What is Mercedes-Benz AMG Line trim and is it worth it?

Published: 18 January 2023

Like most car brands, Mercedes-Benz offers its cars in a range of trim levels. One of the most popular in the UK is called AMG Line, so here we’ll take a look at exactly what AMG Line trim includes and whether it might be the right option for you.

AMG Line gives Mercedes-Benz models a slightly sportier look and feel. It has  been available since December 2013, when it replaced the old AMG Sport trim. Since then, the trim can be found across the Mercedes-Benz car range, on everything from the A-Class hatchback to the G-Class premium SUV.

AMG is a sub-brand within Mercedes-Benz that designs and builds high-performance road cars. AMG stands for Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach, the company founded in 1967 to build race cars based on standard Mercedes-Benz road cars. Later, AMG became part of Mercedes-Benz, with Mercedes-AMG becoming a standalone brand focused on building the fastest road cars.

AMG Line is a trim level that includes interior and exterior styling features that give Mercedes-Benz models a sportier look but at a lower price (and with lower running costs) than the company’s high-performance AMG models. 

Mercedes’ big rivals, Audi and BMW, offer trim levels similar to the AMG Line. In the case of Audi, it’s called S line and the cars are designed to look like the sporty S and RS models. BMW’s sporty trim is called M Sport, giving you some of the visual impact of a high-performance M model.

So, what do you actually get if you choose a Mercedes-Benz AMG Line model?

On the outside, AMG Line models have a lot of styling upgrades. The list of exterior changes varies according to the model, but you can expect to find larger AMG alloy wheels, deeper bumpers and side skirts and AMG Line badges.

There are even more changes on the inside, although again, the upgrades may vary according to the model. At the very least you can expect to find more-supportive AMG sports seats – in real or artificial leather – to hold you firmly in place through corners; a thicker steering wheel with the AMG badge and, in some cases, a flattened bottom section; floor mats with AMG badges; and AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel.

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Although there are no changes to the engine, AMG Line models do feel a little sportier to drive than the other trim levels. Key to this is the lowered suspension, which reduces how much the car leans through a bend. This sportier feeling is enhanced by the AMG seats. And some AMG Line models even have mechanical changes to the steering that makes them feel more responsive.

The downside to the sportier suspension and larger wheels is that you and your passengers get a slightly bumpier ride. That said, some higher-end models have special air suspension for a more cushioned experience. Most AMG Line models also have bigger brakes for increased stopping power.

In short, although AMG Line models are no quicker than other trim levels, they should be more fun to drive.

A lot depends on the model you’re looking at, but you should find a few desirable extras on a used AMG Line car. Take the current A-Class, which in AMG Line trim features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting in 64 colours and illuminated door sills. These are in addition to the already generous level of equipment on the A-Class Sport.

Look out, too, for AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. Formerly optional packs, these can now be ordered as trim levels for new cars and are worth seeking out on the used-car market. Upgrades include a panoramic glass sunroof, LED headlights and a Burmester surround sound system.

AMG Line models cost more than other trim levels, but the price varies among the  Mercedes-Benz cars. For example, in 2018, a C-Class AMG Line cost £1,500 more than the Sport trim to buy new. Today, it costs just £400 to upgrade from an A-Class Sport Executive to an AMG Line Executive.

The difference in price is reduced on the used-car market and AMG Line models are also more desirable, so they tend to hold their value very well.

Most Mercedes-Benz cars are available in AMG Line trim, from the A-Class hatchback and B-Class MPV to the S-Class saloon and G-Class SUV.

AMG Line is the most popular trim level in the UK, so lots of Mercedes-Benz buyers feel that it is worth paying a bit extra for. It might cost more to buy, but the upgraded styling, sportier driving experience and enhanced equipment are just some of the reasons why you might feel it’s value for money.

The AMG Line is so popular in the UK that Mercedes-Benz has made it the entry-level trim on some of its latest models. For example, as of  October 2022, the S-Class is offered in five trim levels: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Executive, AMG Line Premium Plus and AMG Line Premium Plus Executive. It’s a similar story with the GLC family SUV, which is available in AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus trim levels.

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