Autocar: W204 C280

Deutsch · 06-18-2007, 10:28 PM

Read this and it appears as if the W204 C280 will prove a tough competitor for the E90 328i. I like the looks, though I'm not sure I like it more than the E90. Both great cars though.

And the W204 exudes a quality that eluded the previous W203. Benz is back! - And I believe we will be getting the C280 here int the states badged as the "C300" - only God knows why?

Quote:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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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

RLE · 06-18-2007, 11:07 PM

<<And I believe we will be getting the C280 here int the states badged as the "C300" - only God knows why?>>

Because it's a 3-liter engine, not a 2.8.

Deutsch · 06-19-2007, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLE

<<And I believe we will be getting the C280 here int the states badged as the "C300" - only God knows why?>>

Because it's a 3-liter engine, not a 2.8.

10-4. What I'm getting at is the need to rename it specifically for the American market? I guess MBUSA's product planning and marketing felt that customers would think it's the same engine that was in the previous model and not an all new unit- like they really pay attention anyway.

Just_me · 06-19-2007, 01:50 AM

In sweden a C280 cost more than a 335i.

Mr. Mercedes · 06-19-2007, 04:33 AM

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Originally Posted by Just_me

In sweden a C280 cost more than a 335i.

Really?

That's insane!!!

I wonder what sales would be like if MB discontinued this exploitive pricing strategy. Still, they must be happy enough with the sales to persist in this manner.

Deutsch · 06-19-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

In sweden a C280 cost more than a 335i.

That is insane! That's like a more expensive, less powerful 328i over the more powerful 335i, no way Jose! We'll see how prices translate over here, but anything of the like they can keep it.

cawimmer430 · 06-21-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deutsch

10-4. What I'm getting at is the need to rename it specifically for the American market? I guess MBUSA's product planning and marketing felt that customers would think it's the same engine that was in the previous model and not an all new unit- like they really pay attention anyway.

It's the same with the E and S550 - they're called E500 and S500 in Europe despite the engine being close to 5.5-l in displacement. My guess is that S550 sounds better psycologically to a customer than S500.

Mr. Mercedes · 06-21-2007, 08:59 AM

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Originally Posted by cawimmer430

It's the same with the E and S550 - they're called E500 and S500 in Europe despite the engine being close to 5.5-l in displacement. My guess is that S550 sounds better psycologically to a customer than S500.

It's probably a case of Europeans preferring to follow tradition and Americans preferring to say, "Mines bigger than yours!"

cawimmer430 · 06-21-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Mercedes

It's probably a case of Europeans preferring to follow tradition and Americans preferring to say, "Mines bigger than yours!"

Haha, could be as well.

06-18-2007, 11:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
RLE Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Seattle, Washington USA Posts: 45 Thanks: 12 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	C300? <<And I believe we will be getting the C280 here int the states badged as the "C300" - only God knows why?>> Because it's a 3-liter engine, not a 2.8.

06-19-2007, 01:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
Just_me Expert Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 12,612 Thanks: 741 Thanked 2,035 Times in 1,028 Posts	Re: Autocar: W204 C280 In sweden a C280 cost more than a 335i.

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