C-Class

Vehicle: 2012 Mercedes C250 Coupe with Bi-Xenon headlight Pkg, Sport Pkg and Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$44100

Performance: If you were one of those who bought your original C-Coupe due to low lease rates, you are right because that was the only reason to purchase that craptacular hatchback. For 2012, Mercedes has tried it again.

The 2nd iteration of C-Coupe has 3 different type of engine configurations. Right from 451hp C63 AMG to the highlight of our tester. With the introduction of CGI BlueEfficiency technologies into Mercedes powertrains, it finally brings direct fuel injection + turbocharged into Stuggart’s bonnets. That’s despite the fact that Stuggart has been 6 years later than Ingolsdadter, who has pioneered this nifty tricks of putting high performance and efficiency all at one compelling package.

The subject of our tester comes in the form of a 1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve, with the above mentioned technologies along with driven-by-wire. Don’t be afraid cause we have seen the similar configuration from its neighbor. Our C-Coupe has 201 ponies, while more importantly, 229 lb/ft of torque, moving 1550kg of Mercedes sports coupe. The result is an engine which is far improved over any of Mercedes’s noisy 4-cylinder rackets in the past, both normally aspirated or supercharged variants combined. Its smooth-revving while refined enough to carry Mercedes nameplate on the bonnet, even the NVH control has done exceptionally well. Mesh the typical heavy Mercedes throttle, C-Coupe takes off with ease without any hestiation. If you find C63′s V8 is overkill, there is always a 3.5 liter V6 with 302hp and 273 lb/ft of torque. Mated with this turbo’ed Mercedes is its willing 7-Gronic manumatic with paddle shifters. One of the main reasons to opt for sports package is the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It allows driver to better manage gears before entering a corner, or just drop a cone during highway passing. On another note, this 7-speed gearbox has provide decent enough ratios in order to eliminate turbo lag on the bottom 4 gears. While leaving the top 3 gears for comfortable Autobahn-like cruising.

Handling: Don’t be mistaken that C-Coupe is based on C-Class architecture while E-Coupe is on E-Class architecture. That’s because both the C and E-Coupes are based on C-Class architecture, for cost saving measure.

That pretty much has explained how good the fundamental on which W204 C-Class architecture has been over the years. We have been praised C-Class sedan for its nice bland of sporty handling and sublime ride over the years. That holds a good foundation for C-Coupe to begin with. However, C-Coupe’s dynamic equation is something of a mix blessings. While C-Coupe’s sports suspension is comfortable compliant enough to absorb all the bumps and roughness of what we can poorly paved Canadian roads, its also supple enough to provide somewhat sporty driving experience. Its overall sharpness and reflexes just don’t feel anything special for a sports coupe. That’s even after we press the “sport” button which, supposedly, sharpen things up significantly, when it comes to suspension and steering input. Yes, it rides on a world-renowed architecture while suspension is nicely damped for providing a decent bland of Mercedes-esque ride quality and sporty dynamics. It just doesn’t provide the amout of driving fun we have exhibited in any of its peers. While the steering has provide nice feel and feedback, without losing Mercedes’s traits of numb off-center responsiveness. The body rolls have been well-controlled and able to manage to set itself up nicely after pushed. ESP, on the other hand, continues Mercedes’s tradition of a rather instrusive type. Dynamically speaking, its leaps and abound ahead of its predecessor. But then again, how many cars aren’t. But it doesn’t provide enough sharp reflexes and driving fun one associate with driving such a vehicle, especially considering how high the bar has set by its stiff rivals.

In most occassions, we prefer coupe over sedan when it comes to dynamic capabilities. Funny thing is, we were very impressed with C-Class sedan’s abilities but got underwhelmed by coupe silibings. What a surprise.

Brakes: On the other hand, C-Coupe’s brakes continue Mercedes tradition on providing sure-footness feel and feedback. It doesn’t exhibit any sorts of brake fades after a couple of harsh stops, while pedal always feels crisp and easily modulated. The stopping distance is short while ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily.

Interior: The backseat is rather cramped given C-Coupe’s physical dimensions. Thanks to its sloppy C-pillars, it doesn’t have much headroom neither.

As for the luggage space, its surprisingly spacious thanks to low liftover and minimal side sills. Its enough for 2 persons going on a weekend trip without worrying too much about what should or shouldn’t bring.

Along comes the C-Coupe, Mercedes has addressed the materials in C-Class cabin overall. That means better use of quality materials while the center stark, which feature a multimedia interface screen, look much more pleasing to the eyes. The tasteful use of aluminum trim has added sportiness to a somewhat bland interior, especially for a sports coupe.

Conclusion: Although I have been pretty much underwhelmed with Mercedes’s latest effort of resurging C-Coupe, its already leaps and abound ahead of their original attempt a decade ago. While styling is subjective, I have felt too much Accord Coupe’s styling clues in C-Coupe’s overall blandness especially comes to the back end. The interior appointment isn’t as special as its rivals or its platform silibing, E-Coupe.

Will I recommend a C-Coupe to anyone else? Sure, I will especially in C250 guise. That’s primarily because its a superbly engineered directly injected powerplant without having front-heaviness of its V6 silibing. Its handling and ride balance will appeal to those who are shopping for an entry-level Mercedes sports coupe.

Competitions:
Audi A5 Coupe
BMW 3-Series Coupe
Cadillac CTS Coupe
Mercedes E-Class Coupe
Infiniti G37 Coupe

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Mercedes C250 Coupe
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Short review of 2008 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport 4-Matic
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Price as tested: CDN$42450

When Mercedes first introduced the C300 and C350, we were really impressed on how it combines pace, grace with the top-notch quality we once associated 3-pointed star. Its so good we awarded C350 Sport as our sports sedan of the year for 2008.

At the beginning of this year, Mercedes debuts the C230, which actually is a 2.5 liter V6. Although it has less power than its silibings, it offers the same level of refinement as anyone expects from a Mercedes V6. With 181 lb/ft of torque, its more than capable of moving this 1690kg sports sedan with ease. 201 horses provide plenty of go when go cruising on the freeway, with the usual Mercedes stability.

Also new this year is 4-Matic introduced for the whole C-Class range. But its world-exclusive for this entry-level powertrain matched with 4-Matic AWD system. With 55% of power distributes to the rear, 4-Matic provides RWD balance without losing the traction of AWD. Its a godsent in Canadian winter. But we still prefer the rear-wheel drive C-Class for its nimbleness and lighter weight. 4-Matic’s driving feel is similar to the RWD version except for the extra traction and confidence in bad weather. Everything else from steering precision, braking performance and ride quality are what we expect from a sports sedan wearing the tri-star emblem.

The launch of C230 also signifies Mercedes finally has an entry-level premium sedan against BMW’s 323i. Mercedes has the advantages of 4-Matic and a much better interior. On the other hand, 323i still has an edge when it comes to driving dynamics and straight-6 performance. Based on the overall packaging, we would choose the Mercedes over BMW. If you are still shopping for a sports sedan, we suggest to wait for the all-new Audi A4 coming in this fall before making the final decision.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport 4-Matic
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Overall rating: 4.5/5

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

Vehicle: 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 Classic sedan
Price as tested: CDN$38450

Performance: Unlike the previous C230, the 2006 version is powered by a refined V6 instead of a rough 1.8L Kompressor 4-cylinder engine. This 2.5L V6 is good for 201 horses and 181 lb/ft of torque. In terms of refinement, flexability and NVH; this engine is a night-and-day difference when compares with the supercharged motor. This powerplant also has a sense of sportiness when pushed through the rev range, without losing the refined character that well-defined a 6-cylinder Mercedes sedan. Matched with this motor is Mercedes’s excellent 7-Gronic transmission. Unlike other slushboxes in the market, this tranny’s 7th gear serves as an overdrive. The engine only revs at a lowly 2000 rpm at 100 km/h, which is very impressive. The shifts are crisp, linear and smooth. Its also very willing to up and downshifts as with all excellent Mercedes auto transmissions in the past. Throttle response is response and linear.

