Road Test
Model: Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG
RRP: $160,490
Price as tested: $160,490
Date tested: October 2006
Also consider Audi RS4, BMW M3 Coupe, Jaguar S-Type R
Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.5
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5
Safety: 4.5
Behind the wheel: 4.5
X-factor: 4.0
If ever there was a car that deserved the 'wolf in sheep's clothing' tag then Mercedes' range-topping AMG-tuned C55 is it. From the outside, the lowered stance, big 18-inch wheels and subtle body kit hint at the potential but it is not until you fire up the big 5.4-litre V8 with its subdued but pleasant burble, that you start to anticipate the car's performance.
Off the line, it belies its small four-door sedan styling with an urgent acceleration that gently pushes you back into the big bolstered comfy and supportive leather-trimmed sports seats.
Though maximum outputs of 270kW and 510Nm are not reached to until a relatively high 5750 and 4000rpm respectively, the surge through the slick five-speed auto to the rear wheels is strong and constant right through the rev band. It really is a case of simply planting the right foot and knowing that engine will deliver its response rapidly and effectively.
The autobox is smooth and between the broad torque band of the engine and adaptive nature of the transmission, you can be assured that you will rarely find yourself in the wrong ratio. If want a bit more control, the manual shift function -- via either the shift lever or steering column mounted paddles -- is as manual as you can get in an auto tranny with no idiot overrides.
Sitting on extremely low profile 225/45 front and 245/35 rear rubber and a heavily stiffened suspension, there is no doubt that the ride is firm but there is enough compliance to remain comfortable over rougher city streets and patched-up country roads. You do notice the road irregularities but they are never transferred in a harsh or uncomfortable manner.
What you do get for the firm ride, however, is a supremely stable and well balanced chassis that instils such confidence that you almost feel that you can throw this car into any situation and know that it will come out completely in control.
ESP and other electronic safety nannies intervene only under extremis and then it is a fairly graduated intervention. Such is the grip and surefootedness of the car, however, that they are rarely necessary on a decent dry tarmac.
Our only niggle in the handling stakes is that the steering is not as sharp as some of its rivals and it lacks a little feel.
Along with the unquestioned performance factor, the C55 remains eminently practical -- complete with a 60/40 split rear seat back and big boot -- and very well specced with standard kit including eight airbags, four-zone climate control, power everything, satnav and an excellent sounding Harman/Kardon six-stack CD system... As you'd expect given its elevated pricetag.
Stylish, cruisy and comfortable for the city rounds, the C55 AMG truly turns into a well-trained beast worthy of the sports sedan tag when you let it off the leash.
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