Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Wins CNET Editors' Choice Award

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 19, 2008 - Mercedes-Benz USA announced that it has received a CNET Editors' Choice award for its 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The coveted CNET Editors' Choice award recognizes outstanding consumer electronics choices for quality, performance, design, service, value, and its logo is a mark of excellence denoting the best possible investment for consumers.

CNET Editors' Choice winners are recognized as top products in their respective technology categories, and contribute to the standard by which all future products are judged. A key selection requirement is that it must also change the competitive landscape of its market, whether through innovative features, exceptional value for the price, remarkable ease of use, or a demonstrable boost to the lives of its users.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG features a hand-built 6.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 451 horsepower at 6,800rpm, with a 7,200rpm redline, and 443 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000rpm. An optional feature on the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is its COMAND control and display system that allows the driver to access vehicle functions including the navigation system, and Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 professional surround sound audio system, complete with 40GB, DVD-based music storage technology.

CNET Editor Wayne Cunningham's report highlights several features of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and its COMAND interface. The report highlights the navigation system, which stores map data on an in-dash hard drive allowing much more data than a DVD-based system and extra space for music storage. The report also provides high-marks for the navigation systems' maps, which are presented in high-resolution graphics including easy-to-read street names with white outline around black lettering. The CNET reviewers noted in their report that they were impressed with how quickly the Mercedes-Benz COMAND navigation system calculated and recalculated routes, and provided clear lane guidance on freeways. The C63 AMG Harman Kardon audio system received accolades for its amazing sound and the report stated, "listening to some lossless music from our connected iPod, we were blown away with the separation and clarity...there were moments when the system had us looking at where we had heard a particular instrument in the cabin."

Beyond the audio system's amazing sound, it was also the engine and exhaust note that had the CNET team's undivided attention. The CNET report declared, "the C63 AMG's engine produced a vicious bark when fired up, the kind of sound that sends small dogs running, makes any ninjas in the vicinity go into a fighting crouch, and puts even the most macho gearheads into a swoon."

"We are very excited about this honor from CNET as their Editors' Choice award has become the hallmark of technology quality and innovation, and its logo is a symbol consumers know and trust," said Rob Allan Manager of AMG at Mercedes-Benz USA. "This is an exceptional achievement and we are very proud to be recognized for Mercedes-Benz and AMG's dedication and commitment to producing the highest quality products available today."