For buyers who can’t get their hands on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Mercedes tuner Lorinser can help turn the lesser C400 4Matic model into something special.
It starts with the stock 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, boosting output to 383 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 54 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque over the stock configuration. The standard C400’s seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system are retained.
While Lorinser won’t say what impact that extra power has on performance, it should helped the tuned C400 surpass the stock version’s 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds. Lorinser apparently did not raise the electronic speed limiter, which is set at 155 mph by the factory.
The extra muscle under the hood is matched by extra visual muscle, including a more-aggressive front bumper, blacked-out grille, custom five-spoke alloy wheels, and a sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes.
Compared to previous versions, the current C-Class emphasizes luxury over outright sportiness. Yet this won’t be the last tuned version you’ll see.
Mercedes is very popular with tuners. Brabus has already unveiled a series of tuning options for the 2015 C-Class, including a body kit, lots of Alcantara and other sporty trim for the interior, and software upgrades to improve performance.
The factory is even getting in on the action itself. In addition to the C63 AMG, it will offer a C450 AMG model for customers who find the full-bore AMG either too extreme or too expensive.
All of these performance versions are just for the four-door sedan. Europe gets a C-Class wagon, and there’s a C-Class coupe on the way for all markets as well. Imagine what will happen when companies start making parts and upgrades for those as well.
The point of customization is to make a mass-market product into something unique and personal. For those who have the money, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is shaping up to be one of the best platforms for that type of self-expression.
