monster

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Test date 08 March 2007 Price when new TBA


What is it?
Mercedes’ new contender in the junior executive class, which has the unenviable task of taking on the BMW 3-series.

This all-new C-class was developed entirely within a computer until late on in the prototype stage, and also embraces plenty of new technology in its production form: electronic dampers, a new generation of voice control, and S-class-style COMAND system to name but a few.

Essentially, though, it’s the familiar recipe of sophisticated suspension and rear-wheel drive.

There’s a predictable – yet carefully developed – range of engines from the four-cylinder petrol to the V6 350 and diesel 320CDi engines.

What’s it like?
We tried the C320 CDi in Sport trim. The fact that it was a Sport is now quite important, because Mercedes has put more air between the differing trim levels in the range.

An Elegance is very much the luxury variant; a Sport gets switchable dampers, a quicker steering rack, an AMG bodykit including a totally different grille and sportier interior.

In the glinting black of our test car, the Sport looks really rather effective indeed. Mercedes has really tried to put the gravitas back into the C-class and the mixture of current S-class themes and the big, upright grille – like that on a 1980s 560 SEC – give this car genuine presence.

At town speeds and when cruising the C320 is a very easy and relaxing car to drive. The steering is light but accurate and the ride – on these ripple-free Spanish roads at least – is very smooth when the dampers are set to normal.

There’re oodles of grunt on tap from the refined V6, and the seven-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly.

As a sports saloon it’s not quite so successful, if still a highly competent steer. There’s plenty of grip and composure up until eight-tenths, beyond which it lacks the genuine sporting poise and entertainment of a 3-series.

Nevertheless, the C-class is roomier than its Bavarian rival, with a bigger boot and better ride. It also gets much more attention from passers-by.

Should I buy one?
If you're about to replace your compact exec saloon, you should certainly try one. Although it doesn’t offer quite the entertainment of a BMW, based on this initial sampling the new C-class is a strong all-round package.

Adam Towler

from
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PC Valkyrie

"...As a sports saloon it’s not quite so successful, if still a highly competent steer. There’s plenty of grip and composure up until eight-tenths, beyond which it lacks the genuine sporting poise and entertainment of a 3-series...."

Why oh why does this sound so familiar????

I wonder if this will be the first of many similar conclusions as the W204 C-class gets tested more and more.....

Mr. Mercedes

But that was always expected no?

bum-man

Agreed. I'm also going to go off on a limb and say that the CDI model was probably not the best to test for a "sporting" ride. A C280 or C350 would probably be a better bet.

Deutsch

The E90/2 3er is a revelation as far as agility and chassis grip goes, not to mention the sublime steering. It comes as no surprise that MB couldn't match the Bavarian in dynamics. Takes a lot I imagine to make a car that handles that good, and I can't imagine MB would want that anyway.

Just_me

I wonder if they compared this C-class to a 3er with or without the sportpackage?
Becuase comparing a C-class with the sportpackage (AMG-kit) to a 3er without the sportpackage (M-kit) makes no sense to me. They should compare the sportiest settings from what these carmakers offer to get it fair and honest.

mrkc77

Hi All

This is the verdict from CAR Magazine. They're calling it the most complete Merc since the '83 190. However, this review does not make any comparisons to the 3er which is fair enough. IMO, for a first drive, it should be about the car itself and nothing else.
Mercedes C-class drive

Posted: 10:57am, 12 March 2007



Verdict

If kitchen sinks designed cars, even they would have been thrown into this project. It’s been ferociously analysed but the end result isn’t overkill - this is the most complete entry-level (real) Merc since the ’83 190.

Mercedes UK isn’t revealing any UK data but European cars have an inflation-only price increases, so list price here should be from £23k. For what’s possibly the most complete Merc ever, that’s heartening.
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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.

The Emperor

They only mention 3er (i think) 'cause admit it or not, that car is a benchmark in that segment and very well known for it's amazing driving characteristics. Nothing wrong if they compare it with 3er.

I'm glad C is getting good rates.

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.