Merc1

Merc C280 Sport

What is it?

The less powerful of the two six-cylinder petrol C-classes currently available. A C230 joins the range in September 2007.

What's it like?

Smooth. This is a very silky engine, and in the C-class it's also remarkably hushed. Too hushed at points, in fact, because we know that it has a pleasant exhaust note, but you don't get to appreciate that from the driver's seat.

It's a shame, then, that the ride isn't quite as smooth as the engine. We tried the C280 in firmer-riding Sport trim – the only way you'll get the arguably more handsome coupe-like grille – and it fidgets over road scars at low speeds. Still, we know that the non-Sport C-classes suffer the same restlessness.

The pay off is good body control, with little roll in corners and plenty of grip.

The steering is accurate and nicely direct, and provides reasonably good feedback.

The 280 comes with a standard seven-speed auto box, and in Sport trim it also has steering-wheel mounted paddles. It's smooth-shifting, though still not quite up to the best ZF has to offer.

Despite having 228bhp and 221lb ft, the 280 never feels that swift, though Mercedes claims 0-62mph in 7.2sec and a 152mph top speed. The diesel C220 CDI doesn't feel like it struggles to keep up.

Should I buy one?

If the sums add up for you. We'd be tempted to try to stretch to the C350, though it is an extra £4500 model for model. The six-cylinder 230 will be £1800 cheaper.

Rory Lumsdon

M

Bilal

I'm getting really frustrated here. A few weeks ago we had the almost 'magical' C350 review from EVO, and now we have a firm-riding, doesn't-feel-so-fast, 'average MB' review of this C280. What on earth is going on?

I'm really starting to believe the hype about 'BMW-loving Brits' who also love 'all-things-British'


If you've read all the C-Class reviews, you'll realise that no other MB has had probably more inconsistency than this one. Poor MB's efforts on 'their-most-tested-car-ever' seemingly wasted.

atuv

I think it's no big deal at all,that car is really impressive in almost every area and if i have he cash i'd go for a C350 Avantgarde without even thinking twice