Mercedes-Benz C55 2004 Review

It turns a normally mild-mannered C-Class family sedan into a heavy hitting tarmac burner.

Other German manufacturers have gone the same way – towards V8s and away from sixes – Audi's S4, BMW's new M3. Petrol prices mustn't be a concern for them.

But there's a lot to be said for a naturally aspirated big cube engine over a turbo – easier to drive for starters, less explosive mid-range response, potentially longer-lived engine, excellent sound.

The C55 AMG also gains just about every goodie available on the C-Class options list, and more street presence courtesy of a mild body kit and 18in alloys.

• Engine is shared with other models in the AMG lineup, the CLK for starters. Lacks the supercharger of other models but doesn't really need the extra grunt.
• Acceleration times are blisteringly fast – around the low 5 second mark for 0-100kmh even better on the move.
• Engine spins like a turbine, smooth as silk, lovely exhaust burble (four tail pipes) that can at times become intrusive. Has 270kW/510Nm.
• Fuel economy surprisingly good if you can resist the right foot.
• Five speed auto only for this market says it's an autobahn specialist – true to some extent.
• Transmission user friendly for everyday use, sequential manual mode available if you must but not necessary.
• Features all the upgrades on regular C-Class that came through this year. Better interior, better paint, better safer.
• As an AMG model, brakes, wheels, tyres, suspension are highly developed.
• Fabulous to drive but stability/traction control intrusive.
• Looks fairly innocuous on the street, not enough "wow" factor except for exhausts.
• Electric driver's seat is difficult to organise, has a mind of its own with memory settings.
• Paddles behind steering wheel spokes for up and down changing.
• Impressive audio system, annoying climate con- trol other stuff is good.
• Has five star Euro NCAP crash rating
• First V8 in a Benz C-Class
• Good turning circle, large boot, weighs 1695kg