| The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the most compact and least expensive of the brand's sedan offerings. Yet it's no less a Mercedes-Benz. You'll find everything you expect from Mercedes-Benz in a C-Class from safety features to predictable driving dynamics. The C-Class Luxury grade does indeed feel like a small version of a traditional Mercedes four-door luxury sedan. For drivers who want something sportier, the Sport models provide that. Those want a street-legal racecar can order an AMG version. The C-Class is a terrific driving experience; great driver feedback through the steering, rock-solid, and so stable it's very difficult to get into trouble, and delivering to the driver a superb grasp, both literally and figuratively, on what the car is doing. And it does this without taking away any of the refinement or comfort that makes driving one a fatigue-free process. C-Class models are available with rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC four-wheel drive, the latter for improved active safety and winter weather capability. The Mercedes-Benz C300 comes with a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6. The C350 comes with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. The racy C63 AMG features a 451-hp 6.2-liter V8. Compared with Luxury models, Sport versions use wider rear tires and wheels, sit more than half an inch lower, use firmer suspension settings, and get a three-spoke steering wheel. Sport sedans use a different grille with the Mercedes-Benz ringed star in it as opposed to the Luxury with the star on the hood, and Sport models use AMG-style deeper front air dams, side skirts and rear aprons. AMG version are distinguished by unique styling cues. The C-Class is not a big car, so tall drivers and business-people who routinely transport clients may find they need something bigger, such as an E-Class. But among its primary competition the C-Class is more than merely in the game; it's a real player. For 2010, the C-Class offers a few new features. Standard equipment includes a new monitoring system that shows individual tire pressures. The outside mirrors are more aerodynamic and the steering wheel is wrapped in premium leather. The C300 Sport trim level also has new 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. A new option is a Dynamic Handling Package for Sport models that includes active damping suspension, faster, speed-sensitive steering, and 18-inch five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels; on those with the automatic transmission, this package includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. In addition, for the first time on the C-Class, the Keyless-Go system is now available, which gives push-button starting. Other new options include a rear-view camera, four-way power lumbar adjustment, a tilting side mirror for parking, and a universal media interface. |