2004 Mercedes-Benz C55 Reviews

It turns a normally mild-mannered C-Class family sedan into a heavy hitting tarmac burner.Other German manufacturers have gone the same way – towards V8s and away from sixes – Audi's S4, BMW's new M3. Petrol prices mustn't be a concern for them.But there's a lot to be said for a naturally aspirated big cube engine over a turbo – easier to drive for starters, less explosive mid-range response, potentially longer-lived engine, excellent sound.The C55 AMG also gains just about every goodie available on the C-Class options list, and more street presence courtesy of a mild body kit and 18in alloys. Engine is shared with other models in the AMG lineup, the CLK for starters. Lacks the supercharger of other models but doesn't really need the extra grunt.Acceleration times are blisteringly fast – around the low 5 second mark for 0-100kmh even better on the move.Engine spins like a turbine, smooth as silk, lovely exhaust burble (four tail pipes) that can at times become intrusive. Has 270kW/510Nm.Fuel economy surprisingly good if you can resist the right foot.Five speed auto only for this market says it's an autobahn specialist – true to some extent.Transmission user friendly for everyday use, sequential manual mode available if you must but not necessary.Features all the upgrades on regular C-Class that came through this year. Better interior, better paint, better safer.As an AMG model, brakes, wheels, tyres, suspension are highly developed.Fabulous to drive but stability/traction control intrusive.Looks fairly innocuous on the street, not enough "wow" factor except for exhausts.Electric driver's seat is difficult to organise, has a mind of its own with memory settings.Paddles behind steering wheel spokes for up and down changing.Impressive audio system, annoying climate con- trol other stuff is good.Has five star Euro NCAP crash ratingFirst V8 in a Benz C-ClassGood turning circle, large boot, weighs 1695kg

The C55, complete with a 5.5-litre V8, replaces the C32, which had a supercharged 3.2-litre V6 (260kW and 450Nm).The C32 may have been quick, but it seems soft compared with a C55 V8 that has 270kW and 510Nm, allowing it to go from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds.The V8 rumble is worth winding down the windows for. AMG tuners have ensured the exhaust note, through four outlets, is loud for a typically conservative Mercedes.The four-door C55 AMG is $159,900 – $17,900 more than the BMW M3, but the Mercedes is a different type of car.You could take it on a scenic cruise with some spirited driving thrown in. The two-door M3 is a harder charger and less comfortable for daily driving.The M3 comes as a regular manual or F1-style sequential semi-automatic. The C55 is automatic only (five-speed).It does have a self-shift mode, with buttons on the steering wheel, but the automatic won't let you rev the engine out and changes up on you, regardless. This happens a few times and you end up putting it back into full auto mode.It is difficult to pick from the rest of the C-Class range, but the C55's front is 80mm longer than the standard car, to accommodate the V8.