2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 Reviews

Mercedes-Benz has just launched an all-new C-Class model, so there's a good chance many owners of older models will be trading up. Meaning there could be a glut of used C-Class in Australia, giving you the chance to select between the many on offer, as well as the opportunity to select from the best of them. 

Ah, yes, a new engine and most of the tricky bits in Mercedes-Benz's performance armoury rolled into one package - the E63 AMG four door sedan. It would have to rate as one of the meanest four doors around given the fact that there's 386kW /700Nm percolating from the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 under the sculpted bonnet.Thing is, you can up the ante by ticking the Performance Package box for $17,900 that gets 410kW/800Nm and even sportier chassis bits.This is the force fed replacement for the much loved naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 that is being shuffled out the back door due to fuel consumption and emissions issues. Pity, we were big fans but it lives on for a while in the C63AMG.The new unit has direct fuel injection, variable cams and is intercooled. Fuel economy is appreciably better than the 6.2 V8 at 10.0 litres/100km combined - a big improvement. And the good thing is the 5.5-litre is just as lusty as the 6.2 but not quite of the same voice due to the turbo set-up.E63 is crammed with luxury drive assist technology including multi-mode chassis dynamics and multi-mode transmission - a seven-speed MCT (Multi Clutch Transmission) with paddle shift and a blip function on the down change. It's one of the best in the business.There's AMG Ride Control - adaptive suspension with air springs and self levelling on the rear. The front suspension is unique to the E63AMG, designed to deliver better cornering and feel. Three stage stability control is used and engine stop/start comes into play when 'eco' mode is selected which also means second gear take offs and short shifting to prevent high engine revs. Inside is a wall of high tech equipment to entertain, stay connected or make travel time more comfy.Though it tips the scales at 1840kg, the E63 is a dab hand through corners and feels more lithe than its size would suggest. Powerful six piston brakes up front, wide front track, the adaptive suspension, huge tyres and clever technology combine to deliver an exciting drive experience. It absolutely hammers into, through and out of corners and brakes with total control. Then, back everything off and the big bad 'E' glides into luxury cruise mode wafting along like it should be chauffeur driven.We still haven't figured out all the kits inside this car - the amount of driver assist and luxury features is monumental. We particularly like the active front seat side bolsters and lane keeping assist function that kicks the car back into your lane if you stray. Premium audio and satnav, seats that do just about everything, keyless push button start, radar cruise, adaptive headlights - there's plenty to justify the $241,000 sticker. It has a super small battery and space saver spare in the large boot.

It's time to bring back The Hammer. The tag that was slapped on the back of a brutal Benz created by AMG in 1986 needs to be revived and re-applied to the 2012 successor to the original V8-powered pocket battleship. The hit from the New Hammer is a real belt, good for as much as 800 Newton-metres of torque and a 300km/h top speed, as Mercedes-AMG accelerates into a new era of turbocharged V8 muscle. BMW has already converted its new M5 from a charismatic V10 to efficient twin-turbo V8 motivation and now the E63 with a similar power pack has hit the road in Australia, complete with a changeover deal that includes the return of an E63 Estate wagon and a Performance Pack that adds an extra 24 kiloWatts of power and 100 Newton-metres to the 386kW/700Nm basics.There are visual and mechanical tweaks through the new E63, but there are two key numbers. The first is 21, which is the percentage improvement in the car's fuel economy, and the second is $240,985, which is the bottom line. Neither one is going to make much difference to the sort of people with the wealth to park a new E63 in the driveway, but they show what is happening as AMG-Mercedes reinvents itself for the challenges of the 21st century.If you say it fast, $240,985 doesn't seem too bad for a four-door sedan that can smash most of the world's serious supercars. No, you're  right, it does. But, at $244,500, the