Autocar Test Drive C320 CDi - Page 2

Just_me · 03-13-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monster

Can't agree with you more. I am sure MB has more than enough engineering talent to design a car that handles better than the 3 series. Engineers do buy rival cars, strip them down, and closely examine them. They will know exactly how the BMW engineers have designed the 3 series, down to the last detail. Weight distrubtion, supension type, design, suspension settings...etc. MB chose not to follow BMW and stay with their design and engineering path, and created a car with a better balance between handling and comfort.

isnt that obvious? I mean, if BMW wants to build a comfortable and comfortable suspension to be just as good as a Mercedes they can build it but its not BMW path.

But we cant deny that MB said by themselves on the pressconfernece when the new C-class was presented, they said something about the new C-class to be a classleader in driving department (correct me if Im wrong, Cawimmer?).
We will see more tests and time will tell if its true.

cawimmer430 · 03-13-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monster

Can't agree with you more. I am sure MB has more than enough engineering talent to design a car that handles better than the 3 series. Engineers do buy rival cars, strip them down, and closely examine them. They will know exactly how the BMW engineers have designed the 3 series, down to the last detail. Weight distrubtion, supension type, design, suspension settings...etc. MB chose not to follow BMW and stay with their design and engineering path, and created a car with a better balance between handling and comfort.

Exactly.

I spoke with a BMW engine engineer at a family funeral last year and he mentioned to me how they examine the cars of the competition for their strengths and weaknesses and if it is a threat to BMW etc.

That said, I am almost positive that the new C-Class is very sporty, but it also has to pacify the traditional Mercedes crowd and hence the balance between sport and luxury. From my testdrives with the facelifted W203, I'd day they do this very well.

cawimmer430 · 03-13-2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

But we cant deny that MB said by themselves on the pressconfernece when the new C-class was presented, they said something about the new C-class to be a classleader in driving department (correct me if Im wrong, Cawimmer?).

It's called MARKETING.

I think the C-Class will be a class leader in perhaps overall comfort, but the BMW 3-Series will as usual retain the sport / handling crown. Can't wait for more reviews.

Monster · 03-13-2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

But we cant deny that MB said by themselves on the pressconfernece when the new C-class was presented, they said something about the new C-class to be a classleader in driving department (correct me if Im wrong, Cawimmer?).
We will see more tests and time will tell if its true.

Ofcourse they will say that in the press conference, i don't think they are brave enough to say "The new C-class handles almost as good as the 3 series". The next thing you know BMW will have ads on every single newspaper and motor mag with that quote.

Just_me · 03-13-2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

Exactly.

I spoke with a BMW engine engineer at a family funeral last year and he mentioned to me how they examine the cars of the competition for their strengths and weaknesses and if it is a threat to BMW etc.

That said, I am almost positive that the new C-Class is very sporty, but it also has to pacify the traditional Mercedes crowd and hence the balance between sport and luxury. From my testdrives with the facelifted W203, I'd day they do this very well.

All carmakers examine the competition.

cawimmer430 · 03-13-2007, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

All carmakers examine the competition.

I know, I was just using BMW's example in my post.

mrkc77 · 03-13-2007, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

I'm not to worried about Autocar's comment on the C-Class sporting characteristics compared to the BMW 3-Series. At the end of the day, these cars do what their target market expects them to do and those are two completely different philosophies from one another.

I am pretty sure that the handling and sporting qualities of the W204 have been upgraded and improved big time over the old W203, but MB also tries to create a balance with comfort and sport, and in my experience, this has been pretty well achieved on the facelifted W203 C-Class, C219 CLS, facelifted W211 E-Class and W221 S-Class.

Remember when the W203 C-Class got its facelift? Almost every magazine commented on the improved handling abilities of the car saying that it was now a more serious sports sedan. It still wasn't quite up to the BMW 3-Series, but I think that MB doesn't even want to really attack the BMW 3-Series. The BMW 3-Series will sell because it is a 3-Series (the reputation) and the C-Class will sell because of its characteristics and reputation (more comfort, less sport). Without a doubt, this new C-Class is sportier to attract potentially new buyers while at the same time still keeping true to Mercedes values.

For most people, the dynamic abilities of the C-Class etc. will be more than adequate. In everyday driving, I am pretty certain that the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS etc. are all pretty evenly matched with the BMW 3er perhaps having the advantage over all of them if driven extremely hard. Now, how many of us do that on a daily basis?

Overall, the review was pretty positive. The 3.0 V6 CDI is a great engine. Incredibly refined and quiet for a diesel - moreso than the old inline-6 CDI that powered the older E320 CDI's etc.

Christian,

You took the words right out my mouth!!

Would it be fair to say that, with the W204, instead of trying to beat the BMW, MB wanted to improve what was good on the facelifted W203 and maybe inch a little closer the 3er?

cawimmer430 · 03-13-2007, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkc77

Christian,

You took the words right out my mouth!!

Would it be fair to say that, with the W204, instead of trying to beat the BMW, MB wanted to improve what was good on the facelifted W203 and maybe inch a little closer the 3er?

Thanks. Glad I saved you all the typing work!

I agree with your last sentence. They seem to have wanted to offer more sport to make the drive more fun but at the same time, they wanted to (or needed to) remain loyal to their target market and what they expect in a C-Class.

At the same time, the Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels and the availability of a sport package (suspension) should cater to individual buyer needs. Those that want a really sporty C-Class will tick the Avantgarde box and perhaps add the sport suspension. I can't wait to testdrive these two trim levels of the new C-Class.

mrkc77 · 03-13-2007, 06:44 AM

In any event, 3er beater or not, the W204 would still be my choice to replace my W202.

These early reviews might just be the icing on the cake!!

cawimmer430 · 03-13-2007, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkc77

These early reviews might just be the icing on the cake!!

I agree.

Also, I think the 3er will be class leading in dynamics (as usual) while the C-Class will impress with its comfort and probably improved handling qualities.

03-13-2007, 06:44 AM	#19 (permalink)
mrkc77 Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 141 Thanks: 33 Thanked 23 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Autocar Test Drive C320 CDi In any event, 3er beater or not, the W204 would still be my choice to replace my W202. These early reviews might just be the icing on the cake!!

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