The C-Class comes as a C300, an AMG 43 and an AMG 63. The base C300 engine is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The C300 comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic. Expect a 0-60 time of under 6-seconds for the C300 models, proving that even the entry-level C-Class is extremely quick when called upon.
The AMG C 43 is where things begin to get serious. Powered by a 3.0L V6 sporting a pair of turbochargers, the C43 makes 385 horsepower and claims to be capable of running 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. The way in which the C43 makes power is still somewhat unique however: it makes 384 lb-feet of torque at only 2500 rpms, meaning that drivers get all that passing power almost immediately.
While big, large displacement V8s might be gone, smaller, more efficient V8s can still be had. The AMG C63 and C63 S sit at the top of the C-Class lineup, each offering a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 making tons of horsepower. The C63 offers up 469 hp, while the S version is tuned even more at 503 hp.
In addition to the eclectic trim lineup, Mercedes offers a ton of option packages to further customize their cars. The C300 can be had with an AMG package for those who don't want the full AMG experience, the package simply adding many of the styling cues from the more expensive trim levels, while also adding more powerful brakes and brushed aluminum pedals. An exterior lighting package includes an adaptive headlight system and Ultra-Wide Beam headlamps. The available Multimedia Package adds a huge 10.25-inch high resolution display to the center console as well as three years' worth of map updates and traffic updates for the navigation system, all of which can be controlled via voice commands.
The Mercedes-Benz active radar systems now see up to 820 feet from the front of the vehicle, while also covering 130 feet to each side and 260 feet to the rear of the vehicle. When combined with the automaker's camera systems, the car can detect objects up to 1640 feet from the front of the vehicle. The updated sensitivity works with Mercedes' active and passive safety systems to make the new C-Class a safer car than it's ever been before.
