Generation next C-Class AMG
The performance version of the C-Class also benefits from these upgrades and gets a performance boost as well. The AMG 3-litre V6 biturbo engine now produces 390bhp with torque remaining at 520Nm from 2,500rpm up to 5,000rpm. Acceleration is also quicker with 100kmph coming up in 4.7 seconds with the top speed still being limited to 250kmph.
Once again, on the outside the changes are minimal but the front is more expressive with a wider grille and the twin-blades in matt iridium silver instead of the earlier single blade grille and larger vents in the apron and a lower looking and visually better planted front. On the rear in addition to the new tail lamp design there are the round twin tailpipes another new addition. On the inside are new AMG seats with the same pneumatic functions as on the C200, a new generation of AMG steering wheels as well as a new looking interior. Even the digital display now has new AMG graphic visuals with the AMG display on the HUD as well.
The car gets a whole lot of systems that have been improved from before including Dynamic Select that has a new slippery mode for winter conditions with ice or snow on the road. This is combined with the AMG 4Matic All Wheel Drive System on the C43 with a rear biased torque distribution split of 31 to 69 per cent that improves traction and performance.
Despite the addition of the AWD system the overall weight of the car remains nearly the same thanks to reduction in weight all around including from the new aerodynamic design lightweight alloy wheels.
much like in the S-Class. The 10-inch infotainment display is not a touchscreen though.
Under the bonnet of the C200 is the biggest change with a new series of petrol engines making their debut in the C-Class. The 1.5-litre engine is not only turbocharged with a twin-scroll turbo but also features a belt-driven starter generator (BSG) driven off a separate 48-volt electric system. The BSG not only recuperates energy when required (up to 12kW) and saves it to a Lithium-ion battery housed under the bonnet but also provides up to 14bhp of boost when required. With this system, starting the engine is almost noiseless and vibration-free getting rid of the irritating shudder each time the car starts after the start/stop system switches off the engine. The C200 does not feel underpowered in the slightest as the 1.5-litre engine provides 184bhp of max power and 280Nm of torque across a 1,000rpm band starting from 3,000rpm. Adding to that is the boost provided by the BSG system. The interiors of the C-Class are now classy and modern and the car feels much more comfortable than before and has the option of adjustable damping as well. The top speed of the C200 is well over 200kmph and acceleration to 100kmph is also impressive, being under 8 seconds the car is fun to drive and one could never guess that it’s a 1.5-litre engine under the bonnet.
The C-Class now gets upgraded camera and radar systems with a forward vision for up to 500m and in 3D for 90m. The result is an autonomous driving system that works better than most others and nearly as good as the latest one on the S-Class. In fact, safety and assistance systems are now closer to S-Class level and the car even changes lanes and overtakes at the touch of an indicator. How many of these advanced systems will be available in India remains to be seen?