MERCEDES BENZ C 450 AMG (W205) 2014-2015

In 2014, Mercedes-Benz retired the W204 generation replacing it with the W205, which came with not one, but three AMG versions, the 450 being the least powerful of them but still with enough performance to threaten many sports cars.

The C-Class was a hugely successful model in the three-pointed-star brand lineup. Not only that it didn't look like an old man's car, but it offered a complete package of technology and performance to be considered by the younger generation, who didn't even think about a Mercedes-Benz as a sports car. And yet, the C-Class 450 AMG provided a balanced package that provided enough power and was still civilized enough to be used as a daily driver.

In the AMG version, the C-Class 450 AMG featured the specific, A-shaped, lower grille in the bumper, flanked by a pair of air-intakes that channeled the air to the front brakes. The main grill sported a 3D pattern named "diamond mesh" crossed by a single chromed bar that supported the brand's logo. At the back, a diffuser was added to the bottom of the bumper, between the two dual exhausts.

Inside, the sports seats were covered in AMG-specific upholstery and provided excellent side support during high-speed cornering thanks to the adjustable bolstered areas. In addition, the ARTICO/DINAMICA man-made leather mixed with the aluminum trims provided a sporty ambiance. Inside the instrument cluster, the carmaker placed a pair of dials with chequered flag background and red needles. In the middle, a small TFT display showed the onboard computer data.

Under the hood, AMG installed a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine paired to a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS gearbox. Power went in all corners with a front/rear 33/67 torque-split distribution.