The model benefits from a new flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and fitted with new Touch control buttons. A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster will be available as an option as well as heated and climatised AMG performance seats.

The AMG C63 is fitted with a 10.25 inch infotainment screen which takes care of communication and relays vehicle system information to the driver. The AMG menu provides additional information that will appeal to the performance-orientated driver and these include engine warm up, setup, G-force display, AMG Track Pace and engine data.

Engine power

Outputs remain the same but a new 9-speed automatic transmission is said to enhance the driving experience.

The biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine continues to do service under the bonnet and outputs remain the same as before. In the AMG C63, it will offer 350 kW and 650 Nm while the more powerful C63 S will pack 375 kW and 700 Nm.

The big news, however, is that the previous 7-speed automatic is now replaced with a new 9-speed, wet clutch automatic. Acceleration performance remains the same with the C63 sprinting from zero to 100 kph in 4.1 seconds and the C63 S being slightly quicker at 4.0 seconds. Merc says that response is quicker and that the multiple downshift function will allow for “spontaneous bursts of speed”. Manual gear changes can also be initiated using the steering mounted paddle shifters.

A total of 6 drive programs are offered including Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race and Individual.

An AMG sport exhaust system is fitted as standard on the AMG C63 while the AMG Performance Exhaust System will be offered as an option.

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2018 but the AMG C63 sedan, coupe and cabriolet variants can be expected early in 2019.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/facelifted-mercedes-amg-c63-shown/44799/
 
NEXT-GEN MERCEDES-AMG C63 WILL BE HYBRID ‘FOR SURE’…

The head of Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the next-generation version of the C63 – if it retains that moniker – will “for sure” feature a hybrid powertrain.

Speaking to CarAdvice after the reveal of the facelifted C63 in New York, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers hinted that this meant the angriest version of the C-Class could lose at least a couple of cylinders (from its 4,0-litre V8) in its next generation.

“I think the formula is perfect for now, but for sure we need to have a close look at viable alternatives, because we have to be creative and I’m chasing performance and that’s not strictly linked to the number of cylinders,” Moers told the Australian publication.

“If you apply proper intelligent hybridisation or electrification to a car which is capable of having an always-on strategy regarding the battery and the whole system, then it’s amazing what you can get out of them.

“Which means for sure the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 will be a hybrid – that’s now a given,” Moers confirmed.

The AMG boss furthermore hinted that the next C63 could go all-wheel drive (rather than the current rear-wheel-drive set-up), before asserting that Affalterbach would work hard to ensure the hybrid powertrain featured a worthy soundtrack.

“Obviously, if it runs electrical then there’s no AMG thunder. We are facing severe regulations, especially in Europe, but sound is very important for our customers, no doubt about that. However, I’m confident that we will find the right solution for that issue,” he told CarAdvice.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/next-gen-mercedes-amg-c63-will-hybrid-sure/
 
Mercedes-Benz C-Class c200 2018 review

Should I buy one?

If you were considering a C-Class of some description before, the case the car now makes for itself is much stronger. Whether that is still the case when refreshed rivals from BMW and Audi arrive in the coming months is another matter.

As far as the C200 driven here is concerned, there are reasons besides tax rates (particularly applicable to countries in which engine size is the determining factor) for buying one, although they may not be of primary concern to Autocar readers. This powertrain is at its inconspicuous best when you allow it to sit back and deliver dignified, undemanding progress, and free from exertion it can be refined with impressive economy figures.

Those figures still fall short of what you’ll achieve in one of this car’s massively improved diesel-powered siblings. And that’s the hitch. While still no match for BMW’s oil-burning efforts, Mercedes’ new diesel engines for the C-Class are creditably sonorous, refined and more flexible than before. Meanwhile, if you must have petrol, the C300 is a more convincing effort. In the UK, it leaves this mild hybrid as a clever curiosity, but little more.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 AMG Line specification

Where Germany Price £36,325 On sale now Engine 4 cyls, 1497cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 181bhp at 5800-6100rpm Torque 207lb ft at 3000-4000rpm Gearbox 9-spd automatic Kerb weight 1490kg Top speed 146mph 0-62mph 7.9sec Fuel economy 44.1mpg CO2 151g/km Rivals BMW 320i, Audi A4 2.0 TFSI, Jaguar XE I4 200PS

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...drives/mercedes-benz-c-class-c200-2018-review

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I was at a Merc dealership the other day and saw the latest C Class Coupe up close. Luckily i wasn't wearing boxer shorts, or it would gotten really weird, really fast:o

Beautiful cars.:love:
 
Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe 2018 review

Should I buy one?

