What absolutely dominates the driving experience is how tight the chassis feels, it looks like the body has been stiffened up, I also test drove the C200 with AMG suspension, you can’t compare them, the difference is unbelievable.
The suspension is the highlight of this car, it’s very stiff, although small imperfections are filtered and the seats are also very comfy.
The steering is direct and precise, it feels so light and the front bites with eager, in the mid corner however you feel the weight of the battery in the back (If you drive very fast, otherwise it’s fine)
Now the Elefant in the room, the engine.
If you drive slowly, It feels like a C200 with a fake Burmester exhaust and a big turbo lag.
If you want full power you must use the Race Mode, I drove mostly in S+ in which It felt like 450hp car.(about 500hp in Race Mode)
Under 3000 rpm it’s completely dead, period, most of the acceleration comes from the electric motor in the back.
In comfort it’s to lazy, it feels like a C180 or C160 If this exists somewhere, in Sport it’s like C200 or C300.
If you want power, S+ or Race are the only options, It means that If the revs dip under 2000 rpm it already shifts down, cruising around it shifts up around 3200 rpm.
However in these modes the shifts are very hard, like SMG every shift is a kick in the back.
Downshifts are even harsher than upshifts.
The high revs means this car is thirsty, expect less than 20mpg.
If you drive a bit faster 14mpg is about right.
I had the car for a couple of days.
In S+ and Race it’s incredibly loud inside, If you open the windows you can see, all is coming from the Burmester and it’s all fake.
If I had one, I would ask to deactivate this awful fake noise, and put a proper exhaust on it.
The suspension is in comfort mode stiffer than my G63 in S+ with 22” Wheels, that shows how stiff it is.
Short summary.
The suspension is much better than expected, the big turbo lag is as expected, a 2L engine with this power must have a turbo lag, the fake sound is annoying, it’s fast but it feels slower than the power numbers suggest.
This car would be absolutely perfect with a V8, especially with this chassis.
If you have further questions, feel free to ask.