E63 Estate emerges as a relative bargain if you  want to haul in a car that can really haul. For that sort of money, you expect - and get - everything in the catalogue, from the AMG performance parts through to lovely soft leather, great aircon and alloy wheels, and all the rest. Still you can get something pretty close in a top-line HSV Holden or FPV Ford for around half the money, or get two with change.What makes the E63 a reasonable buy is the bottom line on its closest direct rival, the M5. The price of the new model is not official yet, but BMW Australia is talking right on $240,000. The Jaguar XFR also comes at $210,000 and a Maserati Quattroporte costs at least $250,000. Which brings us back to the Benz, and the extra $17,900 it costs for the optional Performance Pack. Is that bit worth it? Well, there is the extra go and a carbon fibre rear spoiler on the sedan, as well as a steering wheel with suede highlights.The big changes for the 2012 model year are all under the bonnet and they are all focussed on the latest twin-turbo V8 engine. The transmission is updated with the seven-speed Speedshift, an auto with a difference thanks to a wet start-up clutch and some very clever electronics. Despite the continuation of the E63 badge - which was wrong in the first place, since the previous V8 was actually a 6.2-litre - the engine in the new car is a 5.5-litre twin-turbo. In reality, it's a 1000 Newton-metre anvil that has been wound back for safety and to keep tyres and transmissions in the car.AMG first made its name with large-capacity engines and this one is one of its best, something reflected in the economy improvement that matches the output. Benz has also been busy and there is stop-start to cut CO2 and fuel use at the lights, for a 10.0 litres/100km fuel economy figure and the potential - with a very light foot - for a 1000-kilometre cruising range in Australia.Look around and the E includes AMGs latest smart transmission with driving modes and F1 start - first seen in the SLS gullwing - as well as a heap of safety and comfort gear. And you can always wind the extravagance around to 11, and really empty your pockets, with stuff like the ceramic brakes, locking rear differential and the Driver's package that lifts the top speed to 300km/h - 'only' 280 in the Estate - for ultimate bragging rights.The brutalist design work coming these days from Benz central in  Germany works well as an AMG creation. It's not as elegant with lesser  engines and wheels, but once the New Hammer is hunkered down with its extra body bits and rolling on its giant 19-inch rims it looks the part. Inside, the AMG gear makes the car more complete but - up against rivals and even the lesser C Class - it needs a bigger display screen for more cabin impact.Five stars, of course. All the usual Benz airbags and electronic safety nets are in place,  but the AMG deal means it's possible to wind back the assistance - or remove it completely on a racetrack - for driving enjoyment.How do I begin to describe The Hammer? It's been a big year for performance cars but the new E63 is a total standout. I get my first drive in the Estate, complete with rear-entertainment package, and it's the sort of family car that will work well for someone who craves a Porsche 911 but has kids and commitments. Then I take on the E63 sedan with Performance Pack, and it's just  plain mad. I have never driven a Benz with so much front-end bite and cornering grip, and the thump from the New Hammer is madness. Let's just calibrate the commentary by saying that, in the past few  weeks, I have driven the new BMW M5 and also the Lamborghini Gallardo. As well as the new Porsche 911. The 63PP trumps them all, not just for theatre but also accessible enjoyment on Australian roads. The car almost sounds like a Top Fuel dragster as it sits idling, and so much torque means instant go in any gear at any speed. Unlike the turbo M5 there is zero lag in the Benz, and turning the transmission mode to Sport+ brings the most intuitive automatic settings in any car.It's as good, and sometimes better, than driving a manual. Of course, you pay a giant penalty in fuel economy if you go hard, and  the styling is still too brutal for me, and I don't like the teeny-tiny display screen, but that's about it.It's a struggle to find the right words for this car, and I admit my bias as I've been an E-Class fan since the early days and always  admired the AMG engineering upgrades. Bottom line? The new E63 is wicked and the New Hammer is just  outrageous.

