Mercedes Test Day 2011: behind the wheel of the C63 AMG, Class B and ML

A few days ago, together with Mercedes, we spent an entertaining day testing the latest news from the star brand, in what the company calls Mercedes Test Day. But the highlight without a doubt was the sensational Mercedes C63 AMG Coupé.

The brutal C63 AMG was not the only novelty we were able to try, because we also had a brief first contact with the new MB Class B and with the off-roader from Mercedes, the ML, which has been redesigned and is now available with a four-cylinder diesel engine.

Mercedes launches in 2012

But before getting into the road tests, we want to tell you about some news arriving soon in the Mercedes range. Next year we will see the new generation of the Mercedes SL (March 2012), the GLK restyling (June 2012), the estate version of the CLS will also be launched (September 2012), the new A-Class (September 2012) and the GL arriving in November.

Furthermore, in June of next year the electric Smart will go on sale, available to anyone who wants to get their hands on the city car with an electric motor.

Mercedes Class B 2012

Yesterday, 24 November, the new Mercedes Class B went on sale at dealerships, a model that has undergone a thorough renewal in terms of design, mechanics and technology.

The design is immediately striking: it is now more dynamic and sporty. During the first contact many people were surprised when they saw the car, and sportiness is present in everything from the design of the wheels to the front end, which is more pronounced and has more personality.

But in addition, the behaviour of the car has changed radically, moving away from the typical behaviour of an MPV and gaining stability and dynamism. During our first contact we tested the 136 hp B200 CDI, a model that is now more dynamic and offers more stable and agile handling than its predecessor.

The engine stands out for its smoothness and responsiveness, in performance terms we are talking about 300 Nm of torque and good response, which together with its six-speed gearbox with a precise feel make this powertrain an interesting option.

The interior space is within the norm for the segment, with the interior quality standing out. Practically all the materials in the cabin have a soft feel (the doors stand out for having almost no hard plastics), and design is present throughout, with the different air vents or the navigation screen presiding over the centre console.

The starting price of the Mercedes Class B is 26,100 euros for the 109 hp B180 CDI. This model will be the first in the Mercedes range to incorporate a dual-clutch gearbox next year.

Mercedes ML250 CDI

With the renewal of the Mercedes ML a novelty has arrived that was already incorporated in the S-Class: a four-cylinder diesel engine with 204 hp. Until now the diesel range of the ML was made up of V6 blocks, which stood out for performance but not so much for consumption.

With the arrival of the ML250 CDI the ML300 CDI is replaced, with a new four-cylinder engine capable of producing 204 hp. After a brief first contact with this engine, it has convinced us as the entry-level engine for the range. It is not as performance-oriented as the 350 CDI, but it responds and moves the ML without problems.

Although performance is somewhat lower, we have an off-roader capable of homologating a consumption of just 6 litres per 100 km, in addition to meeting the European Euro VI standard. Precisely, one of the novelties incorporated in the ML is an AdBlue tank to reduce CO2 emissions, a similar system already used by trucks and some SUVs.

Mercedes C63 AMG Coupé

Before telling you about this powerful coupé, let me give you some figures. We are talking about a 6.3 V8 engine capable of developing 457 hp and 600 Nm of torque; with these figures we can already get an idea of the sportiness and radicalness of the C63 AMG.

This powerful rear-wheel-drive car catches your attention as soon as you sit behind the wheel and start the car: when you turn the key, the purr of its V8 engine gives you an idea of its potential. You need to be quite delicate with the accelerator with this type of car, since the response is immediate and forceful.

If we press halfway down the pedal, it already responds like a true beast, taking a few seconds to put the power down properly, and it propels us forward with force, pressing us into the seat. It is a unique experience that makes you not want to get out of the car.

From 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Handling on winding roads is stable, but we always have to modulate the accelerator, while the chassis responds with firmness and agility. Finally, there is the AMG brake system, which stops the 457 hp of the C63 AMG Coupé without any problem.

After our brief first contact, the sensations at the wheel are impressive, and we are left wanting to spend an ordinary week with this beast, which also debuts the coupé bodywork and matches the very BMW M3 in performance.

The price of the C63 AMG Coupé is 81,100 euros, taxes included.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira