C55 AMG First Drive in Autocar!!!
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C55 AMG
C55 AMG First Drive in Autocar!!!
Sorry can't post article.
The Checklist:
Styling 4/5
Balanced potency. Subtle touches reveal AMG's efforts to distinguish C55 from regular models.
Engine 4/5
Punches out refinement and performance in equal measures. Always polished, can be economical.
Handling/Ride 4/5
Great agility and more neutral handling, terrific grip, naturally poised, ride is firm but suspension and tyres surprisngly quiet.
Brakes 4/5
Terrific, no sign of fade or vibration after lengthy mountain descent, but pedal too far above accelerator.
Cabin Quality 3/5
Softer finishes and better materials help, but still not as good as it should be, especially in C55 form.
Practicality 4/5
Full four-seater, big boot, excellent (new) front seats. Tight turning circle. Immensely practical to own.
Value for Money 3/5
Expensive to buy - not forgetting the many desirable options - and run. Low volumes should help residuals.
OVERALL
Represents such impressive progress over C32, it's hard not to think of the C55 as an altogether different, and more sporting, species.
+
Handling and Performance.
-
Price, Interior Quality.
The Checklist:
Styling 4/5
Balanced potency. Subtle touches reveal AMG's efforts to distinguish C55 from regular models.
Engine 4/5
Punches out refinement and performance in equal measures. Always polished, can be economical.
Handling/Ride 4/5
Great agility and more neutral handling, terrific grip, naturally poised, ride is firm but suspension and tyres surprisngly quiet.
Brakes 4/5
Terrific, no sign of fade or vibration after lengthy mountain descent, but pedal too far above accelerator.
Cabin Quality 3/5
Softer finishes and better materials help, but still not as good as it should be, especially in C55 form.
Practicality 4/5
Full four-seater, big boot, excellent (new) front seats. Tight turning circle. Immensely practical to own.
Value for Money 3/5
Expensive to buy - not forgetting the many desirable options - and run. Low volumes should help residuals.
OVERALL
Represents such impressive progress over C32, it's hard not to think of the C55 as an altogether different, and more sporting, species.
+
Handling and Performance.-
Price, Interior Quality.
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From: Texas
2008 Rav4, 1997 Lexus ES300
That car is SO nice. I can't wait till they come out. I'm really struck on whether i should get a used 03' C32 or wait a lil' while for a C55. This patience game is killing me!! 
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C55 AMG
If you can wait... I am sure you won't regret it.
I own a 2002 C32... and from what I hear and read about the C55... I WILL trade-in my C32.
I am happy with my C32. BUT a V8, better handling, more direct steering, the much needed interior refresh, unique AMG design... etc... surely all this plus a great car to start with makes it even better.
I own a 2002 C32... and from what I hear and read about the C55... I WILL trade-in my C32.
I am happy with my C32. BUT a V8, better handling, more direct steering, the much needed interior refresh, unique AMG design... etc... surely all this plus a great car to start with makes it even better.
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Originally posted by jlara
Anybody else notice the pedals? I wonder if we will be able to buy them and put them on our C32's?
Anybody else notice the pedals? I wonder if we will be able to buy them and put them on our C32's?
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tezta
I still find it funny that the C55 will have the CLK headlights while the facelifted C 320,230, etc will have the current more rounded looking bi-xenon headlamps. [/QUOTE
why is that funny? i personally like them both, there is hardly a note worthy difference IMO
I still find it funny that the C55 will have the CLK headlights while the facelifted C 320,230, etc will have the current more rounded looking bi-xenon headlamps. [/QUOTE
why is that funny? i personally like them both, there is hardly a note worthy difference IMO
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C55 AMG
I think its important that AMG differentiate their cars from standard models... AMG customers want to feel special, not just performance wise. For one thing, I wish they would change the instruction manual to a specific AMG one (like BMW M Division). Its a small issue but...
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I agree, AMG needs to be kept "special", the AMG manual is a great idea. The lights and hood are good move.
Those pedals are available at the dealer now, I have had some for months. Nice and inexpensive. Changing the lights will mean changing the bumper and hood too, ouch.
I think the C55 should shed 10 seconds at the 'ring and then we can say it is a "big" improvement in handling. I am anxious for a review that includes that spec. The stock C32 was quick on the straights, but was just barely OK on the turns. The C55 has room to improve.
Good news, whatever they develop for the C55 suspension-wise will be a direct bolt-on for the C32. Maybe even some of the newer electronic control can be retrofitted too.
Those pedals are available at the dealer now, I have had some for months. Nice and inexpensive. Changing the lights will mean changing the bumper and hood too, ouch.
I think the C55 should shed 10 seconds at the 'ring and then we can say it is a "big" improvement in handling. I am anxious for a review that includes that spec. The stock C32 was quick on the straights, but was just barely OK on the turns. The C55 has room to improve.
Good news, whatever they develop for the C55 suspension-wise will be a direct bolt-on for the C32.
Maybe even some of the newer electronic control can be retrofitted too.
