When it comes to design, performance and functionality there are very few marques that can touch Mercedes-Benz. I mean, come on, when your slogan is “the best or nothing”, it’s pretty clear how high the company sets the bar. And discerning drivers expect nothing less from this German juggernaut.
Enter the Mercedes‑AMG C63 S cabriolet, an unabashed muscle car that has left many of its American competitors shaking in their chassis. This classy convertible really does have it all – looks, power and enough on-board technology to make a Star Trek geek weep! Some of the highlights of the model I drove included Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Head-Up Display, Active Parking Assist, 360-degree camera and even a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The luxurious interior is quintessential of the brand in every way. The high-quality materials, fine finishes and delicate craftsmanship each contribute to a stunning overall effect. Rich nappa leather and generous chrome accents simply scream class and hint at this model’s sporty undertones.
Getting older is inevitable and while my newly acquired grey hairs make me look more discerning (according to my girlfriend anyway) I have become set in my ways. For example, I’m not a fan of touchscreen surfaces; I’d choose a dial or switch any day of the week. So when it came time to work with the touchpad control in this model, I was a little apprehensive.
The touchpad enables control of the COMAND multimedia system: the navigation audio, video, Internet, and most other functions. It works like a smartphone – swipe your finger across or pinch and you’re in business. It only took a little while to get used to it and pretty soon I was changing functions like a pro!
I’m somewhat of a purist when it comes to cars; I don’t care much for the bells and whistles, I’m all about torque and horsepower and this model has ample amounts of both. Under the bonnet of this mean machine is a V8 bi-turbo that provides 510bhp and makes the 0-100kmph dash in just xxxx seconds.
The AMG C63 S is the kind of car that’s at home on both the road and the racetrack. Sadly, I didn’t have a chance to visit the Bahrain International Circuit but a nice open stretch of highway gave me a chance to put my foot down. The torque and sheer power is nothing short of breathtaking and the engine note, as they say in Germany – das ist gut!
As with many sports cars, this model has a choice of driving modes, each sportier than the last. Change the setting and it feels like you’ve changed the whole car – from the handling to the suspension and steering rigidity, it becomes an entirely new animal.
Speaking of changing the car, it’s not quite a Transformer, but it does have a retractable roof. Unfortunately, when I took this baby for a spin the weather was unbearably hot, and it was Ramadan so I opted to keep it closed for most of the drive.
Cornering in this cabriolet is smooth and confident, even at speed. On the track, traction control is optional, but on the road it’s essential and it didn’t disappoint as I took a particularly sharp turn on the way to Isa Town.
One of my favourite features in this model is the seatbelt, yes, that’s right. The seat-belt presenter brings your safety equipment closer to you for easy access so now there’s no excuse for not wearing it!
Call Al Haddad Motors on 17 785-454.
