2015 C-Class review

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

sounds like it sucks to drive

that's a shame. m3 or bust these days for driving thrills.

im sure it is a very nice car, just not exciting. really a car for a different demographic than myself.

Think about the luxury/quality level of this car. And then think about what the AMG engineers are going to do to it.

[BlackJetE90]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Think about the luxury/quality level of this car. And then think about what the AMG engineers are going to do to it.

Exactly, think S-class quality interior plus current C63 turned up a notch.

[JTO24]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Think about the luxury/quality level of this car. And then think about what the AMG engineers are going to do to it.

I'm excited for the new c63.. I've always been a fan of the current gen.. Even tho o really like the angular lines of the current car, this soft, melted butter look is growing on me and looks stunning on the road (LCI E-class and CLA).

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

Take the new refinement/luxury, add AMG bits and 4.0TT...winner winner.

Have to agree with you. The last C63 had a monster engine but outside of that it never really appealed to me vs. the E9X M3 where everything was just right but the upcoming C63 is going to be an absolute beast overall.

The F30 is a good car but BMW took the approach where they thought everyone was going to do an incremental change but Mercedes took this to the extreme. Unfortunately for BMW, while their driving dynamics is still better than Mercedes, it's not an E46 or to a lesser extent an E90. The F30 is still dynamic, but soft enough that other manufacturers aren't pulling hairs how to match BMW, the F30 just isn't great dynamically this generation. As this C-Class matures, it'll be interesting to see if there are things that can be tweaked that could at least come close to the 3-Series without breaking the bank. You could make a C-Class more sporty, but you can't make the F30 anywhere close to the C-Class in luxury.

[Mo@BMWofFairfax]

That interior has my jaw dropping.

[Mo@BMWofFairfax]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

It should be noted as to why they think it's the best car in the segment. I can already see people thinking it's a good balance of sport and luxury, but according to reviews, it's anything but sporty it's just a pure luxury car.

Now it remains to be determined, what's the criteria for this segment? Is it sport or has Mercedes completely redefined the segment?

Keep in mind, they still haven't tested the Sport or AMG variants of the car. The stock suspension on the 3 series is absolutely horrible. You have to compare Apples to Apples. They also drove the diesel, which isn't a variant we'll see in the US.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

Exactly, think S-class quality interior plus current C63 turned up a notch.

There have been some interesting rumors floating around about the new powertrain's base output, multiple drivetrain configurations (RWD and AWD on an "S" model), and the estate version's availability in the States.

Originally Posted by JTO24

I'm excited for the new c63.. I've always been a fan of the current gen.. Even tho o really like the angular lines of the current car, this soft, melted butter look is growing on me and looks stunning on the road (LCI E-class and CLA).

Me too. And I absolutely agree with your assessment of the exterior looks: it looks like a miniature LCI E-Class in the front and back, with some touches of CLA on the sides/doors. Interior is similar to the interior of the new S-Class.

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

Have to agree with you. The last C63 had a monster engine but outside of that it never really appealed to me vs. the E9X M3 where everything was just right but the upcoming C63 is going to be an absolute beast overall.

The E90 M3 was always a bit sharper than the pre-LCI C63 ('08-'11). It's when the LCI C63 ('12+) came out that the comparison tests and lap times started to swing the other way. The LCI model benefited from the development of the C63 Black Series coupe.

2012 is also the year that the other AMG cars started to become more well-rounded.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Rev ///Me

Keep in mind, they still haven't tested the Sport or AMG variants of the car. The stock suspension on the 3 series is absolutely horrible. You have to compare Apples to Apples. They also drove the diesel, which isn't a variant we'll see in the US.

While that's true, I'm not holding my breath. While it won't be too difficult to match the F30, early reviews indicate that the W205 chassis was built with luxury and comfort in mind so even with any sport options/trims, I feel it's still going to feel a bit lazy and sluggish and Mercedes will just hold out for the C63.

Many may not like the W205, but I think Mercedes just completely changed this segment.

[Blipit_]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

There have been some interesting rumors floating around about the new powertrain's base output, multiple drivetrain configurations (RWD and AWD on an "S" model), and the estate version's availability in the States.

