C63 AMG Mercedes-Benz

We were big fans of the C63 AMG and its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8. But all good things must come to an end. The C63 AMG is dead. Long live the 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63.

FRONT VIEW 

 No, that's not a typo. Mercedes is following through with what it started with the Mercedes-AMG GT, dropping the "Benz" and replacing it with the name of its Affalterbach-based tuning arm. Though its name has changed, the C63 is still a C-Class stuffed with a V-8 engine -- just not the M156 we fell in love with. As we first heard this year in Geneva, that engine has been replaced by the M177, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that Mercedes says is a close relative of the M178 found in the Mercedes-AMG GT. The engine in the standard C63 makes 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the base GT's 456 hp and 443 lb-ft. The C63 S model makes the same 503 hp as the GT S, but significantly more torque at 516 lb-ft (compared to the GT S' 479 lb-ft). Both 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 variants route power to the rear wheels via an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic transmission. 


Just like the GT, the C63 tucks its two turbochargers inside the V-8's valley. This makes the powertrain more compact and also optimizes responsiveness. In addition, the C63 gets the GT's dynamic engine mounts, which can vary their stiffness depending on driving conditions. Also variable is the sound emitted from the C63's four tailpipes. A standard sports exhaust system uses an electronically controlled exhaust flap to alternate between a low-key hum for long-distance driving and a more visceral sound for spirited canyon romps. For even more aural control, a performance exhaust system is available with three electronic flaps. Mercedes claims the C63 will be the most efficient eight-cylinder car in the high-performance segment. Helping in that mission is a new "Gliding Function," which can decouple the engine from the drivetrain if the driver lifts off the throttle between 37 and 99 mph. The automaker says that the new C63 consumes roughly 32 percent less fuel than its predecessor. 


As you might expect, the C63 looks like a standard C-Class with the usual AMG visual tweaks applied. The car gets AMG's "A-wing" front valance, as well as a front splitter for improved downforce. In back is a rear diffuser insert with three fins, which fills the gap between the characteristic AMG quad exhaust tips. The C63's interior is what visually sets it apart the most from its lesser C-Class siblings. A three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel features a red strip that marks the 12:00 position and is placed in front of a two-binnacle gauge cluster with carbon weave-pattern dials. That carbon theme continues on the center stack, which features an IWC analog clock, AMG Dynamic Select switch, COMAND touchpad, and other controls specific to AMG models. Sports seats upholstered in MB-Tex vinyl and Dinamica microfiber come standard, while performance seats with more bolstering and a lower seating position are available. 


Price Range: $38,400 - $63,000

2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-In Hybrid

SIDE VIEW MERCEDES-BENZ PLUG IN HYBRID 

mobiseries Keyguard Protector For 15.6 Inches All Laptops 15.6 Inches All Laptops Keyboard SkinIf Benz's flagship wants to earn some green cred, then it's going to need much more than just stop-start technology to balance out the beastly (and fun) S63 AMG 4Matic and S65 AMG. That's where the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-In Hybrid comes in. We recently headed to Germany for the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT's world premiere, which was a look-but-don't-drive affair, but Benz did hand us the keys to the hybridized S-Class for a short drive in and around Stuttgart.

Mercedes says the goal for the 2015 S550 PHEV could be summed up in three numbers: 8, 4, and 0. Specifically, it should provide eight-cylinder performance, four-cylinder efficiency, and zero-emission capability.

INTERIOR OF PLUG IN HYBRID MERCEDES-BENZ

Those numbers sound promising, especially compared to the last-generation S400 Hybrid. That car combined a 3.5-liter V-6 (275 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque) with a tiny electric motor (20 hp and 118 lb-ft) housed within the seven-speed auto. Acceleration was decent at 7.0 seconds flat and its EPA rating of 19/25 mpg city/highway wasn't a significant improvement over its gas-only counterpart. Additionally, the S400 was more of a mild hybrid that could run on a pure electric mode. To be fair, this was Benz's early effort into hybridization, and the lessons learned from that car were applied to the much improved sedan we get today.

BACK SIDE PLUG IN HYBRID MERCEDES-BENZ

For starters, the 2015 Mercedes S550 PHEV features the automaker's new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that's already making its way into the Benz lineup. Here, it makes 329 hp and 354 lb-ft. The S550 PHEV also gets a bigger and more robust electric motor rated at 114 hp and 251 lb-ft that is still fitted within the transmission, but can now operate on its own thanks to the addition of a clutch between it and the engine. According to Benz, the S550 PHEV will have a zero-emissions range of 20 miles, with top speed limited at around 54 mph. (Top speed with the engine is 130 mph.) So how does it deliver on the promise of eight-cylinder performance? Pretty well. As expected, the electric motor provides a fair amount of thrust off the line. Moments later the V-6 steps in seamlessly, with both providing plenty of steam well above highway speeds. A short jaunt on an unrestricted portion of the Autobahn further solidified the powertrain's strength, with the sedan eagerly reaching its top speed in no time. Benz provides a 0-62 mph estimate of 5.2 seconds, which sounds about right and isn't too far behind the last S550 we tested (0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds). We'll have to wait a bit to find out if it delivers on its four-cylinder-like fuel economy. The official European Union test results returned a very optimistic combined rating of 100.9 mph.

