2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC

Our 2016 Car Of The Year was the Mercedes-AMG C63 S, but at $84,000 it was a little too expensive for the masses. Now though, it seems to have a little, more affordable brother.

Indeed, now starting at $55,900, the C450 AMG 4MATIC replaces the C400 4MATIC (reviewed here: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC ) that we loved last year. With the new model comes more power, better handling and some cool design updates.

The mirrors are black, matching the fender AMG badges and blacked-out window sills. At the front, LED headlights are now standard and the apron has larger air intakes. The front grill has a diamond pattern with chrome pins and he side profile is further enhanced with AMG side sill panels and 18” 5-Spoke AMG wheels. The bigger wheels house bigger sports brakes with perforated front disks. The rear end now comes with body coloured AMG spoiler lip and an AMG rear apron with diffuser look and insert in matte iridium silver.

Inside the changes are fewer but again strike sportiness right on the head. The front seats have increased lateral support and expandable thigh support, the instrument cluster gets an AMG treatment with an indicated 280km/h top reading and the pedals are trimmed in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs. Optionally, you can get red seatbelts and red stitching.

The new motor returns a good amount of extra power, but most importantly, delivers a good growl while doing so. Especially in Sport/Sport+ modes, throttle response is immediate and the exhaust just howls. Peak power now 362 HP and torque has reached 384 lb-ft which is enough to propel it to 100km/h in just 4.9″. Braking is equally good, with big brakes bitting really hard and barely fading even after a great deal of abuse.

In Sport+ mode, the AMG sport suspension is firm but still comfortable, but what is utterly amazing is the transformation once set to Comfort mode. It just smoothens out everything but it still feels dynamically held together! It is brilliant!

I am genuinely surprised that Mercedes allowed this car to sound like this. It sounds angry, racy, the exhaust pops at every chance it gets… this thing is permanently exciting! I would bet my house on the fact that it will cut sales from the C63 AMG models.

The driving position was perfect even in the C400, but with the improved seats here, it has reached new levels of perfection. The unity that happens between driver and car is spectacular. The steering in Sport/Sport+ mode is refreshingly good. In the era of dead electric steering systems, this one really shows the way to go.

Even the 4MATIC doesn’t spoil the fun. For the occasion, it has been tuned to split the torque 33%-67%, which makes this car really fun to drive. Especially in the snow, it made me feel like Ken Block. I was just drifting along non-stop, and if I wasn’t afraid of losing my licence, i’d still be going sideways. On dry pavement though the grip levels are insanely high, so such games require seriously illegal speeds.

This C 450 AMG is yet another masterpiece, product of the class-leading C-Class platform. If you don’t believe me, visit your local dealership for a test-drive, then come back and leave me a comment.