So how surprised were we when the gorgeous new C-Class bowed for 2015--and we found ourselves falling for the cheaper, less powerful C300? Pretty surprised. It could have been that there wasn't much of a speed difference between the twin-turbo C300 and the twin-turbo C400.
Now, for 2016 Mercedes-Benz has a twist: the C400 is gone, replaced by this car, the new 2016 C450 AMG Sport. Does it rise to the occasion? Is it the perfect C-Class?
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/QH74lx5GZjc
We’ll talk about everything else in a second, but it’s what’s under the hood that matters here. The C450 AMG has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 packing 362 horsepower. For those doing math at home, the C400 has 329 horsepower. Gear changes are handled by a seven-speed automatic transmission, well known by AMG aficionados. Don’t even think about a burnout, because power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
With the C300 and C400, it was a matter of quick or quicker. The C400 didn’t really make a huge impression unless you buried the throttle.
With the C450 AMG Sport, Mercedes has cured that problem. The more powerful twin-turbo V-6 in the C450 AMG is much closer to the C63 AMG. It’s quick. We're talking 0-60 mph in 4.9 second quick.
It doesn't look much different--and that suits us fine. The C450 AMG is still the stunning car we waxed on about in our C-Class video road test. There are some unique AMG-inspired elements here like a tweaked front bumper with larger air intakes, new trim in matte silver, a trunklid spoiler, and chrome-plated dual tailpipe outlets.
The cabin is still the star, with its gorgeous waterfall of wood or carbon fiber. The COMAND touchpad puck works great, the sport seats are comfortable, and a three-spoke, flat-bottomed Nappa leather steering wheel is a nice touch.
Given its place in the C-Class lineup, there's plenty of standard tech baked into the C450 AMG Sport. It gets forward-collision warnings with automatic braking; attention assist; and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
The bottom line? If the C300's balanced feel isn't quite enough, and if the C63 AMG is a little too bonkers for everyday driving, the C450 AMG splits the difference perfectly.
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See more videos on our YouTube sites: The Car Connection, Motor Authority, and Green Car Reports.
HI-RES GALLERY: 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport