New C-Class is a beauty

The C-Class, Mercedes’ best-selling model, has been completely redesigned for 2008. Most of the complaints with the previous model have been resolved, and there are more standard amenities in the new version.

For starters, the entry-level Mercedes is larger than the previous generation C-Class. It’s four inches longer and almost two inches wider with a wheelbase that’s 1.8 inches longer. That shows up in the interior — which many consumers complained was too cramped on the previous model — and in one of the largest trunk capacities in this class.

Prices begin at a very attractive $31,975, including shipping, for the base C300 Sport model. Initially, only two models will be offered: Sport and Luxury. Each gets its own distinctive exterior and interior styling.

The entry level C300 Sport sedan comes with a 3.0-liter 228-horsepower V-6 engine and a six-speed manual shifter. A seven-speed automatic transmission, the same one used in the flagship S-Class, is an extra $1,000.

The C300 Luxury sedan ($33,675) comes standard with the same 228-horsepower V-6, however the seven-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Mercedes expects 30 percent of C-Class sales to be the Luxury model.

The C350 Sport sedan ($37,275) is also automatic transmission only but comes with a larger 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6.

All C-Class models are four-door sedans. While no wagon model is available, an all-wheel-drive will be available in September and a C63 V-8 AMG performance model debuts in spring 2008.

Standard equipment on both models includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, adaptive braking (a system that helps keep the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are on), side air bags, side-curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, sunroof, eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system.

We tested the C300 Sport with the optional P2 Package that includes rain sensing wipers, Sirius satellite radio, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors, garage door opener, split-folding rear seat, power rear window sunshade, Bi-Xenon headlamps with heated headlamp washers and corner-illuminating fog lamps.

Other options on the tester included upgraded 18-inch AMG wheels and Tele-Aid security system.

We like what Mercedes’ designers did with the styling of the C-Class. Definite styling cues are taken from the E- and S-Class. It’s similar to what BMW has done, which is to give all models a similar, identifying look. The new C moves from an almost economy look to a classier, sporty design. The striking new sheet metal flows athletically from front to back.

The Sport and Luxury models use different grille designs; the Mercedes star is centered on the Sport’s grille, while the Luxury has the traditional grille and star hood ornament. Mercedes says the Sport takes design cues from the AMG, using “deeper front and rear aprons as well as under-door rocker panels.”

Inside, the trim is real burl-walnut on the Luxury, aluminum trim in the C300 Sport, and black maple in the C350. The Sport features a three-spoke steering wheel while the Luxury version has a four-spoke wheel.

The interior is simple yet classy. The audio and navigation systems are housed in a five-inch screen that motors up from the middle of the center stack and disappears when not in use.

Mercedes has also joined BMW, Audi and Land Rover with a mouse knob controller on the center console. On the Mercedes, it’s used to navigate the menus for system controls, but we thought it was much easier to use than the aforementioned iterations, especially iDrive.

Front seats are roomy and firm with plenty of adjustments to accommodate most any driver — especially with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The seats have only manual lumbar support. We didn’t get an opportunity to see if there would be seat fatigue on longer drives of, say, three hours or more. The rear seat is very small; it could hold three, but not for long. Leather seating is optional.

We thought the new C-Class closely resembles the driving experience of the E-Class sedan. That’s quite a compliment. Handling is sharp, precise and quick thanks to what Mercedes calls its “agility control system,” which regulates the firmness of the shock absorbers according to driving and road conditions. Drive relaxed? The shock absorbers relax for a smoother ride. More aggressive? They firm up to improve handling.

We didn’t like the feel of either the steering (vague) or the seven-speed automatic transmission, which seemed to downshift too often, making the vehicle feel underpowered. The manual shifter would solve that, but seems too radical a solution.

There’s no shortage of competition in the entry-level luxury class, which includes the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS and Audi A4. All are excellent vehicles. We like what Mercedes has done with the C-Class and strongly recommend spending some time behind the wheel if you are considering one of these vehicles.

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