2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: C63 Debut

[Omnis]

I'd rather take the vectra, looks-wise. I just can't see how this:

is an improvement over this:



and the same goes for the back...


I'm glad we have the good-looking C55. Screw the C63's new engine if it's going to look as ugly as it is.

 

[YSSMAN]

I like the new C. Given that much of its design is obviously influenced by the wonderful CLS and S-classes, this car looks pretty damn good to me. But now that Casio posted the pics comparing the C-class to the CTS, they do look somewhat similar both inside and out. Funny, ha ha, the CTS' steering wheel looks more expensive than the one in the Merc...

 

[Robin]

One line......

MERCEDES IS GOING BACK IT ITS HIGHLY SUCESSFUL 80'S ANGULAR SIMPLE STYLING....

Alot of companies are going back to square and streamlining..... look at BMW with the new 7 series...

I love the new CL..... obviously they are copying the style from that one for the whole range... very grown up and very 80's mafia!

Robin

 

[Omnis]

The CL is the worst of all. It looks like a ford.

 

[Jim Prower]

I like the C-class....and am hoping for an Evo II version

Seriously, it resembles the infamous 190E, and with a big square rear wing and fender flares, would look like the Evo II car that dominated DTM 'till the 155 came.

Just gimme a I-4, turbocharged, light AMG bodywork, squared-off wing, and a 6-speed. I luff it forever.

 

[GT Pro]

But now that Casio posted the pics comparing the C-class to the CTS, they do look somewhat similar both inside and out. Funny, ha ha, the CTS' steering wheel looks more expensive than the one in the Merc...

Damn, I must of missed that post... where is it again?

As for the steering wheel comparison, the CTS' interior is a step above everything in the C-class imo, especially the high-lighted centre console, (Perfectly fits in with Cadillac's style).

Although I must say, Mercedes' have always had nice door-rests. (That's probably the only thing I like about the new C-class)

 

[Robin]

The CL is the worst of all. It looks like a ford.

Maybe Fords in america, I see what your saying you mean it kind of looks like Fusion type stuff...... but no european Fords look anything like that and thats where most Mercs are going to be sold..... I really love the clean lines on it..... very nice! Obviously Merc know what they are doing so.....

 

[Danoff]

I'd rather take the vectra, looks-wise. I just can't see how this:

is an improvement over this:



and the same goes for the back...


I'm glad we have the good-looking C55. Screw the C63's new engine if it's going to look as ugly as it is.

Those pictures prove it quite nicely, the old C > New C.

 

[Appie]

Im starting to like the new C and i heard that there gonna use this car for DTM isn't it?

 

[YSSMAN]

Damn, I must of missed that post... where is it again?

Ooops. I'm not sure why I screwed that one up...

 

[niky]

I think there's too much going on. It has a Lexus level of fussyness. To me, Mercs have always had clean styling - this is just too much.

+1... exactly my point on page one... c'mon, people, Altezza... don't get me wrong, the Altezza is a nice little shape, but for a brand new Merc to look like a decade old Lexus?

Oh, it's not exact, but it's too close to be funny.

 

[harrytuttle]

I'm not liking Mercedes' design direction any more than BMW's. Mercedes is going off on this angled/curved thing (broad curves meeting at sharp angles), and BMW went all organic-ish. None of it is an improvement by any means. Only Audi seems to have their act together, simply enhancing the relatvely simplistic design from previous generations.

Why manufacturers feel the need to turn 90 degrees in their design evolution is beyond me. Especially when they have -- well, had -- a well-accepted, nicely styled lineup.

 

[Slicks]

I'm going to do some blatant advertising, here...
Visit PSC Weekly 142. We're doing this car.
Make the headlights wonky, or add a bodykit and wheels. Have some fun with it, or just come check out other entries!

[/shamelessplug]

 

[JohnBM01]

YSSMAN, I love Mercedes-Benz. It is perhaps my favorite German make besides BMW (also love Audi). This new C-Class looks to be much bolder up front than some of the other models. I don't think I saw this car at the Houston Auto Show this past weekend. I always say that bold is cool as long as the entire package is wonderful. Mercedes-Benz doesn't make too many ugly cars (at least what I consider ugly). The styling up front is bold, yet stylish. It isn't Dodge bold, but it's still almost everything you'd expect from Mercedes-Benz- stylish, lustful, powerful, and capable. I don't think the rear looks all that bad. I think ANY Mercedes-Benz should be in Brilliant Silver. Brilliant Silver on Mercedes-Benz models is like British Racing Green for most British sports cars.

Out of 100% approval, I give the C-Class 95% approval. This should be fun.

 

[YSSMAN]

** UPDATE **

Mercedes is going full throttle on replacing aging models with their respective successors, and here is proof this goes for the C-Class Sportcoupe as well.

These pictures were taken in northern Sweden, and they show the new Sportcoupe for the first time ever.

Although the new Sportcoupe will mimic the design of the brand-new 2008 C-Class sedan, the upcoming coupe is actually built around the mechanics of the existing model – based on the chassis of the outgoing C‑class. The basic concept of the car – short coupé with huge tailgate – will remain unchanged, too.

