Mercedes C Class
Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com
Mercedes is never a company that is merely ‘satisfied’ with the status quo. It has a heritage ofenhancing and improving their vehicles with each new model introduction. Such is the case with thetotally new C Class sedan, their entry level model. The C Class can be described as a premiumcompact model that provide the full ‘Mercedes’ experience in a small package with a $32,000 entryprice point.
For 2008 the C Class has grown 3.9 inches in length, 1.7 inches in width and cabin is noticeablyroomier. Though a compact, the vehicle’s solid build puts it in the weight class of a midsize. Thetrunk now offers 16.8 cubic feet of space, also an improvement from the previous model.
The model lineup now parallels the current Mercedes strategy with prepackaged ‘Luxury’ and’Sport’ models offered. For reference, the Luxury model is most similar to the Mercedes models inthe past with a more compliant suspension and wood trim. The Sport models have more of an athleticdemeanor which includes twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width, sport shocks, springs andstabilizer bars that provide a crisper ride and more than a half-inch lower ride height. Metallicsurfaces on the interior characterize the Sport models.
Power is provided by two V6 engines this year, a 3.0 liter with 226 horsepower and a 3.5 literwith 268 horsepower. The available C Class model choices are C300 Luxury, C300 Sport and C350 Sport.
In the past, only automatic transmissions were offered, but for the 2008 model, in addition tothe wonderful 7 speed automatic, you can now specify as 6 speed manual in the C300 Sport. The C300Luxury accelerated to 60 miles an hour in 7.2 seconds, the manual Sport is only .1 seconds fasterand the C350 arrives in just 6.3 seconds. Highway fuel economy is 28 mpg for the 300 and 29 for the350 meaning there is no penalty for the larger engine thanks to better rear axle gearing. Top speedon all models is electronically limited to 130 miles an hour though they are capable of much morethan that.
The 2008 model is also available with Mercedes’ 4MATIC full time 4 wheel drive systems. Thisfull-time system is available on both the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport models. It aims to offerimproved clear and inclement weather vehicle stability and traction. With upgrades to the systemthis year, it now is more seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The new C Class is a more refined and complete vehicle than before. In addition to its manyupgrades and enhancements, it offers the complete suite of safety systems that Mercedes owners havecome to expect. The previous C Class, though a fine vehicle, was just a bit too small for manyAmerican drivers’ tastes. The new C is a more substantial and appealing offering. For an attractivestarting price of about $32,000 you can obtain a totally modernized high quality Mercedes Benz.