That depends entirely on your priorities. If the coupe is the C43 you quite like and feel, finesse and fun are what really matter to you, it would be criminal not to at least try BMW’s upcoming M2 Competition. And, frankly, barring a catastrophic change of tack in Munich, there’s only going to be one winner there.

There’s more dynamic fat to chew with either of those machines than there is on Audi’s S5, however.

Catering more obliquely to the enthusiast mind-set, should you require a blend practicality, all-weather security and a heady dose of straight-up performance, the C43 starts to come into itself in saloon and estate guise.

As a grand-touring companion with something a special about it – and that could take a bit of everyday abuse and be more comfortable that you might imagine – this car still ticks plenty of boxes.

Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Coupé specification

Where Saarbrücken, Germany Price £49,675 On sale now Engine V6, 2996cc, twin-turbocharged petrol Power 385bhp @ 6100rpm Torque 383lb ft @ 2500-5000rpm Gearbox 9-spd auto Kerb weight 1490kg Top speed 155mph (limited) 0-62mph 4.7sec Fuel economy 30.4mpg CO2 213g/km Rivals BMW 440i, Jaguar XE S, Audi S5, Alpina B3S

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...st-drives/mercedes-amg-c-43-coupe-2018-review

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Trademark filing suggests Mercedes-AMG C53 is coming

Mercedes-Benz’s parent company Daimler has filed an application with the World Intellectual Property Organisation to trademark the “C53” badge, suggesting that a Mercedes-AMG C53 is very much on the cards.

As revealed by the folks over at AutoGuide, the Mercedes-AMG C53 is likely to share its powertrain with the E53 and CLS53, which means it will draw its urge from an electrified 3,0-litre petrol engine featuring a conventional exhaust gas turbocharger as well as an electric auxiliary compressor.

In these two models, the six-cylinder inline petrol unit generates 320 kW and 520 N.m, while its so-called “EQ Boost” starter-alternator “momentarily” adds 16 kW and 250 N.m, furthermore feeding the 48V on-board electrical system.

This rumoured new model would, of course, slot neatly between the 287 kW C43 and the 375 kW C63 S, with AutoGuide speculating that it could arrive in 2019.

Like the existing 53-badged models mentioned above, expect the Mercedes-AMG C53 to be visually distinguished by a twin-blade radiator grille, model-specific front apron design, AMG side-sills, new rear aprons and round exhaust tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/trademark-filing-suggests-mercedes-amg-c53-is-coming/
 
Facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Local Pricing Announced

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has received a number of tasteful updates. The refreshed C (produced at Benz's East London plant) should be launched in South Africa in August 2018. Take a look at what you can expect from the latest version, as well as pricing of selected derivatives.

Although the updates incorporated in the C-Class may be perceived as relatively minor, the Stuttgart-based brand claims the changes are the most significant in the history of its business class sedan range.

The C-Class’ exterior has been mildly tweaked and, apart from the almost obligatory revised bumpers, the sedan now features a single-bar diamond grille with Multibeam LED headlights (or Ultra Beam units, optionally available for the first time) and redesigned taillight clusters.

The interior, however, incorporates a host of new technologies including a new electronic architecture, which is said to be on par with that of the S-Class. A newly-designed steering wheel now affords access to more onboard and infotainment systems and the integrated control buttons respond to sweeps of the thumb. Most notably, an all-digital 12.3 instrument cluster will be available as an option.

Predictably, the infotainment system has been upgraded too, with a new 10.25-inch screen offered on high-end models with standard smartphone integration and a handful of new interior trim combinations.

You can also expect to see Intelligent Drive electronic assistance features, such as upgraded radar and camera systems, as well as semi-autonomous driving functionality on the options list.

