Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG Combi

If a Mercedes-AMG has been carefully maintained by AMG, we know it’s something to take seriously. This beautiful C55 AMG Combi was delivered new in Germany, after which all regular services have been executed according to the official Service Plan in Affalterbach for the next 10 years. Even after that, no concessions have been made in terms of quality or costs. This absolutely unique car comes with heated seats, an electric sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system and, of course, 367 hp of pure drive pleasure. The passengers don’t like your music? Just remember: it’s only a matter of letting the atmospheric 5.5 liter V8 roar and even the happiest single suddenly wants a family car. Let Prins be your partner!

History
The Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG is easily the most powerful and fastest series production C-Class W203 produced between 2004 and 2007. Other AMG editions such as the C43 and C32 (with mechanical compressor) also didn’t have the power to defeat the C55. In addition, a lot of work had been done on the chassis so that the sports car feeling didn’t only have to be based on the engine. After this originally German-delivered C-Class Combi was technically pampered by AMG in Affalterbach (where else?) for at least 10 years, the car is perfectly serviced by a specialist. In 2020, the Benz moved to the Netherlands, where the star of the performance-family cars is again properly maintained. The result of all this is now shown at Prins.

Exterior
The flagship among the C-Classes was given the traditional (round) AMG recipe from the 90s and 00s: double 5-spoke wheels, sportier bumpers, fast side skirts and 4 exhaust tailpipes give away the strong potential of the bloody fast Combi. Especially in combination with the black metallic lacquer, the C55 AMG is quite elegant for a sports car. Put German opponents such as the BMW M3 (not available as an estate at the time) and Audi RS4 Avant next to it and you’ll understand what we mean. This car kept Mercedes close to itself. And that makes the C-Class AMG even more popular and desirable among collectors.

Interior
The interior is also 100% Mercedes; in terms of style and luxury, but certainly in terms of quality. No way you would say that the C55 Combi has been driven for 18 years already. The Ivory leather upholstery still feels very exclusive, while the inscriptions on the analogue instruments tell you that you have taken a seat behind the black leather steering wheel of a V8-powered AMG. Heated sports seats with badges in the backrests are responsible for an excellent seating position. For the rest, Mercedes-Benz has kept it pretty modest inside the most powerful W203. Perhaps that’s the charm of this specific car.

Technique & performance
They say that the Mercedes C55 AMG Combi is capable of doing a top speed of 300 km/h, but due to the German gentlemen’s agreement, it’s limited to 250 km/h. After experiencing how easy the 5.5 liter 8-cylinder (non-turbo!) blasts from a standstill over 100 km/h within 5.4 seconds gives us the believe that this neat family car indeed can break through the magical 300 barrier. Thanks to rear-wheel drive, however, it’s also a lot of fun to give it a go at lower speeds and move it into corners as fast as possible. The chassis is still quite comfortable and it changes its 5 automatic gears extremely smooth. Nevertheless, the C55 invites you to go full dynamic mode, as the steering and suspension are a lot sharper than its AMG predecessors after some serious adjustments. And that’s exactly how it sounds as well! So put your electric roof open, turn off the Harman Kardon system (no matter how good it is) and look for the nearest tunnel. This is how pure driving pleasure feels like…

Kind regards,
Prins Classics.