While the sports sedan label is a real stretch for many autos, no vehicle on
the road is more entitled to it than the Mercedes C32 AMG. AMG is
Mercedes-Benz¹ in-house performance engineering group that can take a mild
sedan and transform it into a shark.

The C32 AMG has a killer drivetrain (engine and transmission), a stiff
chassis that anchors the suspension, and a rack-and-pinion steering system
that delivers precise feedback to the driver. The result of the
re-engineering process is the creation of one of, if not the most exciting
car in the Mercedes lineup right now. Following are some of the highlights:

Ride and handling: The C32 is one of the best-handling vehicles in the
Mercedes-Benz line at present and one of the most dynamic cars on the road,
despite its relatively modest appearance.  Mercedes applies performance
magic to the suspension to enhance driver control. The car¹s spring rate is
increased, shock absorbers are tuned and the stabilizer bars are beefed up
to maximize handling and road feel. The standard C-Class sedan handles very
well and the C32 is significantly better. The only drawback is a fairly firm
ride, but anyone even contemplating the purchase of a reengineered car like
the C32 is probably aware that some accommodations must be made.

Engine and transmission:  The C32¹s V-6 engine is a wonder. The main
go-fast element is the screw-type supercharger that develops significant
air-pressure boost at low engine speeds. This gets things started in a
hurry. To accommodate higher engine speeds, lightweight valves with
high-rate springs are employed.

The C32¹s performance figures are awe-inspiring. Mercedes-Benz states that
the car will leap to 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 4.9 seconds, and
that¹s supercar territory. Top speed is electronically limited to a
breathtaking 155 miles per hour. And while you or I aren't likely to explore
the top speed of the C32, the acceleration is fun and sometimes even
practical when passing on two lane country roads, or hitting the open spot
on a freeway entry ramp.

The smooth-shifting and highly responsive five-speed automatic transmission
is an important part of the picture. The unit will automatically select and
downshift to an optimally lower gear. The transmission also accommodates a
do-it-yourself mentality. All the driver has to do is nudge the shift
selector to the right or left to execute a shift. The transmission reacts
quickly to driver input and in many ways obviates the need for a manual
transmission in a performance car.

Safety: The C32 incorporates state-of-the-art safety components, including
all of the usual front- and side-impact air bags. The side-impact air
curtains are also employed to protect driver and passengers. The technology
incorporates nine air chambers in each curtain that span the full distance
of the side windows. These curtains can prevent occupants from being injured
by flying glass and from intrusion by objects from the outside. The C32
incorporates larger brake discs as well as special technology to keep the
large discs cool under hard use. I cannot envision circumstances where these
massive brakes would fade under any driving conditions outside of a
demanding racetrack for an extended period.

Value: Of course, with so many specialized parts, the C32 doesn¹t score high
on the value meter. Our test sedan had a base price $50,400 plus the
infamous gas-guzzler tax of $1,000. Options included a special $2,000
Motorola phone and the $2,125 COMAND system that combines radio, GPS
satellite navigation, and controls for the optional phone and 6-CD changer
into one dash unit. The special phone is integrated into the vehicle¹s sound
and control systems to activate both steering wheel and voice commands.
While the C32 has a stiff price, it offers sensational performance, without
significant sacrifice in ride quality or anything else that would render the
new sedan a weekend-only vehicle. The C32 can be used as a supersonic
commute car or a weekend people hauler; it really doesn¹t matter. But put it
on a backcountry road and its true nature comes into focus.
 

 

Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG

Price as tested: $57,040

Engine:

         Type: 3.2-liter supercharged V-6

         Horsepower: 349 hp @ 6,100 rpm

         Torque: 332-ft. lbs. @ 4,400 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 17 mpg

         Highway - 21 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,540 lbs.