Mercedes C-Class AMG Line
"The C-Class AMG Line is Mercedes' way of breathing AMG life into its regular model line-up, and goes up against Audi's A4 S line and BMW 3 Series M Sport models."
Designed to rival the likes of the BMW M Sport and Audi S LIne ranges, the AMG Line trim captures some of the essence of Mercedes' AMG performance models and distills it into its 'everyday' cars.
Similar to BMW and Audi's offerings, the C-Class AMG Line features sports suspension, body-hugging sports seats and an AMG bodykit. Satellite navigation, cruise control and dual-zone climate control is also thrown in, which makes the C-Class AMG Line feel lavishly equipped.
The AMG Line's selection of engines includes a 2.0-litre petrol and two diesels - a 1.6-litre and a 2.1-litre (available in two different power outputs). Even a super-efficient hybrid is available. Naturally the diesels are more efficient than the petrol, as the C200d and C220d are both capable of more than 70mpg. The hybrid's 79mpg is impressive, but isn't that much more than the diesel versions, which makes it hard to justify the extra premium of around £5,000 over the most economical diesels.
The AMG Line trim is similarly priced to Audi A4 S line models, so buyers won't feel too much of a premium when making that decision. However, compared to the BMW 3 Series M Sport models, the Mercedes starts to look a little pricey.
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Good points
The C-Class is probably one of the best looking current Mercedes models out there at the moment, so dressing it up in a sporty AMG bodykit will only add to the car's visual appeal. The interior is incredibly classy and laden with kit, so most drivers will feel the luxury from day one.The choice of engines in the range means the C-Class AMG Line may be cheaper to run than you might think. The BlueTEC diesels and hybrid model all manage over 70mpg - perfect for hypermilers and long trips.
Bad points
The sports suspension might actually harm the C-Class' reputation for giving a comfortable drive, so the extra expense of optioning the AIRMATIC air suspension might put potential buyers off.Speaking of costs, although cheap to run and about the same price as an Audi A4 S line, the C-Class AMG Line is more expensive overall than a BMW 3 Series M Sport, which is sharper to drive.A more general point regarding the C-Class is rear space - legroom is fine but headroom for adults may suffer because of the car's low roofline.
What you get
- Alloy wheels
- Folding rear seats
- Electric folding wing mirrors
- Alarm
- Tyre pressure sensors
- Passenger & Driver airbag
- Front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- Auto climate control
- Full leather seats
- Leather steering wheel
- Height adjustable driver's seat
- Electric driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- Front electric windows
- Single CD player
- AUX stereo input
- DAB Radio
- Cruise control
- Sat nav
- Stop/Start
- Automatic wipers
- Reversing camera
- Sports suspension
- Sports seats
- Rear electric windows
- Bluetooth
Recommended optional extras
- AIRMATIC Agility Package
Our choice
The C220d with the manual gearbox would be your best option. It offers strong performance figures, including a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds, but also stellar fuel efficiency ratings too. Plus, out of the entire range, it won't break the bank to buy either. If you do loads of motorway miles, you can spec the automatic gearbox instead, but it's a little unresponsive when you need it to be.
