A term that once stood for cheap and featureless, “entry-level” now makes up some of the most hotly contested automotive markets.
Among luxury brands, the entry-level label is affixed to such cars as the BMW 3-series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS and Infiniti G sedan. Compared to these vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class looked extremely aged toward the end of its third generation.
The C-Class essentially dates back to 1983 and despite abundant luxury amenities and quality engineering, it lacked both attention-grabbing looks and adequate comfort. For 2008, Mercedes completely redesigned the C-Class with a longer wheelbase and overall length and a wider stance to offer improved comfort and handling capabilities, not to mention its stunning looks. Claiming to have spent seven years designing the C-Class and accumulating over 15 million miles on a digital prototype, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a well-balanced, fun-to-drive alternative to the above mentioned luxury sedans.
Three distinct models are available on the C-Class: the C300 Sport, C300 Luxury and C350 Sport. This test car, a C300 Sport, uses a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 to power the rear wheels via the optional ($1,440) seven-speed automatic transmission. Together, this drivetrain offers instant acceleration, smooth shifting and great stability. This same engine comes in the C300 Luxury sedan, while the C350 gets an extra 40 horses out of the 3.5-liter V-6.
From the scowling headlights to the S-Class inspired taillights and decklid, the C300 is remarkably sculpted and devoid of any unnecessary flair that litters the luxury sedan landscape.
Differences between the Sport and Luxury trim levels are easily distinguishable by exterior and interior enhancements. From the outside, the C300 Sport benefits from an AMG-designed body kit that features an aggressive front fascia, sculpted rocker panels and an oversized, iconic Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star nestled beautifully in the grille. While the Palladium Silver exterior paint had a gleaming sparkle, its $710 premium price could easily be done without.
The 17-inch, seven-twin-spoke wheels are wrapped in all-season tires for added safety during inclement weather. Peering out from behind the front wheels are the cross-drilled rotors that allow for excellent braking while adding a touch of style.
With an exterior that portrays that of a performance sedan, the interior of C300 Sport is all luxury. From the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the aluminum-handled shift lever, no detail was too small for the Mercedes engineers to incorporate. The driver can control many of the main functions by either using the console-mounted control knob or the steering wheel-mounted buttons. The control knob allows for easy control of different systems that are displayable on the power-retractable, seven-inch color display screen. Another small touch of convenience in the C300’s cabin is the one-touch up and down window switches
From the driver’s seat, the C300 offers an eight-way power seat in addition to a tilting and telescoping steering column to ensure optimal comfort in the leather- and aluminum-clad cabin. Instrumentation is minimal and easy to use with an instrument cluster that features a large, central speedometer flanked by a fuel/engine temp gauge and the tachometer. The speedometer houses a digital multifunction screen that is controllable via steering wheel buttons to display information from the navigation and audio systems as well as displaying warning messages and necessary vehicle data.
One minor flaw inside the C-Class is the turn signal and cruise control stalks being in very close proximity to each other. On more than one occasion while trying to use the turn signal during a lane change, the cruise control was inadvertently activated instead.
The optional Multimedia Package ($2,950) provides a well-balanced audio system that rewards passengers with an amazing acoustic experience. The package offers a twelve-speaker, 450-watt harmon/kardon audio system with Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 surround sound and features a six-disc CD/MP3 player in addition to the MusicRegister feature that uses a four-gigabyte hard drive to copy and store up to 1,000 tracks from an audio CD. An AUX jack and power outlet in the glove compartment is ideal for iPod use.
While the dual climate control system helps to improve comfort in the passenger cabin, the back seat is less accommodating. In fact, the C300 is more apt to adequately store the luggage for five people than to comfortably seat five passengers. Rear-seat passengers benefit from three-point seat belts and raised headrests for increased safety, but minimal thigh support and cramped hip room could prove to be slightly uncomfortable for adult-sized passengers.
Mercedes incorporated the Agility Control sport suspension into the new C-Class to allow for distinct performance and handling capabilities. Alternating between the two modes, the C300 automatically adjusts the dampening of the shocks, throttle and steering response and transmission’s shift points depending on which mode is chosen. The comfort mode offers a smooth ride for normal driving conditions while the sport modes tight, confident handling in sharp turns.
Numerous standard safety features result in the C300 earning a four-star frontal and five-star side-impact crash test rating. Dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags and side curtain airbags are standard as is the electronic stability control that helps to prevent oversteer and understeer.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the C300 are. Over a week of testing, this car averaged just over 21 mpg, which is about average with the EPA estimates for fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Compared to the CTS and 3-series, the C300 Sport offers a lower base price at $31,200, but almost fully loaded this test car had an MSRP of $39,475.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport Pictures and Wallpapers
Review written by: Jeffrey Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2008