Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Review: Mercedes C250 performance edition

Review: Mercedes C250 performance edition

 Mercedes-Benz recently launched the C-Class AMG Performance Edition in India. This limited edition of the C-Class is priced at Rs. 34,62,609/- (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The AMG Performance Edition is based on the C250 CDI Avantgarde variant.
The changes to the exteriors of the C250 AMG Performance Edition include an AMG body kit which comprises of the AMG front and rear bumpers and side skirt. The alloy wheels are 17-inch AMG branded units and the only place you will find the AMG name written on the exteriors of this model.
The C-Class also gets stainless steel exhaust. The AMG body kit is unique and easily distinguishable. The front bumper gets a reverse air dam, which is typical of AMG branded vehicles. The roof is the same as other C-Class variants, which houses a panoramic roof.
Minor changes have been made to the interiors as well. The AMG Performance Edition gets a 3-spoke AMG steering wheel which is similar to the one found on the C63 AMG. The instrument cluster now gets tapered surrounds and the pedals are now made of brushed stainless steel for better grip.
The AMG Performance Edition also gets AMG floor mats. These mats also get AMG written on them, the only place on the inside of this car you will find the word 'AMG'.
Power comes in from the same 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine which has absolutely no changes compared to the regular C250 CDI. This diesel engine produces 204 HP of power at 4200 RPM and 500 Nm of torque between 1600-1800 RPM.
Performance from the CDI motor is very strong. Power delivery is smooth and the C250 CDI is very refined. NVH levels are very low and one can't hear the diesel motor working its magic. The C250 hits triple digit speeds without breaking into a sweat.
The engine is mated to a 7G-tronic gearbox, which now gets paddle shifts on the steering wheel. The gearbox does a very good job and helps the C-Class nudge past 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds. Paddles are not available on other variants of the C-Class and are unique to the AMG Performance Edition.
Another feature unique to the AMG Performance Edition is the ECO mode. This starts and stops the car when you come to a halt, thereby saving fuel. The system works flawlessly and one won't realize when the car starts or stops.
Mercedes-Benz has also offered adjustable suspension on the C-Class. A Sport button on the center console stiffens the suspension of the C250 AMG Performance Edition, thereby making the car sharper. Handling is very good and steering feedback is exceptional.
Ride quality on comfort mode is composed, with the C-Class absorbing most of the bumps on the roads. However in Sport mode, the ride can get a little harsh. Braking is very good and the C250 sheds speeds very quickly.
The Mercedes C250 AMG Performance Edition might not be an AMG in the true sense but it offers so much more than the regular C-Class at just Rs. 80,000/- more. For that price, the C250 AMG Performance Edition's equipment list is worth far more than the price, making the car unbeatable value for money in the segment.

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