The allure of AMG performance and the promise of exhilarating driving dynamics have expanded to a wider audience with the introduction of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan. This model strategically bridges the gap between the standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the high-octane Mercedes-AMG C63, offering a compelling entry point into the celebrated world of AMG. The C450 AMG 4MATIC masterfully blends a potent 362-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with the assured grip of a permanent Performance all-wheel-drive system, complemented by sophisticated suspension technology inherited from the formidable Mercedes-AMG C63. The result is not just impressive performance figures, but also the emotionally charged driving experience that is synonymous with the AMG badge. Launched in the U.S. market in the fall of 2015, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan immediately enriched the already diverse and highly appealing C-Class lineup.
The AMG sports models, including the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan, are immediately recognizable for their substantial product quality and design. The signature AMG body styling makes a clear statement, firmly placing this model within the Mercedes-AMG family. Further distinguishing these models is a unique AMG badge displayed on the front fenders, signaling a new approach to performance-oriented vehicles. From an engineering perspective, the AMG sports models deliver on their sporty aesthetic promise, boasting powerful engines, standard all-wheel drive with a rear-biased torque distribution, and advanced suspension systems.
Following the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan marked the second phase of this exciting model initiative, with more emotionally engaging AMG sports models planned to follow.
Tobias Moers, then Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized the significance of this model: “With the C450 AMG, we introduced the second emotionally expressive vehicle in our product range. It effectively merges the strength of a robust twin-turbo V6 engine with a high degree of emotional appeal, leveraging the technical DNA of the new C63. These new sports models present a compelling proposition for our clientele: making sports car technology and the thrill of motorsport more accessible and appealing to a broader spectrum of customers.”
Authentic AMG Driving Dynamics at Its Core
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan is built upon the foundation of the most potent production C-Class model at the time, the C400 4MATIC. AMG engineers meticulously refined numerous technical aspects of this new sports model, aiming for authentic driving dynamics that closely mirror the Mercedes-AMG C63 experience. To achieve this, a significant number of suspension components were directly adopted from the flagship V8 model. The influence of the C63 DNA is also evident in the engine and transmission management, ensuring an intense driving experience characterized by agility and sportiness in the C450 AMG 4MATIC, mile after mile.
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2996 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 88.0 x 82.1 mm |
| Output | 362 hp at 5500 – 6000 rpm |
| Peak torque | 384 lb/ft at 2000 – 4200 rpm |
| Power-to-displacement ratio | 120.8 hp/liter |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 4.9 s |
| Top speed | 155 mph ** (electronically limited) |
The heart of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan is the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, a member of the Mercedes-Benz BlueDIRECT engine family. AMG engineers enhanced its performance through technical advancements, including modifications to the boost pressure, resulting in increased power output and torque. Producing 362 horsepower and 384 lb/ft of torque, this V6 engine established a new benchmark in its class. This power translates directly to impressive vehicle performance: a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds emphatically underscores the sporty nature of the C450 AMG 4MATIC. Furthermore, this high-performance V6 model also achieves exceptional fuel efficiency, positioning it at the forefront of its competitive set.
Tailoring Driving Dynamics: Supreme Comfort or Sporty Agility
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan delivers agile, direct, and dynamic responses thanks to its robust torque curve. Through AMG-specific drive programs, drivers can customize the C450 AMG 4MATIC’s character to match their personal preferences. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch, conveniently located to the left of the touchpad, allows selection from “Eco”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus”, and “Individual” modes. These programs adjust the suspension, steering, and powertrain settings accordingly.
The “Sport Plus” program truly unlocks hallmark AMG dynamics and intensifies the emotional experience. It incorporates partial cylinder suppression during gear changes, achieved through momentary and precisely timed retardation of ignition and injection under full throttle. This not only speeds up gear shifts but also provides an audible thrill for the driver. Complementing this are the emotional double-declutching function during downshifts and the distinctive “exhaust rumbling” in overrun mode. The powerful engine sound, a hallmark of the AMG experience, is crucial in this top-tier V6 model. To this end, engineers developed a new sports exhaust system with reduced back-pressure and weight.
