2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Wagon Spy Shots

We’ve just driven the regular versions of the all-new   2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2015 and found them to be absolutely brilliant, but the model we’re most concerned with is yet to be launched. We’re talking about the model born out of the fire and brimstone of the AMG hot house in Affalterbach  , Germany: The 2015 C63 AMG.

These are the first spy shots of the AMG version of the yet –to be released C-Class wagon, or “Estate” as it’s known in most of the markets it’s sold in. We know it’s the AMG because of its four squared-off exhaust tips, AMG-style 19-inch wheels, chunky brake discs, and aggressive A-wing front splitter similar to the one fitted to the latest E63 AMG.

Mercedes is expected to retain the C63 AMG moniker for its latest hatted-up C-Class despite the previous car’s 6.2-liter V-8 being replaced by a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. Both power and torque levels should rise over those of the outgoing model, which rates at 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Performance should also be boosted considerably in the new generation thanks to the lighter and more rigid MRA platform underpinning the car.

Other features should include an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG DRIVE UNIT, the latter allowing owners to modify many of the vehicle’s settings, from the speed of gear shifts to the suspension stiffness. The new cars is also expected to retain a rear-wheel-drive setup here in the U.S. despite AMG’s recent moves to make the E63 AMG and S63 AMG models all-wheel-drive as standard here.

Stay tuned for a debut later this year. Oh, and there Will be a black series model eventually Sadly, with Mercedes-Benz not expected to offer its new C-Class wagon in the U.S., it means we’ll also miss out on this awesome C63 AMG wagon. At least we still get a wagon version of the E63 AMG.

 

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL63 AMG

Under the skin, too, the top C-Class model boasts a wealth of new technology including the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission - another advanced feature adopted from the SL63 AMG. Rather than using a torque converter, this innovative transmission has a wet start-off clutch which allows it to deliver a much more efficient, agile and direct response. Fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced significantly thanks to the "Controlled Efficiency" mode and a new power steering pump: at 12.0 litres per 100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km) the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is 1.4 litres (Estate: 1.3 litres) lower than that of the predecessor model; this represents a reduction in fuel consumption of some ten percent. The CO2 emissions figure is now 280 (Estate: 288) grams per kilometre. Both power variants have identical fuel consumption and emission figures.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses with its exceptional flexibility: with four driving modes as well as double-declutching and RACE START functions it is as compatible with a relaxed, fuel-saving driving style as it is with high-speed laps on a closed racing circuit and extremely dynamic overtaking manoeuvres. The Controlled Efficiency "C" mode is programmed to provide early, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed to help the driver keep fuel consumption down. The "S", "S+" and "M" modes deliver increased agility through fast, responsive gear changes and higher revs. Gear changes in the "S+" and "M" modes take just 100 milliseconds.

The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with its large displacement of 6208 cc develops 336 kW (457 hp) at 6800 rpm and attains a peak torque of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm. A look at the performance figures confirms that the new C63 AMG retains its predecessor's position as the top performing model in its segment: acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 s) while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Performance package: technology transfer from the SLS AMG

Even more dynamic performance is available with the optional AMG Performance package: this offers 358 kW (487 hp) and allows a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.4 seconds (Estate: 4.5 s). The Mercedes-AMG engine experts have achieved this increase in output thanks to a technology transfer from the SLSAMG: the forged pistons, connecting rods and the lightweight crankshaft all come from the gullwing model's engine. The reduced mass inertia of the components - which are three kilograms lighter than those of the standard version - allows the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev up with even greater ease and agility. Models equipped with the performance package can be identified by the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey under the bonnet, the AMG high-performance braking system with composite front discs and red painted brake calipers all round, the carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon) and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with an Alcantara grip area.

 

 

Other attractive optional appointments are also exclusively available for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG from the AMG Performance Studio:

• AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a high-gloss finish on the rim flange, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
• AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package
• AMG rear axle differential lock
• AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/high-gloss black piano lacquer
• Illuminated AMG door sill panels
• AMG velour floor mats

Eleven new driving assistance systems already established in the S-Class and CLS

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG features eleven new driving assistance systems which are already established in the S-Class flagship range and the trend-setting CLS . These assistance systems use the latest radar, camera and sensor technology and are designed to combat common causes of accidents, such as insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead, drowsiness and darkness. They raise the safety standard of the C-Class to a new level by warning the driver of a hazard, or, if necessary, taking active corrective measures.

• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• Speed Limit Assist
• PARKTRONIC including parking guidance
• PRE-SAFE® Brake
• Reversing camera
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
  As a first in the C-Class, the Becker MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the COMAND Controller and the Audio 20 display.
  
  
  
  

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2014 BMW X1 xDrive35i

Anyone who’s paid attention to coverage of the latest BMWs is familiar with the company’s steady march toward the future—and somewhat away from the core values that have traditionally drawn enthusiasts to the brand. The focus on pure driving pleasure that once universally defined BMW has ebbed against the onslaught of tech-overloaded interiors, adaptive suspensions, electric power steering, and porky curb weights. Enthusiasts fret over the passing of great BMWs such as the E39 5-series, E38 7-series, and E90 3-series, yet the magic of those cars lives on in one of the oldest designs sold by the Bavarian automaker today, the all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive35i tested here. 

Sulkiness Aversion Vehicle

The X1 xDrive35i has yet to fully undergo the modernization process that’s turned the into a floaty barge and cost the 3-series its glorious steering feel, and it still packs a proper inline-six (albeit turbocharged), hydraulic power steering, subdued interior design, and a suspension that was actually tuned instead of given a gaggle of electronic settings. Its sole concession to new-school BMW is its oddball, niche-chasing body style, which falls somewhere between a wagon and a crossover. This smallest of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles is really a taller E90 3-series wagon, a car with which the X1 shares most of its underpinnings. 

Test car’s sparsely populated window sticker reinforced its old-timey BMW feel—options such as iDrive and its attendant controls were pleasantly absent. This left behind a clean dashboard with actual buttons and knobs and an analog shift lever (four-cylinder X1 xDrive28is get an electronic joystick lever). A panoramic sunroof, power front seats, xenon headlights, and Bluetooth are all standard. It adds only seat heaters, available with the $550 Cold Weather package. The car carried only the $1900 Sport Line kit (18-inch wheels, sport seats; there also are base, xLine, and M Sport groups), $550 Valencia Orange paint, and free (and convincing) pseudo leather, resulting in a relatively modest (for a modern six-cylinder BMW) $41,975 price tag. 

Technicalities

Gas Mileage	:	7.4 L/100 KM
Engine	:	3.0L L6 DOHC Twin Turbo 24-valve
Horsepower	:	300 @ 5800
Body style	:	Sport Utility
Transmission	:	6 speed automatic
Drivetrain	:	all-wheel drive

The 2013 BMW X1 features a gem of a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Its 241 hp are strong and healthy. The tested xDrive35i gains one of my favorite 6-cylinder mills: BMW’s superb turbocharged 3.0L that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.
The 4-pot’s transmission gets an 8-speed, while the 6 gets the same number of gears. All BMW X1s include BMW’s xDrive intelligent AWD system. Steering is managed by good, old hydraulics.

Comparing the BMW X1
The 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i is hugely compelling, especially because of its performance and drive. It will reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds! A more powerful-on-paper Infiniti EX37 takes 0.3 seconds more. Seriously, with a little weight reduction and some slicks, the X1 xDrive35i could be a drag-strip monster. 

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