PLUG IN CHARGE MERCEDES-BENZ

The 8.7 kW-hr lithium-ion battery sits above the rear axle and is water-cooled. Weighing in at 251 pounds, the battery pack occupies 3.4 cubic feet of space above the rear axle, reducing the trunk capacity to 12.2 cubic feet, compared to 16.3 cubic feet in non-hybrid models. The hybridized S-Class features a 3.6 kW on-board charger with the connection for the cable located in the rear bumper on the passenger side. Mercedes says charging the battery should take approximately two hours and 45 minutes using a level 2 charger, and wireless charging is on the way. The S550 PHEV proves that Mercedes is finally getting serious about hybridization. The powertrain was developed and built to be a modular system, which means it'll eventually make its way into other models including the C-Class and SUVs such as the M and GL-Class. Pricing and official fuel figures should be announced closer to its debut, perhaps at the upcoming Los Angeles or Detroit auto show.

INTERIOR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOUR MODE

2016 Mercedes-AMG GT First Look

Mercedes Benz 2016 Amg Gt

The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT is an all-new model, but comparisons between it and the outgoing SLS AMG GT will undoubtedly be made. It's now time to say goodbye to the SLS GT's memorable and flashy gullwing doors, along with its burly and rowdy-sounding 6.2-liter V-8. The Mercedes-AMG GT also packs an eight-cylinder, but it's a smaller displacement mill that's sporting two turbos. You'll also notice the new car's spiffy name (no "Benz") that the automaker says is a preview of naming changes for upcoming AMG products. We'll report on that name game at a later date. For now let's focus on the AMG GT, which is the second car to be completely designed and developed by the folks at Affalterbach. Like other recently launched AMG models, the Mercedes-AMG GT will be offered in a base and an S model. Both are powered by an all-new 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 that makes 456 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque in the base GT and 503 hp and 479 lb-ft in the GT S. This engine, which was developed specifically for the GT and is also referred to as the M178, showcases a special turbo setup dubbed "hot inside V." Here, the two turbochargers sit within the engine's V configuration, as opposed to the typical layout, in which the turbos are placed outside of the cylinder banks. This setup gives the M178 its compact dimensions.
MORE ON AMG
 Coupling that with the M178's dry sump lubrication system allowed engineers to mount the engine low in the bay, improving the GT's center of gravity.

SideView of Mercedes Benz AMG

Those turbos also give the M178 a fat torque curve. For starters, max torque in the GT arrives at just 1600 rpm and 1750 rpm for the GT S (peak horsepower is around 6000 rpm for both). For comparison, the M159, 6.2-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 (583 hp and 479 lb-ft) that powered the SLS AMG GT spun at 4750 and 6800 rpm to reach max torque and horsepower, respectively. We've praised the M159 for its linear power delivery, and AMG is promising the same from the M178. Like the SLS, the Mercedes-AMG GT is fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a rear transaxle setup. Mercedes says the GT's gearbox is improved with a larger gear ratio spread and quicker shift times. That said, the Mercedes-AMG GT is estimated to run from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, with the GT S a few ticks quicker at 3.7 seconds. Top speed for the GT and GT S is 189 and 193 mph, respectively. AMG's new sports car will be the first model to be offered with the AMG Dynamic Plus package. This package, which is exclusive to the GT S, consists of variable engine and transmission mounts. The system essentially softens the mounts during relaxed driving and stiffens them when it comes time to tear through canyons or the track. The AMG Dynamic Plus package also includes a stiffer suspension setup, more negative camber at the front axle, and revised steering. Out back, the GT S features an electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential, while the GT is fitted with a mechanical locking diff.

Awesome Dash Board  

AMG ENGINE

Highlighting the Mercedes-AMG GT's cabin are the eight buttons and knobs arranged on the center console to mimic the engine's cylinder layout. The knob on the upper left controls the AMG Dynamic Select drive modes that include Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus, with each mode adjusting throttle response, steering, and the optional performance exhaust and variable engine and transmission mount system. An Individual mode allows customizable settings, while a Race mode is exclusive to the GT S and adjusts the transmission and engine to their most aggressive setting. After the SLS, the GT is the second car developed and engineered exclusively by the folks at AMG. Your first chance to grab AMG's latest effort will come in the spring of 2015 when the Mercedes-AMG GT S starts arriving in showrooms. The AMG GT, however, won't arrive until the following year. Pricing details should come closer to launch date, so we'll have to wait a bit longer to see how the GT compares to the SLS, whose price tag crested the $200,000 mark.

Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV to be launched in India on September 30

Mercedes’ onslaught of launches has been keeping our calendars choc-a-bloc. After bringing out a couple of new AMG vehicles and more, the German luxury carmaker is looking to launch its smallest SUV, the GLA in India on September 30. And in a week’s time, we will also have the E 350 CDI hitting Indian roads.

The Mercedes GLA will be a competitor for the Q3 and the X1. It’s compact and is built on the same platform as the A- and B-Class cars. Its looks,  like the Q3′s, command unanimous appeal – they’re a far cry than the X1′s, which have people either applauding BMW’s radical design or expressing outrage for well, the same radical design. While internationally the GLA is available with a 4Matic mode, India will as of now, get only the two-wheel drive version. Ground clearance though, for the Indian roads, has been raised to 183mm.

MERCEDES-BENZ GLA

The GLA will come with two engine choices. One is a 1.6-litre turbopetrol which makes 155PS and 250Nm of torque. The second, a diesel is the four cylinder 2.2l motor which produces 135PS and 300Nm. Both the engines come mated to a 7-speed automatic. Mercedes will be bringing in the GLA to India via the CBU route.

CLA 45 AMG ROAD TEST

LOW cost and high brand value –  perhaps the prime draws for those opting for new entry-level models from luxury car makers. And the car makers are definitely riding the wave, in terms of pure numbers. This is why, the A- and B-Class, based on the NGCC (New Generation Compact Cars) platform, have been doing extremely well for Merc. So we can expect the CLA compact sedan that sits on similar underpinnings to make its way to India too. We’ll have to wait for the launch of the 2015 C-Class for that to happen. But until then, Mercedes-Benz India keeps up the anticipation with the entry of the CLA 45 AMG.

CLA 45 MG (COURTESY:TOPSPEED)

There are the customary AMG badges too, but this time, there’s a new one – ‘turbo’, calling attention to the all-new engine from Affalterbach – a 2.0-litre, inline four-cylinder turbocharged petrol. AMG’s smallest engine ever, puts out 360PS and 450Nm, which coming from an AMG motor, are clearly not the kind of numbers that will make you jump out of your seat. But for the tiny sedan that the CLA is, this output is claimed to be enough to take this car from naught to 100kmph in 4.6 seconds – a good 0.3s quicker than the SLK 55 AMG! But enter the real world, India to be specific and even a Race Start launch (launch control) catapulted this baby AMG to 100kmph in 5.6 seconds, a whole second slower than the claimed figure, thanks to the lower octane fuel available in the country.

The CLA’s stock gearbox is replaced with AMG’s seven-speed dual-clutch SpeedShift sports transmission. It is quick to respond when you step on the throttle, however, on part-throttle, it tends to be slower to downshift. But with an AMG, you are better off using those sporty, aluminium paddle shifters. In typical AMG fashion, it matches revs when you downshift, but at the same time you’ll miss the series of little explosive sounds that you get from AMGs with bigger engines. Speaking of which, this engine doesn’t sound throaty like the V8 mills. Instead it sounds more like a proper four-cylinder Euro hot hatch –  inside the cabin it’s more muffled, good insulation to be blamed here. But what you will simply love is the wastegate whistle – which is sweet enough to give the tuner cars a run for their money.The transmission feeds all the power and torque down to the all-wheel 4Matic drive system. Predominantly, this system runs in a front-wheel drive configuration for better fuel efficiency. In town, the CLA returned a best figure of 8.1kmpl while on the highway, it increased to 12.4kmpl. The same transmission intervenes when you need better grip on slippery surfaces or when you want to put all the thrust down to the road, up to fifty per cent of the power and torque is sent to the rear wheels – and that is enough to get the tail wiggly if you intend to.

CLASSY ENGINE

GREAT INTERIOR 

The CLA 45 AMG then is a car that looks great, has the performance to match and acoustics that are new to an AMG, but every bit as mesmerising. Like any other sportscar sold in India, the CLA 45 AMG’s only downsides are the ride quality and ground clearance. But more importantly, unlike most other exorbitantly priced sports sedans, we expect the CLA 45 AMG to be priced lower than the C 63 AMG – which itself is quite a bargain.

Mercedes-Benz to launch the new E 350 CDI on September 11

Come September and the new E 350 CDI hits Mercedes-Benz showrooms across India. The launch that has been slotted for September 11 will be held in Pune.

Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI 

Powered by a 6-cylinder engine that churns out 302PS and comes mated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, the new E 350 CDI will feature a host of safety and driver assist programmes like Collision Prevention Assistance, Brake Assist and Driver Attention Assist. Mercedes-Benz claims that these features will form the new benchmark for the segment.
Stay tuned to HOTTRAK on September 11 for live updates straight from the launch.