The mid-cycle refresh of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 in 2005 introduced a more powerful version of the AMG compact vehicle. From the C32 to the C55, this paved the way for Merc to use Affalterbach’s new naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 – an evolution of the eight-pot factory found in the old E-Class.
In the C55 AMG, the V8 produced 362 horsepower (270 kilowatts) and 380 pound-feet (510 Newton-meters) of torque, which were respectable figures for the time and in the class. These numbers are sent to the wheels via a five-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift.
Performance figures were impressive then, allowing the C55 AMG to sprint from zero to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
In this high-speed running video, courtesy AutoTopNL, a C55 AMG Wagon stretches its decade-old legs on the limitless reactions of the German Autobahn. It was clearly a cold day, but the long-roofed rocket didn’t back down. In fact, the car achieved the factory default top speed, with the GPS reading 250 km/h on one of the multiple attempts.
However, it seems that this car could do more and the barrier has been lifted.
According to the owner of the C55 AMG Wagon, the car was put on a set of winter tires, which only managed 149 mph (240 km/h). The owner claims that on summer tires, it can reach speeds of 180 mph (290 km/h).
Whether this is true or not, we will not know for sure. But one thing is confirmed: the C55 AMG is still a tough model to own regardless of its age and is probably among the top Mercedes C-Classes you should look out for in the used car market. Make sure the machine is in top condition when you get it.