DaimlerChrysler had planned to scrap the Sportcoupe all together, but upper management decided the model should be kept at the last minute.

Like with the outgoing model, buyers will have the option between the four-cylinder C180 (156 bhp, compressor), the C200 (184 bhp, compressor), a six-cylinder C230 (204 bhp) or the C350 (272 bhp). New offerings might include a C280 V6 delivering 231 horsepower and diesel enthusiasts might prefer the C200 CDI (136 bhp) or C220 CDI (170 bhp).

Cool? Yes and no. I wasn't much of a fan of the previous model, but given the more coupe-like proportions of this one as compared to the coupe/hatch hybrid of it's predecessor, I have high hopes for the car. Although the sweet-spot will likely be the C350, I'd be more than happy with a C200 BluTec, in a metallic blue. Will it be better than the 3-series coupe? My doubts are high, but an interesting car no-less.

 

[ND4SPD]

I'm still not quite a fan of the Coupe. It can look nice at certain angles but can look butt ugly from other angles.Of course, an AMG model could change my mind.

 

[Philly]

From what I gathered, the old coupé was nothing spectacular. Let's hope this one is a great car. Some of the proportions look a bit akward, but the camo might just be doing that. An AMG would be sweet, though.

 

[YSSMAN]

Who likes their C-classes with a bit more power?

Mercedes has taken the wraps off its 2008 C 63 AMG — the most potent version of its new C-Class sedan. The car delivers a whopping 457 horsepower, putting it comfortably ahead of BMW's all-new M3.

In typical AMG fashion, the C63 features large performance-oriented tires and wheels, an aggressive bodykit, a much sportier interior, and suspension and chassis improvements.

The sprint to 62 mph takes a scant 4.5 seconds according to Mercedes — and that's likely a conservative estimate: real world acceleration is typically even quicker than claimed times.

Maximum torque of 443 pound-feet comes at 5000 rpm. The torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap — ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

A new seven-speed AMG automatic transmission with paddle shifting provides a wide range of driving modes. The different modes are "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual). Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50 percent faster in "M" mode.

The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed.

The new front axle has a 35-millimetre wider track – visible by the more widely flared wheel arches – and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering.

The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimeter discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is handled by 330 x 26-millimeter discs with four-piston fixed callipers.

The Electronic Stability Program offers a variety of settings. In "ESP ON" mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates "ESP SPORT". In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF," whereby there is no intervention.

I've got high hopes for this car. With the radical performance changes with the CLK63 and the E63, you have to hope that the C63 will simply be amazing. The power seems to be about right, of course, largely depending on the weight of the car.

The wild card? Yep. Still the CTS-V.

 

[Keef]

Wow. The regular C sucks, but this one looks convincingly and appropriately mean. It looks very powerful, and is, and I'm sure it'll do more than go fast and straight. But it's an automatic.

 

[YSSMAN]

Automatic or not, I think the 7GTRONIC has proven to be a pretty handy device, even for a slushbox. Take the version found in the CLK Black Series, and you'll see why; Lightning fast shifts, doing as master says, and overall adaptability to meet the demands of the driver (be it gentle shifts, or full-blown race stuff).

I can't wait for Mercedes to make a Black Series version of this car. It should be amazing!

 

[Bram Turismo]

Is that the AMG model?!

I'm quite impressed, AMG has turned that dull looking C-class into a monster! Wow, just wow...But what up with all the gearing things? We don't need that much technology...like...a normal manual 6-speed would do it...

 

[Omnis]

Wow. The regular C sucks, but this one looks convincingly and appropriately mean. It looks very powerful, and is, and I'm sure it'll do more than go fast and straight. But it's an automatic.

An automatic that hauls. The gearbox on the C55 was impressive already. I don't think my dad would own the car if it wasn't. This new gearbox blows the face off of the old one.

I hated the new C-class, but this one looks fresh. My only wish is that they would've kept the triangle tail lights of the C55 or something at least more reminiscent.

Still, you can't say anything bad about AMG for making a lame car look good.

 

[Jim Prower]

.....

I need my Evo II wing. NOW. That thing looks monstrous.

 

[harrytuttle]

Wow. The regular C sucks, but this one looks convincingly and appropriately mean. It looks very powerful, and is, and I'm sure it'll do more than go fast and straight. But it's an automatic.

I strongly agree with all of that. This car looks fantastic. And it may be a good automatic, but it's still an auto. I guess Mercedes could have improved it some, but that's like expecting Audi to make a fun all-wheel-drive sedan...oh, wait.

 

[forza2.0]

Early reports suggest that the C63 is now king. Better than the RS4 and the new M3. Infact the new M3 is seemingly deemed to be now too soft and not quite worthy of the M3 tag. Its more of a GT car.

Interesting how things have changed in the market. First the RS4 was king and now the AMG, all whilst BMW dropped the ball with their M3.

