Merc1

The new C-Class is a significant step forward from the outgoing car in nearly every respect. It's more involving to drive and, as with its S-Class big brother, follows the firm's new style direction. The traditional grille on the SE and Elegance models gives a more conventional look when compared with the Sport version. Suspension and ride is tuned towards greater comfort, while the C350's petrol V6 offers plenty of refinement. Sport variants are undoubtedly impressive, but the Elegance is better value for money.

We drove the C350, which is powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine as the outgoing model. Mated as standard to the firm's 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, it delivers impressive performance low down in the range, but the 268bhp unit has a breathless feel higher up the revs.

Nevertheless, the new C-Class is just as capable in Elegance trim as it is in Sport guise - and saves buyers £1,700. Sure to appeal to old-school Mercedes fans, it offers all the comfort and refinement customers in this sector expect, coupled with an extra dash of improved dynamic appeal.

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far2000

The new C is awesome, but im just disapointed that Merc neva threw in a few fireworks with the new C350, PLain Old Engine,,

i think the best buy in the Top end Entry Compact Sedan Segment wouyld be the 330, Or even better the new 335i Sedan which would give a more Injected feel.....

Still a lovely car in looks...

atuv

definitley the best compact excutive

monster

does anyone think this new generation of C-class will match the passanger comfort and refinement levels of the w211 E-class? If the C-class is equal to or better than the E class, there will be a whole lot less reasons to buy an E.

Merc1

It might not match it, but it will likely come close. A loaded C350 Luxury model compared to the typical E350. Now matching the comfort of the E550 with its standard airmatic I doubt it very seriously.

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Just_me

Im more for smaller and compacter cars so I would pick 3er, C-class over 5er and E-class. I find the whole comfort debate overrated, those smaller cars works for daily-use just as good as the bigger brothers. Also I dont need all the room 5er,E-class offer compared to 3er,c-lass.

Mikael

The rear seat space is quite limited in the C (as in the competitors) so that's a big advantage the E has over the C. Like Merc1 said, Airmatic is another one.