With the recent upgrade of the Merc' C-Class range of cars comes a revamped C63AMG performance sedan (also in coupe and wagon) priced from $152,800. All the refinements and changes from the garden variety C-Class flow through to the AMG cars including the new face, bumpers and tail lights and much improved interior.But the big news is the adoption of a seven-speed MCT multi-plate auto transmission that positively transforms the C63.DESIGNUpmarket "Designo" upholstery is standard along with a sports wheel with flat bottom and top. The dash is a complete redesign.There's a metal look to the dash fascia and new warning lights as well as a large TFT colour display screen incorporating Satnav trip computer and other displays.A 40 gig hard drive contains a music register and drives the satnav among other things. Bluetooth phone and audio are included as well as an internet browser. Fully adjustable front sports seats offer plenty of body hug whole ergonomic package is easy to use and good to look at.TECHNOLOGYRetains the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 engine but in this case, with the $14,900 performance pack upgrade moving power up to 352kW from 336kW with the same 600Nm of torque. Pistons, conrods and crankshaft are from the SLS Gullwing.Drive is to the rear wheels through performance pack 19-inch alloys - and larger brakes - with six piston calipers on the front. Benz has been able to squeeze fuel consumption down to 12.1-litres/100km and with the performance pack, the 0-100kmh sprint is a 4.4 second event.The engine is hand built in Germany and signed by its builder. The MCT transmission offers quicker changes up and down and a throttle blip on the down change. There are four modes ranging from comfort to manual and race start.Three mode stability control offers on, sport and off. Steering changes give a more direct feel and more pronounced self centring effect.SAFETYAnd with all the extra go comes boosted safety with Pre-safe collision preparation, adaptive high beam assist, attention assist, lane keeping, blind spot warning and radar cruise control all included.DRIVINGThis is a monumental car, in a number of ways, not the least being the sound emanating from the big-bore quad exhaust. It has brutal performance at will and yet can meander along at car park speed meek as a lamb.There is an exhaust bang when changing up in full sport mode that is entirely in keeping with the character of the C63.The new transmission is a revelation - slick, and almost predictive. At no point is it caught napping. But the wheel mounted change paddles can be annoying when you are turning and changing gears.A tendency to oversteer is controlled neatly by the dial up stability control system. We couldn't get enough of the C63 AMG and it's so practical - a classy four seat four door sedan that looks imposing and ready for action. The performance pack should be standard.VERDICTYes please, might have to change from the Porsche 911 Carrera S dream car.MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMGPrice: $154,800 ($14,900 Performance Pack)Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 53 per cent after 3 yearsService interval: 20,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5 stars (predicted)Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 336kW/600NmBody: Two-door coupeDimensions: 4707mm (L), 1795mm (w), 1391mm (h), weight 1730kgTransmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel driveThirst: 12.1l/100km, 95RON, CO2 283g/km. 

The beaut new Benz C-Class coupe has been to the gym. The result is another AMG muscle car that completes the company's small-car crew for Australia, giving C63 shoppers the choice between a sedan, a wagon and the good looking coupe for the first time. So, basically there are no excuses now for not owning a blitzer Benz.Well, that is, unless you think that a minimum of $152,800 is too much for a new car, or that $154,800 is too much for the coupe, or you're worried about a 60-litre tank that chokes the cruising range of a blitzer Benz than can easily guzzle at better than 17 litres for every 100 kilometres.The newest C63 is smooth looking and tough, has the right equipment and some nice new tweaks - including a multi-mode stability control that gives keen drivers some wiggle room - including the full update package that transformed the ordinary C-Class models a couple of months ago.Lined up against its obvious rivals, headed by the M3 from BMW, the new thumper has the considerable advantage of an all-new body and the sort of AMG muscle that makes even the shortest trips into a fun run.VALUEThe 63 Coupe is well priced for the class and its competition. On that front it used to be overshadowed by Godzilla, the Nissan GT-R, but the bottom line on the all-wheel drive turbo monster has blown out by more than $20,000 this year to $168,800. It also edges out the M3, which comes now from $155,000 as a coupe, although the softer Audi S5 coupe - our pick was always the RS4 - comes in at $138,900."We haven't had an AMG coupe since the CLK. The price point that was at $200,000-plus, and this one is at $155,000," says David McCarthy of Mercedes-Benz Australia. "The whole point of C63 coupe isn't to attract M3 buyers, because they are actually different buyers and a different car. This car exists to expand the AMG business. You can see how aggressively we've priced the car."McCarthy says the vast majority of C63s are now being ordered with the Performance Pack, which adds $14,900 to the cost but pays back with an extra 22 kiloWatts, bigger brakes, 19-inch alloys and a different steering wheel.Still, even the cooking car is baked well with sports seats, leather trim, alloys, aircon, a punchy sound system and the AMG update work to the engine, suspension and transmission.TECHNOLOGYThe newest AMG car could be the last newcomer with the 6.2-litre V8, as Benz - like BMW - is shifting to turbo power at its go-faster division. The motor in the new Coupe makes 336 kiloWatts and 420 Newton-metres, but the downside if official consumption of 12.1 litres/ 100km and CO2 emissions of 283 grams/kilometre.The upside, thanks to the seven-speed sports auto is a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds and the usual limited top speed of 250km/h.Carsguide appreciates the work done on the transmission, with a variety of driver-friendly modes - including a race-start choice first seen on the AMG Gullwing - as well as improvements to the AMG-specific suspension and the brakes.But there is a range of other upscale stuff, right down to a lane- departure warning system and a red light that glows if you're too close to the car ahead, that salutes the latest Benz technology and brings it down to the C.DESIGNThe two-door Benz looks good as a basic coupe but even better with the AMG gear, right down to the subtle carbon fibre spoiler on the boot of the Performance Pack car. The guards have the been-to-the-gym look, hug down onto the big wheels, and tell the world - especially in sinister black instead of signature silver - that this Benz is not just a badgemobile.The inside work on the average C pays off in the AMG model, particularly the new-look dash with bigger colour display. It's not as impressive as the latest M5, but it works well and so does the tweaking with the leather, good access to the back seats, and even the integration of the bazooka exhaust.SAFETYThe C63 is a Mercedes-Benz and that means lots of good things, even if there is no official ANCAP five-star tick because no-one is likely to smash a $150,000 car for a few numbers.Carsguide believes it's a five-star natural, partly because of the basic body but also thanks to a range of safety systems that includes ABS brakes, ESP stability control, a cabin full of airbags and optional equipment - most likely to be taken by most owners - that runs from blind spot warning to adaptive high beam lamps and much, much more.DRIVINGTurn the key on the C63 and you get what you expect - a V8 whump from the exhaust and the smile that comes in a car that's way beyond everyday transport. This is a car with a lot to like and almost nothing to make you snarl. Yes, the small tank is a nuisance - the fuel gauge is always on the way down - and there seems to be too much tyre thump and roar at first. But it's a luxury car with great leather seats, a reasonable boot and acceptable ground clearance that can also crush you deeply into those seats and crush corners with V8 stonk and wide-tyre grip. You are always aware of the engine and what it can do.It's fun to fiddle with the transmission and ESP settings, which can turn a pussycat into a tiger, but the basic bottom line is that the C63 will make life nicer and doesn't have to be a raging beast. It's easy to park, has good visibility, and the aircon is great. But no-one buys an AMG-mobile without  wanting the fun stuff, and the punch in this compact is best-in-class stuff. It always feels like it wants to run wild.The electronics ensure there is a safety net, but it's not a nanny or a ninny and you know it would be a real hoot on a racetrack with the super-start switch and the ESP set to give you a bit of tail-end sliding action.It's quite nimble and easy to push through corners, yet still has the sort of overall grip that reminds you of a racing car. On the road it is a car that makes HSV and FPV cars look crude, and also puts the M3 in its place. It's not cheap, but the C63 AMG is worth every cent.VERDICTBest in class. Simple as that.MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMGPrice: $154,800 ($14,900 Performance Pack)Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 53 per cent after 3 yearsService interval: 20,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5 stars (predicted)Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 336kW/600NmBody: Two-door coupeDimensions: 4707mm (L), 1795mm (w), 1391mm (h), weight 1730kgTransmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel driveThirst: 12.1l/100km, 95RON, CO2 283g/km.

