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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review: Difference between revisions

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==Interior and Comforts==
==Interior and Comforts==
The C-Class interior looks like the inside of a [[Mercedes-Benz]] should, and for the most part it feels that way, too. A model re-alignment in 2006 has increased the level of luxury in the least expensive models. Fabric upholstery and manually operated seats can no longer be found in the C-Class line.
Any of the seats are very good: neither so hard that they numb the backside nor so soft that they leave occupants tired or aching. The seats in the standard luxury models are more traditional, perhaps richer in appearance, than those in the sport models. By comparison, the seats in the sport models look stark, but provide significantly more side bolstering for spirited driving. Adjustable lumbar support is now standard, meaning more comfort for the lower back.


The dashboard, instruments and seats were redesigned, and materials were revised throughout. The instrument cluster features four gauges, with a chromed-ringed [[tachometer]] and speedometer of identical size sitting front and center. To the left and right of these are smaller fuel and temperature gauges. In the middle sits an LCD display with various system and trip functions. Fashioned in the mold of the larger [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class]], the instrument cluster is deeply hooded and virtually eliminates glare on the dials. The backlit script is clear and easy to read.
Audio controls are now located in an optimal spot: above the climate control switches, which sit at the bottom of the stack. Both audio and climate knobs are large and easy to locate. The lack of some of the complicated systems found on more expensive Mercedes models is, frankly, a welcome relief.
The switchgear is, for the most part, easy to use and understand. The stalk controls have a beefy feel with positive detents. Redundant buttons on the steering wheel let the driver operate the audio and telephone functions without removing a hand from the wheel. The stalk-mounted cruise control continues to be an annoyance, however. It's also easy to engage the cruise control by mistake when trying to use the turn signals, a complaint we have with every modern Mercedes that comes to mind.
Lighting inside is effective, with good illumination for entry in the dark and excellent map lights for reading. The C-Class glovebox is a good size, unless you order the CD changer, in which case you lose most of its storage space. You'll still have the center console and door pockets, but it would be nice to have more places to stash stuff. At least they've added a pop-up cupholder in the center console.
In general, the C-Class sedans are trimmed with good-quality interior materials, but there are some exceptions. Some of the hard plastics don't match Mercedes' best. The sport sedans use aluminum trim throughout the cabin, while the luxury sedans use wood.
The rear seat offers generous space and comfort. It's installed theater style, and sits slightly higher than those in front, giving back-seat passengers a better view forward without significantly compromising head room. Indeed, the spacious rear seats are one of the strengths of the C-Class. The optional power sunshade for the rear glass reinforces the feeling you're in a Benz.
The trunk is a good size for a car this size, offering 12.2 cubic feet of cargo space. An optional split-folding rear seat expands cargo capacity.


==Exterior==
==Exterior==

Revision as of 19:43, 16 November 2006

2007 Mercedes-Benz C350 Luxury Sedan
2007 Mercedes-Benz C280 Luxury Sedan


See also the main fact sheet for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

High Points

Low Points

  • Not enough leg room for rear passengers (The Detroit News)
  • Costly (Kelley Blue Book)

Performance and Handling

C350 Luxury Sedan gauges

Gas Mileage

As seen on Autos.com, in the near-luxury car MPG rankings, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranked as follows:

  • Mercedes-Benz C230 was in 21st place with 21/29 MPG
  • Mercedes-Benz C280 was in 23st place with 21/28 MPG
  • Mercedes-Benz C350 was in 24st place with 20/28 MPG

Safety

The Mercedes-Benz C-class comes standard with the following features:

  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Antilock Braking System (ABS)
  • Brake Assist
  • Driver and front passenger airbags
  • Side-impact airbags
  • Active Head Restraint
  • LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)

Reliability and Maintenance

All new 2007 Mercedes-Benz vehicles are covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. It covers any defects in material or workmanship for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Interior and Comforts

The C-Class interior looks like the inside of a Mercedes-Benz should, and for the most part it feels that way, too. A model re-alignment in 2006 has increased the level of luxury in the least expensive models. Fabric upholstery and manually operated seats can no longer be found in the C-Class line.

Any of the seats are very good: neither so hard that they numb the backside nor so soft that they leave occupants tired or aching. The seats in the standard luxury models are more traditional, perhaps richer in appearance, than those in the sport models. By comparison, the seats in the sport models look stark, but provide significantly more side bolstering for spirited driving. Adjustable lumbar support is now standard, meaning more comfort for the lower back.