 

[Omnis]

Well, AMG does amazing work. They do nothing I don't like. Every car they touch becomes better.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'd certainly agree that AMG has been on a roll lately. They've managed to distract me with the CLK63 Black Series, probably one of the best cars no one knows about. I'd happily take that over these new fangled German sports cars, simply because it looks so bad-ass, has a bark unlike anything else, and actually can function as a somewhat normal car (assuming you don't need back seats).

Until the CTS-V shows up, I'd likely leave this as the king of the sport sedan hill.

 

[harrytuttle]

Early reports suggest that the C63 is now king. Better than the RS4 and the new M3. Infact the new M3 is seemingly deemed to be now too soft and not quite worthy of the M3 tag. Its more of a GT car.

Interesting how things have changed in the market. First the RS4 was king and now the AMG, all whilst BMW dropped the ball with their M3.

I'm sorry, but the M3 was driven by who exactly and reported such opinions?

 

[forza2.0]

^^ These

But instead of relinquishing the keys with that gripping, longing, sadness in my gut that you’d assume would be there having driven ‘the new M3’, I find myself oddly detached from it.

That there really is room for a ‘CSL’ is not in doubt and my bet is it won’t be long in coming from what was and wasn’t said on the launch. Whereas the old CSL required plenty of in-depth fettling to extract that extra edge from an already focused package, it seems the positioning of this new car leaves a much easier gap in which to place a hardcore version.

Contrived, maybe; an exciting prospect, definitely. But in the meantime, perhaps just a little of the M3 magic has been lost…

Not the RS4 cabrio I’m afraid. Right engine, right number of doors, but wrong car. Too wobbly, too heavy and, at £60k compared to £50k for the M3, too expensive. But a £50k RS4 saloon or the fabulous Avant? That could be a whole different story.

BMW has clearly engineered the M3 in a way that leaves room for a CSL to appear later and appease those demanding something more hardcore. The new M3 is a well sorted, well rounded junior GT, a car we’d all give our right arms to own, but it’s not a giant leap forward and may leave some craving something a little wilder.

Don’t dismiss it though. It’s clearly more grown up than the old car, still fun, but more of a slow burn, a car that takes a bit of time to impress you with its spread of abilities whereas the RS4 lets you know what you’re in for right from the off.

ssets
Rev-happy V8, styling, carbon roof, manual gearbox, minimal electronic interference.

Drawbacks
Expensive, artificial steering feel doesn't inspire confidence, too refined.

Verdict
An excellent 21st century interpretation of the M3 - not perfect, though.

What’s it like?

On the one hand, it’s amazingly rapid but also surprisingly civilised for a car wearing an M3 badge. The ride is smooth-going-on-luxury with the M-drive set to normal, while the steering, brakes and throttle response are each curiously soft in response to begin with. This car, you think, is more like an old M5 on the road, and not at all how you’d expect a smaller, sharper, nimbler M3 to be.

Then you pres the M-button and - even with all the systems on their most aggressive settings - it’s still not quite what you’d expect from a new M3. It’s fast with a capital F, of course, but the rest of the car seems too refined for its own good on the road.

And the steering never scores more than six out of 10 no matter where or how you drive the car. Nor do the brakes, which suffered from fade on the road and went away badly on the track. Or the fuel consumption, which was regularly down in the mid-teens on roads on which the old car would have hit well over 20mpg.

Summary
With an F1-inspired V8 engine and some of the most all-encompassing development ever conducted by BMW, the company is hoping its latest M3 is also the greatest.

* Likes: World-class engine, agile chassis, well-judged styling
* Dislikes: Steering lacks feel, EDC dampers not standard

On a private Spanish racetrack, the M3's natural tendency toward understeer is more evident than it seems on the road, but the grip levels are exceptionally high. And with judicious use of the right pedal, it's easy to coax the M3 into a gentle powerslide that's easy to control.

But it's not perfect. The steering lacks the consistent weighting and tactile communication that a Porsche offers. For a car this rapid, it's not as talkative as it should be. We've also got reservations about the brakes. Our test car was fitted with competition-grade brake pads to cope with track use, but they still faded badly after a handful of hard laps. Meanwhile, the long-throw action of the manual transmission isn't quite what you want, and you need to be delicate with the clutch to ensure a smooth shift.

 

[jimihemmy]

For a second, I thought the silver one had a carbon-fiber roof. Wishful thinking, of course. I agree with most here: the car is rather nice, save for the rear bumper you can set a drink on. The front headlights don't exactly gel with the rest of the curves on the front end, but so long as you don't stare directly at them it looks okay.

Realistically, though, all that matters is that the C63 has a 6-speed manual transmission. Anything else is just asking for ridicule in the first M3/RS4/C63 roundup.

The silver one has the panorama roof (all glass - front to back). The front panel acts as the sunroof.

The reason the interiors may not be as luxurious as some may like is to try to keep the price point down. To compete with the BMW 3-series, MB needs to have keep out some things to keep price as a factor. If interiors were laid out like the S-Class, the car would out price itself.

The new C-Class will be offered in three different versions...Sport (silver car pic), Luxury (gold), and AMG(white and the car on the track).