Vehicle: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport
Price as tested: CDN$50100

Handling: The biggest highlight of the new C-Class has to be its driving dynamics. A rock-solid chassis based as a great foundation for suspensions to hang its head. With the innovative Advanced Agility Control which control suspension, steering and the damping depending on road conditions, it truly transforms this baby Benz from a stodgy luxury sedan into a bona-fida sports sedan. This C350 Sport handles more like a sports car than a luxury sedan, thanks to its well-damped suspension, a sharp and precise steering and ,finally from Mercedes, an ESP that doesn’t kick-in before the tail steps out. On the other hand, it doesn’t sacifice Mercedes’s trademark ride quality. The ride quality is simply superb as it absorbs every rough and expansion joints with ease. Its a very nimble and fun-to-drive sports sedan that is able to run with the best from its German rivals. Best of all, the Sport comes at the same price as its Luxury version.

Performance: The new C-Class comes with 2 excellent V6 engines. An already very potent 3.0L V6 DOHC 24-valve with 228hp and 221 lb/ft of torque. Or the awesome 3.5L V6 DOHC 24-valve with 268 horses and 258 lb/ft of torque. Throttle response is light and quick. Its 7-Gronic transmission has excellent gear ratios adapted for sporty driving or just simply highway cruising. It got a very relaxed gear ratio as we clocked 2000 rpm @ 100 km/h, which enhance economy and efficiency. Both of these engines are up to the usual Mercedes standards. As they provide top-notch refinement, flexability and efficiency. The best of all, they are also very willing to rev through redline. However, that is also the only pet peeve with its 7-Gronic gearbox as it up and downshifts whenever enthuisast wants to rev it pass redline.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, C350′s braking performance is as impressive as its other dynamic attributes. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels solid. Its brake assist also doesn’t grab your right leg like this system used to be.

Interior: While the outgoing C-Class’s interior has nothing to write home about, the new one is finally worthy of the Mercedes tri-star emblem. The day of cheap and brittle plastic have gone with high-quality materials. Although there are still some cheap plastic in minor places. The overall ambience and design are much more appealing and aspiring. The instrumentation gauges in our Sport model has cool white faced dials. The 3-zone auto climate control has worked flawlessly, it adapts the different temperature efficiently and effectively. The leatherette material is another high-quality piece which we never seen in previous model. The leatherette material is so good that its needless to upgrade to leather seating surface.

There are plenty of head and legrooms at the back. The extra width also makes 3 persons at the back travel with comfort.

Despite of the high liftover, the 50/50 split fold-down rear seats really helped increase the versatility of the C-Class.

Conclusion: The new C350 Sport is, without a doubt, a true sports sedan that Mercedes always wanted it to be since the 190-series. Its a true sports sedan that has the go, the looks, the character and the ambience to challenge the best from Audi and BMW. You are also getting a great deal as Sport costs the same as Luxury, with the addition of Advanced Agility Control and sports suspension.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 MERCEDES C350 SPORT
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5