The accelerator pedal setup further shapes the driving sensation. As the driver progresses through AMG DYNAMIC SELECT settings from “Eco” to “Sport Plus”, the twin-turbo V6 engine’s throttle response becomes increasingly spontaneous and dynamic. Even the engine start-up provides an authentic and emotional cue. When initiated in “Sport Plus”, the engine speed briefly jumps to 2000 rpm before settling back to idle, offering a sporty auditory signal. The selected drive program, and thus the engine start sound, remains active for up to four hours.
The “Eco” program prioritizes fuel efficiency by integrating an ECO start/stop function and a sailing function. When the driver releases the accelerator between 37 and 99 mph, the transmission clutch disengages, decoupling the engine from the powertrain. The engine speed reduces to idle, minimizing driving resistance from compression and frictional forces in overrun mode.
7G-TRONIC PLUS Automatic Transmission: Responsive and Versatile
The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission in the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan adapts to driver preferences and selected drive programs, offering both refined composure and maximum responsiveness. “Sport Plus” mode delivers exceptionally rapid response times, executing driver shift commands with lightning speed and precision. This responsiveness is partly due to the incorporation of hardware and software solutions from the C63.
The ‘M’ button on the center console allows drivers to fully exploit the engine’s high pulling power across the entire rev range. In manual transmission mode, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS will not automatically upshift, even at kick-down or redline. Gear changes are solely controlled by the driver via the steering-wheel paddle shifters.
The momentary ‘M’ mode provides an additional layer of control, blending manual gear change performance with automatic up and downshifts. Drivers can manually shift at any time using the paddles. If no manual shift is initiated, the transmission seamlessly reverts to automatic mode after a set period.
The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission also features a dual-turbine torsional damper with a speed-sensitive centrifugal pendulum, effectively minimizing vibrations and enhancing passenger comfort.
AMG Adaptive Sports Suspension: Precision Handling and Adjustable Comfort
Agility and sportiness define the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan, reflecting AMG’s decades of motorsport success. This dynamic experience is built upon the combination of permanent Performance all-wheel drive and AMG Adaptive sports suspension. The 3-stage damper adjustment system, borrowed from the Mercedes-AMG C63, balances exceptional agility with everyday usability.
At the heart of the AMG Adaptive sports suspension lies a combination of uniquely developed axle components with high aluminum content and electronically controlled shock absorbers offering 3-stage adjustability. Drivers can tailor the suspension setup with the push of a button, ranging from comfortable for long journeys to maximally sporty.
The technical sophistication of the AMG Adaptive sports suspension is evident in its components. The four-link front axle incorporates special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints, optimized for rigidity. Increased negative camber on both front and multi-link rear axles enhances lateral dynamics. Stiffening of the body shell improves steering response, cornering feedback, and reduces tire noise. The elastokinematics of both axles are designed to be more rigid overall, improving precision, agility, and dynamics. Drivers benefit from reduced body roll, higher lateral acceleration, improved traction, and predictable neutral handling at the limit. The C450 AMG 4MATIC achieves a remarkable balance: agile sports model performance with the long-distance comfort expected of a Mercedes, thanks to optimized pull-rods and front-axle carrier mounts.
Performance-Oriented 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan utilizes the all-wheel-drive system familiar from other AMG high-performance models. This system provides exceptional grip during acceleration, effectively minimizing wheel slip. For thrilling driving dynamics, 33 percent of the engine power is directed to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear, creating a rear-biased torque split for enhanced agility around the vertical axis. The sportier ESP® setup with Curve Dynamic Assist further contributes to this agility, resulting in heightened lateral dynamics and cornering prowess.
