Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Line quick spin review

The car: Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Line.

The price: $72,390 plus on-road costs.

Vital statistics: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol turbo; 155kW and 350Nm; 7-speed automatic; 6.0L/100km and 138g/km CO2; rear wheel drive.

What is it?

Either a beautifully presented luxury sedan or a sheep in wolf's clothing, depending on your perspective. The C250 with Mercedes-Benz's $3,490 AMG Line option pack is the sportiest new C-Class you can buy for now, benefiting inside and out from bling bestowed by Benz' hot-rod arm.

What isn't it?

A C63 AMG. Though it might have 19-inch wheels, an aggressive bodykit and a low stance, there are only four cylinders under the bonnet, not the thumping twin-turbo V8 you'll find under the bonnet of the forthcoming C-Class performance hero.

What does it say about me?

You want one with the lot, a car with every option to help look its best. That, or you lacked the patience (or bank account) for the new C63 AMG which won't arrive until 2015. 

Who else is buying it?

Everyone from boardroom executives to young couples with an eye for the finer things. The C-Class is one of the best-selling luxury cars in Australia and will soon be a common sight on the road.

What colours does it come in?

There are eight tones running from white to black along with a searing metallic red and subdued navy blue.

If it were a celebrity, who would it be?

It could be former featherweight boxing champion Kostya Tszyu - an elite world-class performer in its own class that doesn't quite have the punch to mix it with heavyweight muscle machines.

Why would I buy it?

Because it is a beautifully executed sedan that blends technology, polish and badge credibility in a fairly compelling package.

Does it cost too much?

The regular C250 is priced competitively at $68,900, but getting frisky with the options can prove costly – our test example was listed at $82,850 plus on-road costs with the AMG pack and other goodies.

Will I get a deal?

Not likely, this is a very new thing in high demand. If anything, you should be prepared to wait.

Is it safe?

It's one of the safest cars around, loaded up with active safety gear including autonomous emergency braking that complements regular features like airbags and stability control.

Will it get me noticed?

Absolutely, the new C-Class is a sharp-looking thing, particularly when given the AMG treatment. But the effect may wear off as more hit the road.

Any gadgets I can brag about?

Enough to make you the darling of dinner parties, particularly if you follow the Mercedes-Benz style for made-up words in shouty capitals. Have you heard about ARTICO upholstery (it stands for artificial cow, seriously), LINGUATRONIC voice activation, AIRMATIC suspension, AIR-BALANCE ionisation and fragrances, THERMATIC climate control and PARKTRONIC distance control? Shall I go on?

Will I get carjacked in it?

That may actually be a risk, given people could mistake it for the proper AMG – a car that has a history with carjackings in some areas.

How's the cabin ambience?

Lush. The AMG line includes opulent black open-pore wood that looks leagues better than the glossy lacquered veneer normally found in junior luxury rides. There are also sports seats in a choice of three colours, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and aluminium pedals to keep the Lewis Hamilton in all of us happy.

What does it smell like?

Not bad at all - the heady mix of (fake) leather and "new car smell" can be fine-tuned with a series of flavours thanks to (optional) integrated air fresheners that work with the climate control system, adjustable through its dashboard touchpad.

What's the stereo like?

Our test example was fitted with the must-have $2990 COMAND package which includes a 13-speaker Burmester stereo with a nine-channel amplifier. It sounds magnificent, and features 10 gigabytes of music storage so you can leave the iPod at home.

Does it go?

A 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds is respectable if not thrilling.

Does it like corners?

It hangs on well with grippy tyres and a lower centre of gravity thanks to a body that sits 15mm lower suspension with the AMG pack. Optional air suspension ($2490, thanks) allows drivers to set the car up for sporty driving or comfort, increasing its responsiveness accordingly.

What about bumps?

The air suspension does a competent job of absorbing imperfections, but give the AMG treatment a miss if you're concerned about ride quality – those low-profile 19-inch tyres don't offer much in the way of compliance.

What about service stations?

It's fairly frugal, using just 6.0L/100km of fuel. Grab the C250 Diesel if you want to spend less time at the pump.

Would you buy one?

Yes, the new C-Class offers everything that makes Mercedes-Benz special at a fairly attractive price. If nothing else, the AMG pack looks hot too.

What else should I consider?

That C63, if you can afford to pay in the vicinity of $150,000 for your next car. If not, the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50 and Volvo S60 are able rivals with their own charms.  

The Spin

This changes everything.

The Translation

Mercedes-Benz might not have changed the luxury car game, but it has shifted the goalposts.