2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Road Test Specs

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

(6.2L V8 7-speed Automatic)
Vehicle
Model year2008
MakeMercedes-Benz
ModelC-Class
StyleC63 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.3L 8cyl 7A)
Base MSRP$54,625
Options on test vehicleAMG Performance Package ($3,900), Multimedia Package ($2,950), Seating Package ($2,950), Metallic Paint ($710), TeleAid ($650)
As-tested MSRP$65,785
Drivetrain
Drive typeRear-wheel drive
Engine typeNormally aspirated 90-degree V8
Displacement (cc/cu-in)6,208 (379)
Block/head materialAluminum
ValvetrainDOHC, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
Compression ratio (x:1)11.3:1
Redline (rpm)7,200
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)451 @ 6,800
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)443 @ 5,000
Transmission type7-speed automatic
Transmission and axle ratios (x:1)I = 4.38; II = 2.86; III = 1.92; IV = 1.37; V = 1.00; VI = 0.82; VII = 0.73; R = 3.42; Diff = 2.85
Chassis
Suspension, frontIndependent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, dual-pivot split lower control arms, stabilizer bar
Suspension, rearIndependent, multilink, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Steering typeHydraulic-assist speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio (x:1)13.5:1
Tire brandPirelli
Tire modelP Zero
Tire typeSummer performance
Tire size, front235/40R18 95Y
Tire size, rear255/35R18 94Y
Wheel size18 by 8 front -- 18 by 9 rear
Wheel materialForged aluminum
Brakes, front14.2-inch ventilated discs, 6-piston fixed calipers
Brakes, rear13.0-inch ventilated discs, 4-piston fixed calipers
Track Test Results
0-45 mph (sec.)3.0
0-60 mph (sec.)4.4
0-75 mph (sec.)6.3
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph)12.5 @ 113.7
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.)4.1
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.)30
60-0 mph (ft.)114
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)68.6
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g)0.89
Sound level @ idle (dB)48.7
@ Full throttle (dB)78.7
@ 70 mph cruise (dB)68.4
Test Driver Ratings & Comments
Acceleration commentsWith traction control on, the C63 initially stumbles off the line, then rockets down the strip. Engaging ESP Sport allows just enough useful wheelspin to subtract 0.6 second to 60 mph. Auto upshifts are very fast right at redline.
Braking ratingVery Good
Braking commentsABS pulsing was evident as the system hunted for traction. Pedal effort is moderately firm and dive was near zero. Feel is a little vague and changes with each stop. Hard to judge fade resistance here, but we did experience some while lapping at the racetrack.
Handling ratingVery Good
Handling commentsSkid pad: Moderate understeer at the limit gets worse if pushed further. Steering is reasonably communicative but not benchmark-good. Slalom: Until the slalom was dusted off and "groomed," the C63 felt "pushy-loose." It would understeer at one cone then oversteer at the next. Also, unless the road surface is billiard-table smooth, the C63 never feels composed. A slight dip at cone #3 sends the C63 wide for the next gate. There might be more in it, not here, not today. Steering feel is marginally good, but quite precise. Seats are purpose-built for slalom testing.
Testing Conditions
Elevation (ft.)1121
Temperature (°F)74.9
Wind (mph, direction)0
Fuel Consumption
EPA fuel economy (mpg)12 city/ 19 highway
Edmunds observed (mpg)15.3
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.)17.4
Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)3,649
Curb weight, as tested (lbs.)3,993
Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%)54/46
Length (in.)186.0
Width (in.)70.7
Height (in.)56.6
Wheelbase (in.)108.7
Track, front (in.)61.8
Track, rear (in.)60.0
Turning circle (ft.)38.5
Legroom, front (in.)41.7
Legroom, rear (in.)33.4
Headroom, front (in.)37.1
Headroom, rear (in.)36.9
Shoulder room, front (in.)54.7
Shoulder room, rear (in.)55.0
Seating capacity5
Cargo volume (cu-ft)12.4
Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft)N/A
Warranty
Bumper-to-bumper4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion4 years/50,000 miles
Roadside assistanceUnlimited
Free scheduled maintenanceNot available
Safety
Front airbagsStandard
Side airbagsStandard dual front
Head airbagsStandard front and rear
Antilock brakes4-wheel ABS
Electronic brake enhancementsElectronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist
Traction controlStandard
Stability controlStandard
Rollover protectionNot available
Tire-pressure monitoring systemDirect measurement
Emergency assistance systemOptional
NHTSA crash test, driverNot available
NHTSA crash test, passengerNot available
NHTSA crash test, side frontNot available
NHTSA crash test, side rearNot available
NHTSA rollover resistanceNot available
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