Steering and Braking Systems Tuned for Dynamic Driving
The electro-mechanical speed-sensitive sports steering of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan supports precise line tracking and a dynamic driving style. Agile handling is enhanced by the direct and consistent AMG-specific steering ratio, featuring optimized tuning and response. Steering force is electronically adjusted to match vehicle speed. Furthermore, steering characteristics adapt based on the selected drive program – “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes deliver a sporty steering feel for dynamic driving, while “Eco” or “Comfort” modes offer a more relaxed feel. The “Individual” program provides customization, allowing drivers to combine sporty steering with a comfortable suspension, or vice versa.
The sports braking system of the C450 AMG 4MATIC provides reliable and fade-free stopping power. Ventilated brake discs on all four wheels, measuring 14.2 inches at the front and 12.6 inches at the rear, along with gray brake calipers featuring “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, are standard equipment.
AMG Design Cues: Inside and Out
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan visually embodies the fusion of motorsport excitement and everyday usability. As the second AMG sports model, it clearly belongs to the AMG family. Key design elements include AMG body styling, light-alloy wheels, and the distinctive AMG badge on the front fenders, underscoring the brand’s progressive nature and performance focus. The engine cover features a red aluminum insert, highlighting the power of the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.
The AMG body styling package includes a front bumper with sporty air intakes, diamond mesh grilles, silver chrome trim, and a matte iridium silver diffuser insert in the rear bumper. The sedan also features a separation edge on the trunk lid to enhance rear axle grip.
Silver chrome and high-gloss black exterior accents lend the C450 AMG 4MATIC a sporty and expressive character. The radiator grille features a high-gloss black louver and chrome inserts, with a diamond grille adorned with chrome pins. Additional highlights include black exterior mirror housings, high-gloss black waistline and window frame trim, and dual chrome-plated exhaust tailpipe trim elements.
The optional Night package further enhances the sporty aesthetic with high-gloss black front bumper trim, a high-gloss black diffuser-look rear insert, and black chrome-plated dual tailpipe trim.
5-spoke black AMG light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish complete the design. The front axle is fitted with 225/45 R 18 tires on 7.5 x 18 wheels, while the rear utilizes 245/40 R 18 tires on 8.5 x 18 wheels. Optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels in various designs offer further customization.
Sporty and Exclusive Interior Ambiance
Inside, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan combines exclusivity with sportiness. High-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship create a premium and emotionally engaging environment.
MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery and the instrument panel trimmed with black MB-Tex leatherette establish a sporty yet luxurious ambience. MB-Tex is also used on the upper dash, armrests, door center panels, and center console. Red contrast stitching, designo red seat belts, and black floor mats with red edging provide striking accents. Aluminum trim pieces with a light-tone longitudinal grain on the instrument panel and doors offer effective contrasts.
Sports seats with AMG-specific upholstery and pronounced lateral support ensure both long-distance comfort and secure support during dynamic cornering. Complementing the sporty handling is a 3-spoke Nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with a flat bottom, red contrast stitching, molded grip areas, paddle shifters, and silver chrome trim.
In classic AMG style, the instrument cluster features sporty “checkered flag” design dials, a 175 mph speedometer scale, red needles, and specific typography.
Standard features of the C450 AMG 4MATIC include:
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- Audio 20 USB multimedia system
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
- ECO start/stop function
- ISOFIX child seat attachment system
- Sports pedals
Available AMG optional extras include:
- 19-inch light-alloy wheels in various designs and finishes
- Performance seats
- designo leather seat upholstery
- Leather seat upholstery
- Carbon fiber/aluminum trim
Intelligent Drive: Advanced Safety Systems
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to providing top-tier safety is fully realized in the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4MATIC Sedan. It incorporates many of the advanced and enhanced assistance systems also found in the S-Class. Standard equipment includes enhanced ATTENTION ASSIST and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, aiding in preventing rear-end collisions. These sophisticated systems enhance both driving comfort and safety. Building upon the already excellent passive safety of its predecessor, the new C-Class model sets new standards in vehicle safety.
