Review
Introduction
Mercedes-Benz’s smallest offering in the U.S. is the C-class. Available only as a four-door sedan (other markets get a C-class wagon), the C offers buyers a choice of two V-6 engines and is available with all-wheel drive. The C300 is powered by a 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6, and the pricier C350 comes with a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. A six-speed manual is available on the C300, but most C-classes are equipped with an excellent seven-speed automatic transmission. For those who want even more power, the AMG-tuned C63 comes with a sweet-sounding 451-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine that, along with other extensive changes, helps turn the C-class into one of the world’s best sports sedans.
Redesigned for 2008, the C-class has handsome exterior styling that mimics the top-of-the-line S-class sedan. C-class Luxury models come with a more traditional upright grille with the signature three-pointed star hood ornament. The Sport models have the three-pointed star within the grille itself, a treatment that Mercedes usually reserves for its coupes and convertibles. Inside, the C-class is comfortable up front, but the back seat is small compared with its competitors’—even the Honda Civic has more interior space. The controls are laid out logically and have an expensive feel to their action, but some of the interior plastics in the C-class look a bit cheap.
Over the road, all versions of the C-class feel solid and refined. Few noises make it into the hushed cabin. Handling errs on the side of luxury—even on Sport models—and the C300 and the C350 can’t match the dynamics of the BMW 3-series or Infiniti G37. The Sport models improve the handling by firming up the chassis, but even these seem to be more about solidity and luxury than carving up curvy roads. The C63 AMG has a specially tuned suspension that makes it ready for the racetrack.
In a recent comparison test of $38,000 sports sedans, a C300 Sport took on the BMW 328i, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35. The Mercedes finished last, but that result isn’t quite as bad as it looks given the stellar competition. The C300 impressed us with its solidity, subdued mechanicals, supple ride, and easy-to-use navigation and radio controls. The last-place finish is largely due to the car’s smaller size, unimpressive interior materials, and bias toward luxury. We also pitted a C63 AMG against the BMW M3 and Audi RS4. The Benz finished second to the M3, on account of its rough ride and abysmal fuel economy.
Verdict
Yes, some of the interior plastics aren’t up to par, but the C-class experience is about more than plastic. The C-class is instead a car that relies on mechanical grace and a quiet, solid, and refined driving experience—all hallmarks of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The non-AMG models might not provide the dynamic thrills of a BMW 3-series or Infiniti G37, but they are every bit as refined as any car in their class, and that should be enough to satisfy most buyers. The C63 is a monster that any enthusiast worth his or her salt should want to own.
Click here to read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz C-class.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Mercedes-Benz C-class.
Click here to read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
What’s New for 2009
For 2009, the C-class is almost completely unchanged except for the addition of pelvic airbags for the front-seat passengers. The airbags sit lower in the door than side-impact and curtain airbags and help prevent injuries in side-impact collisions. Other changes include standard 10-way power seats with memory for C350 models and a compass integrated into the rearview mirror.
Highlights and Recommendations
The C300 and the C350 come as Luxury models or Sport models. Luxury models have wood-trimmed interiors, a traditional upright grille with a three-pointed star hood ornament, and softer chassis settings. The Sport models have a different hood with the star integrated into the grille and firmer chassis settings with larger tires. Being performance enthusiasts, we gravitate toward the Sport versions, but the Luxury models do live up to their name and provide quiet and refined comfort.
The standard manual transmission in the C300 seems intended for enthusiasts, but it’s not particularly satisfying to use. Most car nuts would tend toward a BMW 3-series, a Cadillac CTS, or an Infiniti G37 as a matter of course, anyway. Consequently, the C300 with a manual transmission is a rare bird.
The C63 AMG might be more power and performance than most shoppers would want or need, but we love it all the same. Those who suffer through snowy winters should take a look at the C300 with 4Matic all-wheel drive; C350 and C63 models are only available with rear-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, side-impact pelvic airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front-seat active head rests, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard across the C-class range.
