Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz C-class W203 AMG C 32 V6 (354 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz C-class:
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a series of compact executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's line-up until the W168 A-Class arrived in 1997. The C-Class has been available with a "4MATIC" four-wheel drive option since 2002. The third generation was launched in 2007 while the current W206 generation was launched in 2021.
Initially available in sedan and a station wagon configurations, a fastback coupé variant followed and was later renamed to Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. It remained in production until 2011 when a new W204 C-Class coupé replaced it for the 2012 model year....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W203 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz C-class (W203). With 450 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1560 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.2 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The W203 C-Class achieved a commendable 5-star rating for adult occupant protection in its 2002 Euro NCAP test, setting a high standard for safety in its segment at the time.
AMG C 32 V6 (354 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Blistering performance, delivering supercar-rivalling acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Very high fuel consumption, as expected for a high-performance AMG V6.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent ride comfort and refinement, typical of Mercedes-Benz.
- • High-quality interior materials and solid build feel.
- • Wide range of efficient diesel and powerful petrol engines.
- • Strong safety record with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
- • Timeless design that still looks elegant today.
Cons:
- • Early models are prone to rust, especially around wheel arches and boot lid.
- • Known for electronic issues, particularly with the COMAND system and various sensors.
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive, reflecting its premium brand.
- • Some petrol engines have high fuel consumption.
- • Automatic transmissions can be slow and less efficient than modern units.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W202: April, 1996 - June, 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | C-class |
| Generation: | W203 |
| Modification (Engine): | AMG C 32 V6 (354 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | April, 2001 |
| End of production: | March, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 354 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 110.7 Hp/l [41mm more] |
| Torque: | 450 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 112.961 More details about the engine M 112.961 |
| Engine displacement: | 3199 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6220 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 16.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.4 kg/Hp, 226.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 288.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.9 sec |
| 100 km/h - 0: | 38.1 m |
| 200 km/h - 0: | 142.5 m |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1560 |
| Max. weight: | 2115 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 555 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 455 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4528 mm mm [41mm more] |
| Width: | 1728 mm mm [8mm more] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [12mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2715 mm mm [25mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1980 mm |
| Front track: | 1493 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1478 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.76 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 345 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 300 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 225/45 ZR 17 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7.5 J x 17 H 2 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
Show off your Mercedes-Benz C-class knowledge – drop a review below!