Mercedes-Benz has bolted to the front of the mid-sized prestige field, helped by the recednt arrival of the new C-Class arrived a few months ago. And their position can only improved by adding the C-Coupe. This is a sweetheart of a car: stylish, lovely to drive, lavishly equipped and with some very frugal engines on offer.PRICE AND VARIANTSThe Coupe range arrives with one diesel and three economy-targeting ‘BlueEfficiency’ petrol engines -- all mated to an updated  seven-speed sequential automatic transmission – with a blistering V8 joining them in the C63 AMG next month.But for now the bidding opens with the $58,900 C180’s turbocharged 115kW/250Nm 1.8-litre, which delivers a 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds and fuel economy of 7.3 l/100km. That fuel figure puts it over the LCT bar, but with a penalty of just $331.The C250 petrol and C250 CDI diesel are both $69,900, and escape the LCT slug as their fuel consumption gives them a ‘home free’ card. The C250 carries a turbocharged 150kW/310Nm 1.8-litre, and gets to100km/h in 7.2 seconds with fuel consumption of 7L/100km.The C250 CDI gets a 150kW/500Nm 2.1-litre twin-turbo diesel that hits the 100km mark at a respectable 7.1 seconds, and delivers frugal economy at 5.1L/100km. It benefits from a stop-start system, and while similar technology is on petrol versions in Europe our petrol quality prevents them coming here.Topping the petrol coupes – at least until the $154,800 C63 AMG arrives shortly with its V8 – is the $99,900 C350’s 225kW/370Nm 3.5-litre V6, which slashes the 0-100km/h time to 6.0 seconds, with fuel economy of 8.3L/100km.DESIGN AND FITOUTThe newcomer works the coupe style well, with a short front overhang, sharply raked front and rear windscreens and a rising shoulder line towards the somewhat hefty tail. The optional panorama sunroof is shielded only by a blind, and while the glass is UV-shielding, you still notice the extra glare.Standard equipment levels are impressive, including a Comand control system with Suna traffic warnings in the C250 and C350, and the cabin is fitted with premium materials and finishes.It feels snug around the driver, but perhaps too snug in the rear seat where legroom is somewhat compromised. Perhaps the Merc engineers stole some of the space to donate to the boot, which is fantastic: deep, wide, easily accessible and just 50 litres less than the sedan.DRIVINGThe C250 we mainly tested feels taut and controlled on the road, and it’s easy to slip into the feeling of being part of the car. The engine sounded a little harsh on take-off, and there was some lag from low down, but once the turbo wakes up it streams along happily.Gears can be changed with the sequential shifter on the centre console. But it’s not needed in the face of the well-designed and positioned steering wheel paddles, with their tactile lip edge that almost urges you to keep tickling them from one cog to another. Changes are swift and smooth, and prompt you to wonder why anybody would need a twin-clutch transmission when a single can work this well.The diesel C250CDI on the other hand pulls strongly right from the start, and gives powerful response all through the rev range. The C-Coupe suspension is softer than you’ll find in the German rivals, but stops well short of wallowing. We hit some appalling rural bitumen that put extra bounce into its step, but didn’t ever cause it to step out of line.Would we buy one? Yes, and despite the better performance of the diesel, we’d probably go for the C250 petrol with its 110kg lighter weight and touch.