Handling: As you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz, the C230 is based on a very good foundation. That means a strong, stiff chassis that is completely free of rattles and squeaks. In terms of dynamic abilities, C-Class is a pleasant surprise as it combines docile behaviour without losing the sublime ride comfort consumers expect from a Mercedes. The steering has decent feedback and response. It traces its path correctly with precision. Just like other Mercedes, its ESP kicks in a bit too early for my liking. This stability control just a bit too instrusive for a car that competes in the sports sedan segment.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the C230′s braking performance is well worthy of the tri-star emblem. It feels solid and easily modulated. The ABS also doesn’t kick in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Inside the C-Class, its all Mercedes’s form-follows-function simplicity. Along with a great sets of leather seats, excellent instrumentation gauges and dual zone semi-automatic climate control. Its interior materials have improved a lot when compares to the pre-facelifted model. The driving position is easily found with semi-power driver’s seat and tilt/telescope steering wheel.

The back seat is very comfortable, as it combines excellent leg and headroom for all passengers.

Conclusion: In the last couple of years, the 1.8L Kompressor engine has got a lot of beating over its lack of refinement in the C230k. Not anymore. The new V6 is anything better. Its refined, quiet, smooth and very responsive. This is the engine that Mercedes should introduced back in day 1 for its entry-level C-Class model instead of waiting until the end of the product life cycle.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C230
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.5/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4/5

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

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

Vehicle: 2003 Mercedes C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan with 5-speed Touchshift

Performance: Just like its C-Coupe silibing, C230 Sport Sedan uses the same 1.8L 16-valve 4-cylinder Kompressor engine with 189hp and 192 lb/ft of torque. The engine’s refinement and NVH are light years ahead of the previous 2.3L unit of Kompressor engine.. The engine feels a lot quieter and refined at idle, also at speed. The 5-speed Touchshift is another piece of Mercedes’s excellence of auto tranny. The shifts are smooth and crisp. Both the upshifts and downshifts are quick, responsive and never hunt for any gears on auto mode. The fuzzy logic system works as exceptional as any other Mecedes systems. As usual, throttle response is quick and responsive. It responds the driver input accordingly.

Handling: C230 Sport Sedan comes standard with 17″ wheels and sports suspension. The whole dynamic package feels more sporty than any W203s (C-Coupe 230 Evolution, C240 Elegance, C320 Sport) I have driven before, except for C32 AMG. The turn-in is sharper than the C320 Sport even if both are based on same suspension setting. Steering is more responsive, with plenty of road feel and body control is excellent. There is a minimum amount of body rolls through corners. ESP is not an instrusive system which is suitable for its “Sport Sedan” status. The ride comfort, once again, is top-notch thanks to the suspension’s excellent absorption of bumps and washboard pavement.

Interior: The C230 Sport Sedan has addressed many of the criticisms of W203′s interior. Many miserable interior plastic pieces have been covered with leather linings on the center console. Although the interior material still doesn’t feel on par with Audi, its ambience finally matches the price tag of this entry-level Mercedes. Other than that, everything is typical C-Class. That means large speedometer dominates the instrumentation. Ergonomically placed stereo and climate control, which the 4 knobs still have a cheap feeling. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. The C230 has the standard aluminum trim instead of wood trim, however, it feels tacky on its touch and appearance.

Conclusion: With just a few grand more than a C240, C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan represents a true value in C-Class product range. Combine 17″ wheels, sports suspension and an engine that feels a lot more responsive than the 2.6L V6 are good enough to choose it over the C240. This model will also attact customers who are currently looking for a C-Coupe but want a more practical and attractive package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2003 MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORT SEDAN
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.75/5
Value-for-money: 4.25/5

Overall rating: 4/5