Yeah there seems to be a lot of rumors flying around. I have read the "S" could have 510hp.

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Interior is similar to the interior of the new S-Class.

All I keep picturing is that center console/dash in solid carbon fiber, in the next C63.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Blipit_

Yeah there seems to be a lot of rumors flying around. I have read the "S" could have 510hp.

With the 507 Edition W204 C63 producing 507 horsepower, I can easily see a "Performance Package" (PP) car offering up 510 horsepower right out of the gate. And I think AMG has decided to replace PPs with the S designation. I still seriously doubt that there will be an AWD version but wouldn't be disappointed if it happened. I'll probably stick to RWD, regardless of whether it is with the F80 or W205.

All I keep picturing is that center console/dash in solid carbon fiber, in the next C63.

That would look stunning.

My responses above in bold.

[Mo@BMWofFairfax]

I can't wait. Just in terms of design, the W205 kills the F8x. Eagerly waiting for more info.

[wzj519]

Yes love the next generation C class. Thinking about trade my car for next generation C63.

[Ichiro]

I'd love to purchase the new C as a daily driver.
Just have to wait and see how badly we get screwed on pricing here in Australia.

[Mo@BMWofFairfax]

Speaking of C63 AMG's:

Looks like it's getting a column mounted gear lever

[Mo@BMWofFairfax]

245's up front isn't bad at all. 275's in the rear would be awesome.

[Mo@BMWofFairfax]

I would buy one in Mystic Blue. Gorgeous!

[atlaskk]

I am not feeling any of the new Merc's rear-ends... for whatever reason, they just seem like poor design. The melty ass of the CLA and now the tight-ass of the C.

[SeriusK]

What kind of performance figures are expected/estimated for the C400?

The car looks heavy, however the power/tq numbers look pretty solid.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by SeriusK

What kind of performance figures are expected/estimated for the C400?

The car looks heavy, however the power/tq numbers look pretty solid.

The standard W205 C-Class is going to be over 210 lbs lighter than its predecessor.

The W205 C63 could be up to 300+ lbs lighter.

The C400 is going to have a 3.0L direct-injection turbocharged V6 making 329 hp and 354 lb-ft.

The C63 is going to have a 4.0L biturbo V8 producing around 486 horsepower (standard). The "S" model could have over 510 horsepower.

[Red Bread]

Just remember that those weight loss numbers are on a like for like basis, not the actual weight differences for a W204 vs W205, so if they add 100 pounds of content, the net change is only 100 pounds. We learned this hard way with the E90 to F30 changes where weight loss was announced, but actual cars were heavier due to added content.

Those iPads stuck to the dash are not weightless!

[SeriusK]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

The standard W205 C-Class is going to be over 210 lbs lighter than its predecessor.

The W205 C63 could be up to 300+ lbs lighter.

The C400 is going to have a 3.0L direct-injection turbocharged V6 making 329 hp and 354 lb-ft.

The C63 is going to have a 4.0L biturbo V8 producing around 486 horsepower (standard). The "S" model could have over 510 horsepower.

So has anybody done any tests for 1/4 & 0-60 figures on the C400 yet? I would imagine it's too early at this point.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Just remember that those weight loss numbers are on a like for like basis, not the actual weight differences for a W204 vs W205, so if they add 100 pounds of content, the net change is only 100 pounds. We learned this hard way with the E90 to F30 changes where weight loss was announced, but actual cars were heavier due to added content.

Those iPads stuck to the dash are not weightless!

I'm afraid that this could be the case with the F80 M3 as well. Pretty substantial weight savings were advertised but once a fueled-up, well-optioned, DCT-equipped F80 M3 gets weighed, I don't think it's going to be anywhere close to 3,300 lbs.

The vast majority of the weight loss on the W205 is coming from replacing steel with high strength aluminum on the chassis.

With the W205 C63, carbon ceramic brakes will be available, and I'm going to guess that the 4.0L biturbo V8 is going to weigh less than the 6.2L NA V8.

Originally Posted by SeriusK

So has anybody done any tests for 1/4 & 0-60 figures on the C400 yet? I would imagine it's too early at this point.

Too early, unfortunately.