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From: The Magic City
C63
I like it a lot. I love those gauges & the the new trim looks like a smooth aluminum not textured like the old one. The only thing i'm not to sure about is the steering wheel, it looks a little strange, & why cant they put AMG on it, like they used to. It looks like im going to trade in my baby... 
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From: Hong Kong / Jakarta
CLS350
[QUOTE]Originally posted by s4iscool
Its odd for MB to introduce an AMG car that actually has different major body panels compared with the standard car. Sure i like them both as well especially the C55 look, but im just wondering if this is going to be passed over to the other models, example an E55 with W215 headlights and hood.
Originally posted by Tezta
I still find it funny that the C55 will have the CLK headlights while the facelifted C 320,230, etc will have the current more rounded looking bi-xenon headlamps. [/QUOTE
why is that funny? i personally like them both, there is hardly a note worthy difference IMO
I still find it funny that the C55 will have the CLK headlights while the facelifted C 320,230, etc will have the current more rounded looking bi-xenon headlamps. [/QUOTE
why is that funny? i personally like them both, there is hardly a note worthy difference IMO
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From: asdf
asdf
Originally posted by ChrisC32
My million dollar question is anyone know HOW MUCH?????????
My million dollar question is anyone know HOW MUCH?????????
If it's priced the same as the CLK55 then why not just stay with a C32? I'm guessing it'll be more than 50k but less than 65k. Who knows though. It'll be interesting to see how MB prices this car. Should affect the pricing of the upcoming V8 M3/M4.
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From: san francisco
C32
very nice
Good job on the interior and I sure MB addressed the handling shortcomings of the C32. However, unless I drive both cars one after the other on the same track, I am not convinced about the supposedly improved handling on paper just yet.
It will be tough for MB to keep the price the same due to the recent demise of the dollar exchange rate, but they can then job well done indeed.
The CLK55 should get a SC at this point ....
It will be tough for MB to keep the price the same due to the recent demise of the dollar exchange rate, but they can then job well done indeed.
The CLK55 should get a SC at this point ....
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From: California
ML350 '06
Well, I got a call back today about buying a '04 C32. If everything goes well, I think I'll pick it up this weekend.
I placed an order for it last month but MB wrote back saying sorry, no more C32's. However, I'm not one wanting to wait for the C55 although it definitely looks like it's worth the wait.
Realistically though, I find it hard to believe that anyone is going to be driving a C55 any earlier than Sept. '04 and I can't wait that long maybe longer. So it's going to be the C32 for me but I'll know for sure by tomorrow morning.
Besides, my ultimate goal is to get an E55 down the road, so if I must wait for a C55 until this fall, at that point I would have saved enough for an E55. Then on top of this, I go back to thinking it's better to start with a 3 year lease for the C32 giving MB more time to counter-strike BMW M5, so then I'll be ready for the newer and improved E55. Decisions, decisions.
Damn, I swear, cars are getting to be like computers now! I remember bringing home my new Gateway, top of the line nothing was faster...only to see it outdated in a matter of months. The time you think you got a great car, another one comes out, better than the one you just bought.
I placed an order for it last month but MB wrote back saying sorry, no more C32's. However, I'm not one wanting to wait for the C55 although it definitely looks like it's worth the wait.
Realistically though, I find it hard to believe that anyone is going to be driving a C55 any earlier than Sept. '04 and I can't wait that long maybe longer. So it's going to be the C32 for me but I'll know for sure by tomorrow morning.
Besides, my ultimate goal is to get an E55 down the road, so if I must wait for a C55 until this fall, at that point I would have saved enough for an E55. Then on top of this, I go back to thinking it's better to start with a 3 year lease for the C32 giving MB more time to counter-strike BMW M5, so then I'll be ready for the newer and improved E55. Decisions, decisions.
Damn, I swear, cars are getting to be like computers now! I remember bringing home my new Gateway, top of the line nothing was faster...only to see it outdated in a matter of months. The time you think you got a great car, another one comes out, better than the one you just bought.
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Originally posted by Nickerz
Damn, I swear, cars are getting to be like computers now! I remember bringing home my new Gateway, top of the line nothing was faster...only to see it outdated in a matter of months. The time you think you got a great car, another one comes out, better than the one you just bought.
Damn, I swear, cars are getting to be like computers now! I remember bringing home my new Gateway, top of the line nothing was faster...only to see it outdated in a matter of months. The time you think you got a great car, another one comes out, better than the one you just bought.
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C55 AMG
Damn, I swear, cars are getting to be like computers now!
I do it this way:
1. What do I need NOW?
2. How long do I plan to keep it?
3. Check back every six months or more?
4. Go back to step one!
Well atleast for computers that is.:p
For cars... Should I think 'practical' or 'fun/sport'?
I wanted to get an M3 after my '98 BMW 328i... but I got a '01 SLK32 (liked the idea of V6 Kompressor in a small car!!!)... replaced with a '02 C32 after only 7 months (Family man now
).GOD the SLK was FUN!!! FUN!!! FUN!!!
I wonder how the SLK55 will be?
