Detroit show: Mercedes-Benz debuts C450 AMG

MERCEDES-BENZ has unveiled its C450 AMG 4Matic at the Detroit motor show, heralding the arrival of its new sport model range to take on Audi’s S-line and BMW’s M Performance cars.

Sitting near the top of the regular C-Class line-up below the hardcore C63 AMG, the C450 will be available in both sedan and Estate wagon body-styles when it goes on sale in Europe this year.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has confirmed the car will make it here in mid-2016 and buyers can expect to pay about $110,000 plus on-road costs.

When it arrives the C450 AMG will go up against the likes of Audi’s 245kW/440Nm S4 quattro that starts at $105,000 and BMW's 225kW/400Nm 335i M Sport from $93,900, plus on-roads.

The C450 AMG joins the GLE 450 AMG Coupe, also making its debut in Detroit, as the first two models in the German brand’s new sports model line-up.

While not a full-blown AMG model, the C450 AMG acts as an entry point into the high-performance line-up with its assertive looks, higher output engine and dynamics.

Mercedes-AMG chairman of the board of management Tobias Moers said the C450 AMG has a strong family connection to the C63 but should have broader appeal as it is more affordable and not as hard-edged.

“It combines the power of a strong twin-turbo V6 engine with a high level of emotional expressiveness, and avails itself of the technical DNA of the new C63,” he said.

“The new sports models represent a convincing proposition for our customers: sportscar technology and motor racing fascination become more attainable and in the process appeal to a broader customer base.”

Under the C450 AMG’s bonnet is a 270kW/520Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine which is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Drive is sent to all four wheels with 33 per cent of the torque sent to the front axle and 67 per cent to the rear.

Mercedes says the C450 AMG can fling itself from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds – just 0.8 seconds behind the V8-powered C63 AMG.

Average fuel consumption is 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres on the European combined cycle.

AMG Ride Control suspension has been adopted from the C63 with three-stage electronically controlled damper adjustment allowing the driver to select between a track-ready firm setting or a more comfortable mode for everyday use.

Steering is speed sensitive electro-mechanical and mirroring the engine and transmissions, modes can be set in Eco, Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus.

Distinguishing the C450 AMG’s exterior from lesser C-Class cars is AMG styling to the bumpers, special AMG badges on the front guards, a ‘diamond’ grille studded with chrome pins and high gloss black elements.

A matte silver rear diffuser, silver chrome twin tail-pipes, bootlid lip on the sedan (Estate gets a roof-mounted spoiler) and standard 19-inch light alloy wheels with 225/45 R 18 tyres up front and 245/40 R 18 rubber at the rear completes the look.

Inside the C450 AMG gets Artico/Dinamica upholstery trim to the dash and door panels. There is also sports seats with AMG specific upholstery, a Nappa leather-clad three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel and paddle shifters.

The C450 AMG is offered with a high level of standard safety features including Mercedes Benz’s Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus.