2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Revealed, Is Almost a Full-Tilt AMG

Audi (S), BMW (M Sport), and Cadillac (Vsport) have all done it, and now Mercedes-Benz is following suit, with a sporty line of AMG Sport vehicles that bridge the gap between regular Mercedes-Benz models and all-out Mercedes-AMGs. For the new C-class lineup, Mercedes is slipping the 362-hp C450 AMG 4MATIC in between the 329-hp C400 4MATIC and the rear-wheel-drive AMG C63, which packs 469 horsepower in base form.

Utilizing the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 found in the C400, the C450 extracts extra power mainly by increasing the turbo boost pressure. But there are further welcome changes: The seven-speed torque-converter automatic shifts more quickly, and in manual mode there are no automatic shifts—not even at kickdown or redline. The exhaust system operates with less back pressure, which adds a noticeable exhaust rumble and enhances power.

There’s more: The C450 AMG's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system sends a greater percentage of its 384 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels: 67 percent, versus 55 percent in the C400. And the chassis has been enhanced with bespoke steering knuckles and axle components, as well as the adaptive sports suspension.

While these changes are good news for the ambitious driver, we believe that the C450 AMG—which hits the American market this fall—is still a far cry from the ultra-high-performance AMG C63. Top speed is one indication: The C450 AMG is limited to 155 mph, while the V-8–powered AMG C63, by contrast, can be opened up to a silly 180 mph, if you’re willing to pay for it. Zero to 60 mph is said to take 4.9 seconds in the new AMG Sport model, down from the C400's 5.2. But the real AMG will do it in four seconds flat (or 3.9 with the S treatment).

Outside, the C450 AMG remains fairly close to the C400 with the Sport package and its AMG appearance touches. The main difference is the "diamond" grille and the divided exhaust tips left and right. High-gloss black exterior trim is a no-cost option. Inside, there are sport seats, several AMG badges, and optional red seatbelts. Overall, though, the differences between the C400 and the C450 AMG are much smaller than those between the C450 AMG and the AMG C63; this can’t be unintentional, as the C450 and the C400 will be sold alongside one another for only a year before the former supplants the latter. Clearly, Mercedes is keen to protect the identity of the full-fledged AMG vehicles, even as it adds this new, intermediate trim level.