MERCEDES BENZC 55 AMG (W203) 2004 - 2007

　　After Mercedes-Benz refreshed the second generation of the C-Class, the W203, it also introduced a V8-powered version signed by none other than the famous AMG team.

　　By 2005, all cars sold in Europe had to meet the Euro 4 emission standards, so the German automaker had to upgrade its entire vehicle lineup, including the C-Class. While most regular cars got some slight updates, the most significant change was for the gasoline-powered AMG version. While the non-facelifted W203 was available as the C 32 AMG powered by a V6 unit, the facelifted one got a massive, 5.4-liter V8 powerplant under the hood.

　　Dropping a V8 under the hood of a car designed to get smaller engines was not easy for Mercedes-Benz, so AMG came up with an unusual solution: to take the front end of a CLK 55 AMG and use that one instead. As a result, the C 55 AMG got a different front look than its brothers. It boasted a pair of headlights with a double-bubble design and a narrow, tilted rearward three-slat grille. The lower bumper featured a broad A-shaped air intake flanked by a pair of side scoops that housed the round fog lamps.

　　From its profile, the C 55 AMG looked almost identical to the rest of the W203 Phase II range. Still, there were a few details that made it look apart. The different, smoked headlights and the five double-spoked alloy wheels with larger (18-inch) diameters were distinctive. Still, it featured the same body-colored door mirror caps and handles and the rubber side stripes that crossed the doors from front to back in the median section. At the back, the short deck was adorned by a tiny lip spoiler. But the most obvious difference was seen below the bumper, where AMG installed a four exhaust system instead of a single or double one for the rest of the range.

　　Inside, it was the same luxurious Mercedes-Benz as in the rest of the range but with a few particular upgrades. The three-spoke steering wheel was similar to those of the rest of the facelifted C-Class W203, but the four-dial instrument cluster was slightly different. It featured silver inner trims on the speedometer and tachometer instead of the regular black ones. At the front, the automaker installed high-bolstered bucket seats with half-leather areas. As an option, customers could get them with full leather upholstery. In the back, the bench seat was good for two, even though the automaker installed three headrests and seatbelts. The middle seat provided minimal legroom due to the tall transmission tunnel.

　　Under the hood, AMG stuck a V8, naturally-aspirated, all-aluminum powerplant. It was carried over from the E 55 AMG and the CLK 55 AMG and sent enough oomph to the rear wheels to burn a fresh set of tires in minutes. Still, the automaker considered equipping the car with standard traction control and ESP to make its customers feel better while driving.