Vehicle: 2005 Mercedes C240 4-Matic sedan with 60/40 split fold down rear seats, auto dimming rear-view mirrors, heated front seats, Bi-Xenon headlights and moonroof
Price as tested: CDN$51385

Performance: C240 is powered by a 2.6L V6 SOHC 18-valver engine. This engine has 168hp and 177 lb/ft of torque. Don’t let these numbers fool you because it feels slower than the numbers suggested. While it still got more than acceptable low-end torque, it just doesn’t have the response feel of its competitors. It feel somewhat sluggish off-the-line compares to those of Audi A4 1.8T Quattro and BMW 325Xi. However, the merits of this engine has to be its well-honed refinement and smoothness that are typical of Mercedes-Benz. Also typical of Mercedes, it got an excellent manumatic shifter called Sportshift. Its response, smooth and never hunt for the right gears when needed.

Handling: 4-Matic has to be considered as one of the better AWD in the business. Even under the pouring rain testing of the vehicle in a narrow autocross track, it performs admirably through the pylons. With the help of the electronic stability control, or ESP, which doesn’t intervene until absolutely necessary. This system has given enough threshold for drivers to have oversteer fun. The revised C-Class also has addressed the steering which feels sharper and crisper through corners. The whole car remains composed with a little bit of body rolls through corners.

Brakes: As usual, Mercedes’s brakes are exceptional. With large 4 wheel discs and ABS, the pedal modulation and effort are great. Even under the extreme rainy condition, its stops are nothing short of amazing.

Interior: Mercedes finally addressed the cheap interior that has been widely criticised since current C-Class’s debut. It finally receives the materials that match the rest of the package. Those cheap, grey, tiny climate control knobs and flimsy rocket switches are gone for switchgears that feel more substantial to the touch. The new design is easier to use with 2 large knobs and a simple rolls of buttons. They also get rid of the fugly “half” moon instrumentation gauges for regular ones. The comfortable leatherette/leather mix seats and spacious back seat remain intact.

Conclusion: With the all-new 3-Series and revised A4 on the horizon, Mercedes responded quickly with the revised C-Class. They have done exactly that with improvements on the steering and interior that desperately need to address in day 1. As for the engine, another 20 horses wouldn’t amiss.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 MERCEDES C240 4-MATIC SEDAN
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Performance: 2.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.75/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5