2002 Mercedes-Benz C32 & SLK32 Wheels, Brake, Exterior Review, & Price

AMGs are about balanced performance, so suspension, wheel/tire, brake, and appearance upgrades are also part of the package. Stiffer, shorter springs result in a 1.0-in. decrease in ride height, and there are aggressive dampers and thicker anti-roll bars. Both models share twin-spoke 17x7.5-in. front and 17x8.5-in. rear AMG wheels, wearing 225/45ZR17 front and 245/40ZR17 rear Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires. The C32 features 13.6-in. cross-drilled front brake rotors and 11.8-in. rear units, while the SLK has 13.0-in. front and 11.8-in. rear discs; all are internally vented.

A full track test is necessary to properly judge the result of AMG's comprehensive treatment. However, on the mountain roads outside Lisbon, Portugal, we found the C32's cornering ability a substantial improvement over a standard C-Class-and that's saying something. Even though the ride is notably rougher, it's not uncomfortably harsh. The brakes are quick to react and feel quite resistant to fade. While the SLK32 performs as well in the cornering department, it suffers from aging platform architecture. Subtle hindrances include a non-tilt steering wheel, limited legroom, and a short cabin height, which together make driving any SLK an uncomfortable experience for anyone taller than six feet.

To say that the C32 and SLK32 are subtly styled doesn't mean they aren't attractive. On the contrary, both enjoy a special front air dam, side skirts, and rear apron-all of which add a more aggressive look. The SLK32 also has a rear decklid spoiler lip. Both cars carry rather large V6 Kompressor badges on each front fender, which are anything but subtle.

Want one? Better get in line at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, as only about 1000 SLK32s (at around $55,000 each) and 1200 C32s (costing about $50,000 apiece) will be sold in the U.S. during the '02 model year. Are they worth it? It all depends on how badly you want to go 0-60 in 5 sec-with that wonderful supercharged V-6 rumble in your ear.