very interesting page...

i have seen this page around for a few years now...

some of the C-class pics posted are new to me.

http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.co...a_archive.html

I enjoyed that page.... thanks

Thanks
I have seen all the photos from 2-3 differnet mags
The W204 C-class is as ugly as W203 . The headlamps are truly sht.
May be it is time to say goodbye to C-Class....I am seriously considering the 2008 Toyota Supra or a GTR for a change.

Nice link.. thanks! I like the look of the new c wagon..

CNTLAW.. Get a new CLS.. those are damn sexy!! I hope a CLS55 or 500 will be my next car..

Don't mind the look of the next c-class at all. It's not the cutest looking car I've seen, but I think that's the statement. Carrying an MB badge, you don't have to just sit there and look pretty. You should be confident enough to speak up and risking yourself to look a bit ugly. Can't wait to see the AMG. I hope they do more serious body works to set it apart from the non AMG Cs, just like what BMW did to their E46 M3s. Rather than just introducing a different style of some easy bolt on parts like spoiler, skirts and rear bumper.

I tried hard to hate the E-class and make sure I won't go for a E55 and fell in with the CLS55 and still is.

Here 1.7million HK$ for a CLS55 AMG ( not to say if it is a CLS63 ) , that money, I will consider a 997 Turbo ~2.1million. (Of course I can't afford)

You are right, it is good that now a 2007 CLS500 will be with the DOHC 388hp V8, this makes life much easier to shift to a CLS from a C55 without paying a fortune yet to enjoy the car as a whole and not having a big power gap.

I will not pay for a next Benz ( e.g. W204 ) without Comfort Access, Ultra Wave Night Vision and a Camera in the Rear Bumper. I am looking forward to see what S-class technology innovation will be incorporated into the W204.

I read that Airmatic is available as an option in the new C-Class. This is a ++

How soon I am tempted will also depend a lot on the new C AMG look. I read that there will be a C Coupe ( not sure if there is also a C Convertible? ) The CLK63 (481hp) and CLS63 (508hp) are just way too high up as fun cars. These Ferrari class engine power won't be of the fuel economy that we in Asia can use the car for day2day though.

I thought in HK you wouldn't be able to employ all the horses like we do here in the US on our smooth roads and highway.
I was under the impression that in your case, the AMG badges are used to reflect your status symbol, as a tool for others to measure your social or economic prestige, which might be important where you live. Different country, different culture, different attitude, different way of thinking, etc.
In this case, I have a feeling that fuel economy shouldn't be of concern.. or should it ?

A car here being a status symbol is practically not that effective than people live in the big west countries. We don't live in houses with gardens, so if I visit frriends, they wont know what car I am driving as we have to park in pay parking lot in a distance. We have narrow streets, illegal parking everywhere and 24 hr. So we can't park outside a pup to show off what car we have. I have changed at least 6 cars in the past few years, and most of my close and old firiends dont know I have cars and never know what car I am driving unless I tell me. ( and most people here dont own and dont drive ! )

Not to say AMG, Porsche. 90% private cars here are play toys, we can live without. Yes, we have different driving environments, but we can also trust that all exotic cars fanatics in the world are behaving the same. They will buy the best they can afford, mod as much as the parts they could find and drive as fast as they spot the chance to do so

I do agree a small number of people think exactly what you have said.
People here buy expensive brand cars is more related to the high running cost and best resale value for Benz, BMW and Porsche.

Answer your original question, I picked the C55 AMG mostly because of its unique power and practical for daily commute. Status - okay , it was a big money spent , so the owner status automatically come with it but not entirely the original buying reason.

So...any ideas when the new C Class will be released then? And what about the AMG models? Just bought a C32 AMG and would hate for it to look like the "old" model within a year!!!

haha sorry paul.. but I'm afraid that's the case. From what I've read and heard, the so called W204 will be introduced to the public during the Geneva auto show, which is around March 2007. That means you'll start seeing lots of real pictures late this year (not just photoshopped ones). The AMG version ? I don't know, but for sure it's within a year after the all-new model release, if not the same time.

March 2007 is very late. I was expecting the new C class will be on sale by Q4 2006. Anyway...I will make sure I don't want a W204( hope not C-class again), just hope MB screws it up....if they don't , well, I will do a side by side evaluation of the M3 E90 and C63 W204 then. In any cases, I would love to have a 2-door 400+hp convertible regardless if it is a W204 or a E90