2008 Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, R320 CDI And C300 4MATIC

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2008 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG (via TimesOnline)

"So what has Mercedes done? Well, it’s ditched the iron lung of a supercharger and fitted a normally aspirated 6.2 litre V8. This means you get about one more brake horsepower, but before you grow too excited about that I should point out that you get a lot less torque. And it’s developed right up the rev range, exactly where you don’t want it. The engine produces more carbon dioxides too.

If you steer clear of the options list, the new car is broadly similar to the model it replaces, except for one thing. A huge thing. For some reason it’s been littered with boy-racer carbon-fibre tinsel and, at the front, given a hare lip. I spent hours examining this design detail, wondering if I was missing something. I wasn’t. Mercedes has – and there’s no other way of putting this - cocked up.

I’d love to think that this morning the entire team of designers is busy at work in Stuttgart, correcting its mistake. But as we know from the SL’s history, the process of evolution is slow. It’s therefore likely we are stuck with that gargoyle until 2015. And that is a problem for someone who wants a large, comfortable and fast two- seater convertible."

2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI (via Auto123.com)

"There are a lot of things to like about driving the R320. Top of the list must be the comfort level, and that doesn't matter whether you are sitting in the first, second or third row seats. The suspension might be typical European in feel, a little firm but friendly, but the long wheelbase makes this a highway cruiser of the highest caliber.

Now I know that a lot of people out there are still doubtful about diesel power plants, but I can assure you that this unit produces enough performance to make any hardened gas-only lover blush with embarrassment.

Naturally, the R320 carries a whole host of safety features. After all, another motoring saying of old goes, 'If you want to see what your Ford or GM will feature in 10 years time, look at a Mercedes- Benz today'. That rather delightful adage relates to the fact that the company is renowned throughout the industry for its automotive innovations and investment in new technology.

All in all, the R320 is a very pleasurable vehicle to drive. It offers high levels of comfort, plenty of passenger/cargo carrying capacity, and with the cost of fuel today, it truly transports you in stylish yet frugal splendor."

2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC (via AutoWeek)

"The C300 4Matic is a very nice midsize luxury cruiser, but the performance and feel are bland, bland, bland. This car probably has ample power for stodgy young professionals more concerned with showing off their three-pointed stars, but few enthusiasts will pull the trigger on it. Sure, it will haul itself into the triple-digit speed range and run there all day without complaint, but it takes some time to build velocity. And the transmission is really slow to kick down anytime it is asked to get up and go.

Everything else about this car is up to par. The build quality appears top-notch, the new design cues inside are pleasant, and the reconfigured COMAND system is a cinch to use. The C-Class now feels as solid as Mercedes' more prestigious offerings, and the 4Matic system no doubt helps drivers feel extremely safe in all conditions. But this particular model won't make your heart race."

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