2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 Sport Sedan
Short review of 2005 Mercedes C320 Sport Sedan
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Price as tested: CDN$53970
Just like the last C240 4-Matic we drove, the subject to this test drive is another facelifted C-Class, C320 Sport. The sports package of the C-Class adds stiffer suspension, springs and shocks. The cosmetic differences are 17″ 5-spoke alloy wheels, 15 mm lowered in front/5mm in rear thanks to lowered suspension and Evolution package body kit that looks like a C55. Interior wise, it adds 3-spoke sports steering wheel and aluminum trim instead of 4-spoke and wood trim in luxury trim.
The sports package really gives C-Class a much sharper response than the base suspension. Steering feels sharp and responsive with plenty of feedback. There are minimal body rolls while ESP gives plenty of threshold for driver to have some oversteer fun before kicking in. This package really gives it an edge over competitors in terms of handling, an area which C-Class fell behind before facelifted. For a rear-driver, it feels sharper than its main RWD German rival, BMW’s 330i with M Technik package without sacificing Mercedes’s usual security and sublime ride comfort.
Interior also has taken a huge step forward after facelift. The aluminim trim no longer looks tacky as it uses different grain. The trim looks tastefully done in an overall improving pacakge. The cupholder finally has a button to lift it out instead pushing a cracky piece of cheap plastic to make it open. The interior materials have taken a huge improvements over the pre-facelifted car, its finally a match for the competitions. The softness and solidty of the plastic and leather materials are worthy of the prestigous tri-star emblem. Seats are comfortable and supportive. On the one hand, Mercedes has done a great job of giving C-Class an interior that it desperately needed since initial debut in 01. On the other hand, it receives the dynamic package that is not only match the best of the sports sedan class but to beat them.
Overall rating: 4.75/5