Engine Choices:

As for engines, a new 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine makes its way into the C200. It produces 135 kW and 280 Nm of torque and is mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This mild hybrid offering is supplemented with a 48-volt onboard network and the EQ Boost integrated starter-generator that produces an additional 10 kW and 160 Nm at lower revs. The C200 will also be offered with all-wheel drive.

Meanwhile, a new-generation 2.0-litre turbopetrol (with outputs of around 220 kW and 400 Nm) is also expected and on the diesel front, a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel (with outputs of 143 kW and 400 Nm of torque) will be offered in the C220d.

The range-topping Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic boasts a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine with outputs of 287 kW (17 kW more than before), with the same torque figure of 520 Nm of torque. Benz claims the C43 4Matic will sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds.

Local pricing

Production of the facelifted C-Class is due to start in July 2018 with local introduction expected almost immediately thereafter. Local pricing for certain models has been announced on the manufacturer's website. Prices includes a 6-year/100 000 km maintance plan.

C180 - R586 500

C200 - R613 500

C220d - R651 000

C300 - R716 000

AMG C43 4Matic - R948 500

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/facelifted-mercedes-benz-c-class-local-pricing-announced/44620/
 
Pricing for facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan revealed

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has revealed pricing for its facelifted C-Class sedan range (which is, of course, built in East London), with the local line-up comprising five derivatives at launch.

According to the configurator on the Stuttgart-based brand’s local website (click through to check out all the options), the refreshed C-Class sedan range kicks off with the C180 for R586 500 (excluding CO2 emissions tax). The carried-over 1,6-litre turbocharged petrol engine powering this entry-level model still sends 115 kW to the rear wheels, but now does so via a new nine-speed automatic transmission.

Next up is the C200 (R613 500), which employs a new-generation turbocharged 1,5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit worth 135 kW and 280 N.m (replacing the old 135 kW/300 N.m 2,0-litre of the outgoing model), again mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The only diesel model at launch, meanwhile, is the C220d, which starts at R651 000. This model’s 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel heart (replacing the old 125 kW/400 N.m 2,1-litre oil-burner) sends 143 kW and 400 N.m to the rear axle via (wait for it) a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The dash to three figures takes a claimed 6,9 seconds (and top speed is listed as 240 km/h), while claimed fuel economy is a mere 4,4 L/100 km.

And the C300? Well, this one will set you back R716 000 before you’ve ticked any options boxes, and comes fitted with a turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (with a nine-speed auto) packing 190 kW and facilitating a claimed 5,9-second sprint to three figures.

The final facelifted model listed on the local configurator is the refreshed Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic (the updated C63 S flagship is scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2018). This derivative starts at R948 500 and benefits from a little more oomph that before. Its 3,0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine now delivers 287 kW (up 17 kW from the 270 kW in the pre-facelift model) and an unchanged 520 N.m, which Affalterbach says is enough for an unchanged 0-100 km/h time of 4,7 seconds.

Pricing (excluding CO2 emissions tax):

Mercedes-Benz C180: R586 500
Mercedes-Benz C200: R613 500
Mercedes-Benz C220d: R651 000
Mercedes-Benz C300: R716 000
Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic: R948 500

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/pricing-for-facelifted-mercedes-benz-c-class-sedan-revealed/
 
2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S: 5 Key Changes

We've just returned from the international launch of the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The official embargo lifts this week, but we'll give you a quick taste of what's changed.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S has been facelifted and we got the chance to drive the newcomer on public roads, de-restricted autobahn and on the technical track at Bilster Berg. While it may appear that Mercedes-AMG has simply changed the grille, the truth is that there are many changes that have occurred under the skin, with the aim of enhancing the C63 S dynamically and technologically. The facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 S will land in South Africa before the end of the year. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

New 9-speed transmission

The 7G-Tronic transmission has been replaced by the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, which is a 9-speed unit, as opposed to a 7-speed. MCT stands for Multi-Clutch Technology and what this simply means is it's more efficient and more responsive. For those wanting more technical detail, the conventional torque converter from before is replaced by a compact wet start-up clutch which is immersed in an oil bath, hence the term "wet clutch".

