First drive: AMG-tuned Sport pack for Benz C250 Coupe

AMG enthusiasts without the requisite funds for a full-blown V8 Benz can now go part way to satisfying their lust with the Affalterbach-developed $8150 Sport upgrade pack, available on the four-cylinder C250 Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has also tweaked the specification of most C-Class coupe variants, with additional equipment and price hikes of up to $1300.

Exclusively available on petrol and diesel versions of the C250 Coupe, the Sport pack Mercedes-Benz announced at the Sydney motor show in October applies tweaks to brakes, suspension, engine and transmission, in addition to a sporty cosmetic overhaul inside and out.

The AMG-tuned lowered sports suspension has modified bearings and camber settings for sharper handling, complemented by speed-sensitive sports steering and bigger brakes.

A sports exhaust with sound generator adds emotional appeal, as do engine and transmission software tweaks that sharpen throttle response, simulate double-declutching, blip the throttle on down-changes and swap cogs more quickly.

However, engine power and torque remains at 150kW/310Nm for the petrol and 150kW/500Nm with the diesel, so the pack is more about having extra fun with the available power than boosting output.

It stands out as something special with its gloss-black 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, black exterior mirrors, an AMG bodykit with mesh air intakes, a rear spoiler, a black grille with dual chrome louvres and Sport exterior badges.

Inside are AMG sports seats in black Artico synthetic leather and microfibre upholstery, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, stainless steel pedals, aluminium-look gear lever, red seatbelts, red stitching throughout the interior, black roof lining and red-edged AMG floor mats.

Buyers who want the show but not the go – or like the look but neither of the C250 engine choices – can opt for the new AMG Sports Package, priced between $4150 and $5500 depending on which variant it is applied to.

Meanwhile, the entry-level C180 gains a new Becker Map Pilot satellite-navigation system and fuel-saving idle-stop technology in return for a $1300 price hike, to $59,900 plus on-road costs.

Petrol and diesel C250 variants and above now come with electric driver’s seat adjustment but no change to the $70,400 (petrol) or $71,900 (diesel) price.

The V6 petrol C350 has gone up $500 to $99,900 and the V8-powered C63 AMG flagship now comes $1000 more expensive at $157,900.

C-Class Coupe sales are up 227.8 per cent to the end of October with 1960 units sold, making it the brand’s third best-selling model after the C-Class sedan/wagon and M-Class SUV.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific managing director Horst Von Sanden said the C250 is the company’s most popular model.

“Now we offer an option to customers who want a little bit more sport from a C250,” he said.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe pricing:*

C180 (a)	$59,900 (+ $1300)
C250 (a)	$70,400
C250 CDI (a)	$71,900
C350 (a)	$99,900 (+$500)
C63 AMG (a)	$157,900 (+$1000)

*Plus on-road costs