PARKING German luxury in your driveway has rarely been as affordable or as property-enhancing thanks to Mercedes-Benz.It may be the world's oldest car maker but it couldn't better capture style and elegance with wallet-cheating economy demanded by today's buyers. And with its pricing, you don't have to be a zillionaire to own one.Mercedes recently stopped production of its CLC and CLK coupes, now filling the gap with its newcomer, the C-Class Coupe. Though it has two doors, the coupe seats four, has a boot almost as big as the sedan and comes with a new generation of frugal four-cylinder engines - and one V6 - with an even more explosive AMG model ready for duty later this year.VALUEThe pretty coupe comes with a pretty price. There will be five models of the C-Class when the line-up is filled out by early next year. For now, there’s the C180 entry-level at $58,900 (which is only $400 dearer than the more compact CLC Evolution model); C250; C250CDI (the only diesel in the range); C350; and next year, the C63 AMG. The standard equipment level is as impressive as the prices, including a Command control system with Suna traffic management for the C250 and C350. Unusual for a new model poised to hit the market, Mercedes will launch Edition 1 - a limited edition package that costs $4360 extra (a bit extra for the C180) for gear including 18-inch seven spoke alloys and stitched leather upholstery in black.DESIGNThere’s a lot of CLK in the profile and indeed the way the C-Class Coupe is designed traces its predecessors intended clientele. The nose and front fenders are basically C-Class sedan, but externally the lines involve all new sheet metal and - in the case of the bonnet - aluminium. Trainspotters will note the Coupe’s two-bar grille, LED running lights and LEDs for the tail. There’s also a fat Mercedes star emblem within the grille. The cabin is from the C-Class range with the big exception of the sculptured two rear seats. Mercedes claims the boot shaves only 15 litres off the luggage area compared with the sedan. Trim and finish are excellent though there’s typical Mercedes restraint. The closest its gets to letting its hair down is the silver finish of the dash and door trim which is called "galvanised".TECHNOLOGYThe three four cylinder engines are a treat. They’ve been around in other models in recent times but Mercedes just keeps honing these comparatively small engines to get more economy and yet still deliver a smile on the driver’s face. The C180 and C250 petrols share the basics of a 1.8-litre capacity and a turbocharger. But tweaking lifts the C180’s 115kW/250Nm to 150kW/310Nm, cuts the 0-100km/h dash to 7.2 seconds from 8.9 seconds and yet the quicker, more powerful unit gets better fuel economy and puffs less emissions.The C180 claims 7.3 litres/100km and 169g/km CO2 while the C250 sips 7.0 l/100km and emits 163g/km CO2. The 2.1-litre turbo-diesel four is fractionally quicker to 100km/h than the C250, substantially more economical at 5.1 l/100km and 134g/km CO2 and delivers 150kW/500Nm. Otherwise, the Coupe is all C-Class sedan, including the "sports" button that firms the suspension. It is standard on all models and optional on the C180.SAFETYSame as the C-Class sedan and wagon, the Coupe gets a five-star crash rating and has the full suite of chassis and braking system electronics. You wouldn’t expect anything less.DRIVINGUnexpectedly, the C-Class Coupe feels like a much bigger car. Yes, it’s physically bigger than the CLC that it sort-of replaces and is smaller than the E-Class based coupe. But on the road, and indeed within the cabin, it feels the same size as the E-Class. Which is biggish. That means decent cabin room, reflected by the expansive width and ability to fit two adults in the rear. The design and placement of instruments and switches follow Mercedes style, which means familiarisation is needed.Crank the C250 petrol over and the idle is a bit harsh. The turbo makes it a lot quieter than the supercharger used on previous Kompressor models, but it’s still not the smoothest unit around. But there’s no complaints with the performance. There is a bit of lag off the mark but the seven cogs in the transmission make it easier and quicker to pluck the best from the engine’s powerband and get it to the ground. The gearbox is, by the way, excellent. Its rapid shifts feel more like a dual-clutch automated manual.While the C250’s powerplant is a surprise - Mercedes predicts it will be the biggest seller in the Coupe range - it is the diesel that is outstanding. Pity that most buyers will dismiss it because it is such a powerful performer and so easy to drive quickly - and economically. The C180 and C350 weren’t available to test. On drives through Victoria’s Otway mountain range and along the Great Ocean Road, the Coupe showed confident road holding and a compliant ride from a very rigid chassis.MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPEPrice: $58,900 (C180); $69,900 (C250 and C250CDI); $99,900 (C350); $154,800 (C63 AMG)Warranty: 3-years/100,00km, roadside assistService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-starEngine: (C250) 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged petrol, 150kW/310NmBody: 2-door coupe Weight: 1470kgTransmission: 7-speed auto, rear driveThirst: 7.0L/100km , 95 RON, CO2 163g/km"New star combines frugal engineering with sleek styling. C250 the one to watch''