New digital dashboard

Mercedes-AMG has introduced a 12.3-inch instrument cluster for the C63 S. It looks very similar to that found in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is a system we're big fans of. The graphics are crisp and modern, and customisable with three themes. You can further tweak the data displayed and choose what information is critical for your drive. Some may fancy seeing engine data such as gearbox temperature and turbocharger boost, while others may prioritise navigation and audio information.

New advanced steering wheel

There's a new-look AMG steering wheel for the Mercedes-AMG C63. Wrapped in soft Nappa with yellow stitching (there's an option for sexy carbon fibre too), it looks and feels the part. The key changes are the inclusion of two controllers, which can be configured to change engine modes, active exhaust, modify traction control settings and more. Critically, these two controllers keep the driver's hands on the steering wheel. The Blackberry-style navigation buttons from the E- and S-Class have also found their way into the C63.

Race telemetry

For the track fanatics, Mercedes-AMG has introduced AMG Track Pace app. It's available as an option, but we'll see if Mercedes-Benz SA brings it in as standard. It comprises most of the world's greatest race tracks such as Nürburgring or Spa Francorchamps, but you do have the option of recording your own race circuits. The AMG Track Pace system will record over 80 sets of data 10 times per second. Data such as speed, braking, G-forces, acceleration are all logged, plus the car will save lap and sector times. Using this data, you'll be able to improve your times and driving skills. Cleverly, the car's GPS works with AMG Track Pace to work out the car's position so it knows when the track has been shortened. You'll also be able to measure acceleration and deceleration performance, and the app can record 0-100 kph, quarter mile and 100-0 kph.

Panamericana grille

Visually, there are a few changes to the exterior of the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The highlight is what you see here, the Panamericana grille. First seen on the Mercedes-AMG GT R, it's now on most of the modern AMG models, SUVs included. It looks epic for the C63 S coupe, particularly when combined with one of the striking matte paint finishes. Other visual tweaks include new-look exhaust tips, new alloy wheels, rear diffuser and tail lamps.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/2019-mercedes-amg-c63-s-5-key-changes/45310/
 
DRIVEN: MERCEDES-AMG C63 S SEDAN SPEEDSHIFT-MCT 9G

Bad Driburg, GERMANY – When it comes to German high-performance offerings in the compact executive segment, the burly V8 is something of a dying breed. Indeed, BMW and Audi have both played the downsizing game (the current M3 and RS5 employ six-cylinder units) and it’s all-but-confirmed that the next-generation version of Affalterbach’s flagship C-Class will ditch its twin-turbo V8 in favour of a more efficient mill with few cylinders.

But until that day rolls round, Benz fanatics will be able to gorge themselves on this updated C63 S, which still boasts the full-fat, twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8. While the eight-pot’s outputs are unchanged at 375 kW and 700 N.m of torque, the super-sedan has gained a new Speedshift-MCT 9G transmission with a wet start-off clutch, which replaces the previous seven-speed version. Other updates include the addition of an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential and a nine-step traction control first seen in the Mercedes-AMG GT R, as well as tweaks to the adaptive dampers and AMG dynamic control system.

The first thing you’ll likely notice, though, is that this facelift has gifted the C63 S the Stuttgart-based brand’s latest Panamericana grille, which replaces the diamond design and sees the range-topping C-Class mimic its larger siblings. The result is a more aggressive look up front as opposed to the slightly softer, more luxurious visage of the previous model. Few other changes have been made to the exterior.

Inside, though, it’s a different story. Here you’ll find an updated infotainment system (unfortunately not including the latest MBUX set-up) as well as an optional digital cockpit with customisable layouts. The new-generation steering wheel, which debuted in the facelifted S-Class, is also present, complete with additional buttons and switches incorporating clever little colour displays.

On the right of the tiller, for instance, you’ll find a rotary switch for the driving modes (which doubles as a controller for the nine-step traction system), while the active damping and exhaust note can be manipulated using buttons on the left. The new switches and their integrated LCDs are satisfying to use and add a sporty element to the cabin, doing a fine job of making the driver feel as though they’re at the helm of a proper racing car.