The dashboard, instruments and seats were redesigned, and materials were revised throughout. The instrument cluster features four gauges, with a chromed-ringed tachometer and speedometer of identical size sitting front and center. To the left and right of these are smaller fuel and temperature gauges. In the middle sits an LCD display with various system and trip functions. Fashioned in the mold of the larger Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the instrument cluster is deeply hooded and virtually eliminates glare on the dials. The backlit script is clear and easy to read.

Audio controls are now located in an optimal spot: above the climate control switches, which sit at the bottom of the stack. Both audio and climate knobs are large and easy to locate. The lack of some of the complicated systems found on more expensive Mercedes models is, frankly, a welcome relief.

The switchgear is, for the most part, easy to use and understand. The stalk controls have a beefy feel with positive detents. Redundant buttons on the steering wheel let the driver operate the audio and telephone functions without removing a hand from the wheel. The stalk-mounted cruise control continues to be an annoyance, however. It's also easy to engage the cruise control by mistake when trying to use the turn signals, a complaint we have with every modern Mercedes that comes to mind.

Lighting inside is effective, with good illumination for entry in the dark and excellent map lights for reading. The C-Class glovebox is a good size, unless you order the CD changer, in which case you lose most of its storage space. You'll still have the center console and door pockets, but it would be nice to have more places to stash stuff. At least they've added a pop-up cupholder in the center console.

In general, the C-Class sedans are trimmed with good-quality interior materials, but there are some exceptions. Some of the hard plastics don't match Mercedes' best. The sport sedans use aluminum trim throughout the cabin, while the luxury sedans use wood.

The rear seat offers generous space and comfort. It's installed theater style, and sits slightly higher than those in front, giving back-seat passengers a better view forward without significantly compromising head room. Indeed, the spacious rear seats are one of the strengths of the C-Class. The optional power sunshade for the rear glass reinforces the feeling you're in a Benz.

The trunk is a good size for a car this size, offering 12.2 cubic feet of cargo space. An optional split-folding rear seat expands cargo capacity.

Exterior

The C-Class cars look like a Mercedes-Benz should and just about everyone will quickly identify them as such. All C-Class cars sport the traditional Mercedes three-pointed star as a standup hood ornament, but even without that they'd be immediately identifiable. The C-Class shares styling themes with the larger E-Class and S-Class cars, but retains a tight look all its own. Aerodynamically, the C-Class cars are among the most efficient in the Mercedes-Benz family. The C-Class boasts a drag coefficient of 0.27, which helps minimize wind noise and improves fuel efficiency.

Distinguishing between Sport and Luxury versions of the C-Class is easy. The Sport sedans have a more aggressive looking front air dam and sculpted lower cladding previously used only on Mercedes' exotic AMG models. The Sport sedans are further distinguished by a unique grille with three horizontal bars, darker, blue-tinted glass and larger 17-inch wheels.

The styling for all C-Class models was freshened in 2005. The changes were subtle and we're not sure how many people actually noticed. Revised styling cues included wider set quad-ovoid headlights, more pronounced fender flares and revised taillights.

The C-Class sedans are the same length as the BMW 3 Series cars, but several inches narrower, making it easier to fit them into tight garage spaces.

Styles and Options

The Mercedes-Benz C-class is available in 4 trims: C230 Sport sedan, C280 Luxury sedan, C350 Sport sedan, and C350 Luxury sedan.

C230 Sport sedan

Mercedes-Benz C-class lineup
2007 Mercedes-Benz C230 interior
  • 201 horsepower 2.5-liter V6
  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • 17-inch wheels
  • High-performance tires
  • Aluminum interior trim
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Interior air filtration
  • Leather-faced seats
  • 10-way power adjustment for driver and front passenger
  • Cruise control
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • One-touch power windows
  • Automatic headlamps

C280 Luxury sedan

(adds to the C230’s conveniences)

C350 Sport sedan

(adds to the C230’s conveniences)

C350 Luxury sedan

(adds to the C280’s conveniences)

Sunroof Package

  • Power sunroof
  • Auto-dimming mirrors
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Universal garage-door

DVD Navigation system Package

Main Competitors

External Links

WikiCars Contributor Favorites

Mercedes-Benz Manufacturer Sites

Community Sites

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