The seats are also wonderfully comfortable, and up to the task of supporting each body part while being pitched around inside the

The C55 AMG comes with just about everything a luxury car buyer could ever want, and then some. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

cockpit. Suede-like Alcantara has been added to the top portions of each side bolster, adding a little more grip to the shoulder area in order to keep the back in place during hard cornering. Those sitting in back don't get such safety features, but can nevertheless enjoy better than average legroom while secure in the knowledge that side-curtain airbags come standard. Its trunk is large for its class too, at 430 litres (15.2 cubic feet), and beautifully finished in rich carpeting. It is such attention to detail that separates the C55 AMG from other compact models, and justifies its significant increase in investment.

I'm not going to spend a great deal of your time running over standard and optional features, as you can visit the Mercedes-Benz Canada website for that or peruse the technical specification section of this website. What matters is that the C55 AMG comes with just about everything a luxury car buyer could ever want, and then some, plus everything works in an intuitive way that makes living with the car extremely enjoyable.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $72,600 - $84,980
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, RWD
• Engine: 362-hp, 376 lb-ft of torque, 5.5L, 24-valve, SOHC V8
• Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 5.1 seconds
• Top Speed (electronically limited): 250 km/h (155 mph)
• Curb Weight: 1,625 kg (3,583 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,610 / 1,728 / 1,400 / 2,715 mm (181.5 / 68.0 / 55.1 / 106.9 in)
• Wheels (front/rear): P225/40R18 / P245/35R18 aluminum alloy
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 60/120,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Audi S4, BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V
• Web Site: www.mercedes-benz.ca