While the V8 is untouched, the adoption of that new nine-speed transmission and electronic rear diff allows the driver to tap into some characteristics that previously weren’t accessible. For example, while the pre-facelift C63 S was defined by its brutish persona, the resulting eagerness of its rear wheels to spin meant its performance figures never quite matched those of the BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde in the real world. Thanks to a little more electronic intervention, that furious nature has been slightly softened in the updated model, with the new transmission providing a smoother progression of power to the rear. This change in character is most marked when it comes to in-gear acceleration, where suddenly booting it from 60 km/h has become a far more manageable experience.

When piloting the C63 S in manual mode, you’ll find yourself constantly upshifting thanks to the addition of those two extra cogs. Gearing down, though, is now a little more user-friendly thanks to a multiple downshift function that automatically selects an appropriate lower gear when the driver holds down the left paddle. This delivers a satisfying rev-matched downshift accompanied by the obligatory pops and bangs from the exhaust system.

There’s also a new feature in the dynamic select programme that alters the electronic stability control and rear axle torque vectoring (depending on the chosen driving mode), which Mercedes-AMG claims renders the C63 S more agile through the bends. Essentially, the system extracts readings from throttle inputs, steering angle and yaw rate and provides the required traction to the wheels. It may sound like a generic addition, but in the narrow, windy country roads of Bad Driburg, I certainly appreciated the improved composure through high-speed bends. Still, the C63 S remains a challenge to drive near its limit, but that limit has now been pushed just a little further.

The nine-step traction control system, however, does come across as a bit of a gimmick. If you spend plenty of time at the race track, you might appreciate the ability to incrementally alter the level of slip on offer, but in an everyday setting this simply feels like a feature that will go largely unused. In the C63 S, despite its performance car credentials, such a system simply doesn’t feel nearly as necessary as it does in the GT R.

Ultimately, though, the V8-powered C63 S is certainly a very special piece of machinery that will continue to win the hearts of many in its battle against the M3. The changes made to this updated model may appear minor, but when experienced together they help to make this performance car feel more refined and user-friendly than before. While the C63 S is still clearly a challenge to master from behind the wheel, drivers will no doubt feel more confident attempting to do so thanks to the under-the-skin alterations. Expect it to reach South Africa by the fourth quarter of 2018.

On the launch we also had access to the coupé, cabriolet and station wagon. Below are are some short impressions of each of these models:

Coupé:

The Coupé, seen here in a graphite grey body colour, comes across as a little more aggressive than the sedan in the metal. From behind the wheel, though, it doesn’t feel all that different from its four-door sibling, but through hard cornering it does seem slightly more rigid. Despite there being few differences between the coupé and the sedan, there’s a feeling of added driver engagement when at the helm of the two-door variant.

Cabriolet:

I found the drop-top V8 to be both the most entertaining and the most nerve-racking of the four models. Cruising through the German country roads with the top down allowed me to enjoy the sound of the V8 more so than in the hard-topped variants (although it also meant I had to endure the smell of cow manure coming from various farms). Interestingly, though, the cabriolet feels a little more difficult to handle, likely thanks to the decreased structural rigidity that comes with lopping off the roof.

Station wagon:

Undoubtedly the star of the show for me, the C63 S station wagon is a luxury that we will sadly not experience here in South Africa. With all of the best qualities of the sedan as well as the benefit of having extra luggage space (and an arguably more resolved rear design), you score a hair-raising muscle car with enough room for you and the dogs.

Fast Facts

Model:Mercedes-AMG C63 S sedan
Price:TBA
Engine:4,0-litre, V8, twin-turbo
Power:375 kW @ 5 500 - 6 250 r/min
Torque:700 N.m @ 2 000 - 4 500 r/min
0-100 km/h:4,0 seconds
Top Speed:290 km/h
Fuel Consumption:9,9 L/100 km
CO2:227 g/km
Transmission:Nine-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan:TBC

http://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driven-mercedes-amg-c63-s-sedan-speedshift-mct-9g/
 
Not a big fan of the rear lights lately.

The bmw 645ci has nice lights
 
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