The small prestige sedan battlefield is about to be shaken up by Mercedes-Benz with its updated C-Class.  The German car maker is claiming more than 2000 new parts are beneath the facelifted exterior, as well as ten safety systems new to the C that have flowed down from the company's flagship S-Class.While its home market has a wider choice of engines for the expanded model linee-up (now including the coupe), Australia will get three petrol - the 135kW/270Nm C200, the C250 with 150kW and 310Nm and (arriving later) the C300.The C-Class will also be offered in three diesel engines - the C200 with a 2.2-litre offering 100kW and 360Nm, the 150kW/500Nm C250 and the 195kW/620Nm C350 CDI.The company says the current series has sold over one million units worldwide since its launch in March 2007.  Originally known as the 190, the C-Class has been on the Benz books since 1982 and has been sold to more than 8.5 million since then.Pricing is yet be announced for Australia, but those in the prestige compact market can expect minimal price increases but offset by updgraded spec when the cars hit our shores mid-year.Topping the list of in-car technology is a new telematics system that includes a larger display, Bluetooth phone and music link and internet access for the first time.  Benz has set up the system to tailor content for minimum distraction while moving, but when the car is stationary the internet or a Mercedes-Benz Online service is available.The system also has a special destination search via Google Maps that can downloaded to the car.  Start stop is standard across the engine range bound for Australia, all of which are Blue Efficiency powerplants, helping (along with the seven-speed auto) the company to claim up 31 per cent better fuel consumption.Around 70 percent of all the C-Class body panels are made from high-strength steel alloys; the sedan and the estate are both fitted with an aluminium bonnet, with the lighter alloy also used in the front fenders and in the doors.The front and rear have been updated, the most obvious aspect of that being new headights and tail lights (with LED running lights and indicators), with tweaks to the bumper profiles as well.Much of the design overhaul has been focussed on the interior, which has high-grade leather and wood adorning the dashboard adopted from the E-Class - with the more cohesive integrated screen set-up and taken a step further in the right direction.The two design and equipment lines - Elegance and Avantgarde - are more distinct, with the biggest tell-tale being the grille with raised "cross-hair" logo on the Elegance model's nose, while  the Avantgarde has the larger emblem mounted centrally in the front grille.The new C-Class has seven airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control already, and now has an even longer list of active safety assistance systems using radar, camera and sensor technology.The safety features list now includes Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Active Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist driver alert, the Distronic Plus radar-equipped cruise control, Speed Limit Assist (which spots roadside speed signs), the Parktronic system and the Pre-Safe accident preparation system.The first impression of the car is how quiet and refined it is, and we're driving the smaller diesel 250 CDI, which cruises at 110km/h with around 1500rpm on the tachometer.  Wind noise is only apparent because of gusty cross-winds, which were enough to topple a truck on the freeway.Teamed witnh the seven speed auto the drivetrain was flexible and linear, easily climbing the steep mountain roads.  A drive in the V6 turbodiesel - which packs a 620Nm wallop - delivered a quiet drive, with in-gear acceleration that is awesome and unrelenting.The Agility Control suspension system has been fine-tuned and the work was worthwhile, as the ride quality is more comfortable, but not at the expense of body control and handling, which were both crisp.The steering is well-weighted and bites into the corners with a little more vigour than was expected.  The interior has a quality feel and the integrated screen and dashboard set-up looks far more cohesive, the only bugbear being the speed limit display system proving somewhat at odds with the Tenerife road signs on several occasions.A comprehensive and worthwhile update that puts the C-Class back in the fight. 79/100