What is it?
Audi has its popular S models, BMW its more recently established M-Performance line-up. Now Mercedes-Benz is getting in on the action with a limited range of overtly sporting models marketed under the 'Engineered by AMG' banner, including the car driven here, the C 250 Coupé Sport.
As the name suggests, the new C 250 Coupé Sport – Engineered by AMG has been tweaked by Mercedes' own in-house performance off-shoot in an effort to imbue it with a more distinctly sporting character than its standard sibling.
It is not a full-blown AMG model in the mould of the C 63 Coupé AMG, but is a less hard-hitting offering that, for the time being at least, can be had with either the 201bhp turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine on test here or a 201bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel unit – both of which go unchanged mechanically.
What's it like?
Among the chassis modifications AMG has brought to the standard C 250 coupé is specific suspension tuning with firmer springs and dampers as well as unique camber settings and altered bearings to provide a wider front track, larger brakes and more direct steering. These are combined with a remapped throttle setting and changes to the software for the standard seven-speed automatic gearbox for more rapid shifts and a downshift function during braking.
On top of this are various exterior and interior styling changes which can be ordered on other Mercedes-Benz models as part of a new Sport Plus package.
With a 0-62mph time of 7.2sec and a top speed of 149mph it is no rocket ship; the £29,065 BMW 328i SE, which runs a 242bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, boasts claims of 5.9sec and 155mph respectively.
But the C 250 Coupé Sport – Engineered by AMG offers a clearly sharper driving experience than the standard C 250 Coupé Sport.
The software changes result in slightly more urgent throttle response and smoother shift quality, while the various chassis modifications instill it with greater steering response and improved body control without any obvious deterioration in ride comfort.
Should I buy one?
For all of these changes, it is just a pity that the added agility isn’t backed up by increased performance.
As it stands this is a superbly sorted and generally fun-to-drive car screaming out for a better and altogether more powerful engine.
Mercedes-Benz C 250 BlueEfficiency Coupe Sport – engineered by AMG
Price £31,925; 0-62mph 7.2sec; Top speed 149mph; Economy 40.4mpg; CO2 163g/km; Kerb weight 1475kg; Engine 4 cyls, 1796cc, turbocharged petrol; Power 201bhp at 5500rpm; Torque 229lb ft at 2000rpm; Gearbox 7-spd automatic
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74-324 || A00-240 || CAT-260
Price £31,925; 0-62mph 7.2sec;
New Car
Amazing car..The all new Mercedes C250 is the perfect choice for any person. It has got all the new features that a car should have. It is the AMG model C63 which has got 0.62 mph within the time of 0.62 second, and has got a top speed of 149mph. This car will definitely come on the expectation of people. This above information is extremely helpful to the new users.
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delusions.
Its one thing I detest about cashing in on brand as I have heard from two people who have a merc SLK 200 AMG sport are under the pretence it is actually an SLK 55 AMG. Quoting that there 1.8 litre engine is capable of a sub 5 second 0-60. Still it gives these people something to talk about and usually wrangle a round out of while they drivel on.