Pros :
- Awesome mini S-Class looks, and even the wagon looks good.
- Lots of standard luxury features.
- Good handling at high speeds.
- Good amount of peak torque.
- Great ride quality.
Cons :
- Not-so-awesome mini SUV fuel economy.
- Could use more power to improve acceleration.
- Needs Sport package to compete with BMW's handling.
- Tight rear legroom.
- High base price compared to competitors with similar performance.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
It is obvious that Mercedes has upped the sporting content of the C-Class, a move that certainly has a few BMW execs popping more antacid tablets than usual. The new rack-and-pinion steering system is a big improvement, offering better feel and response. Some people might think it is too heavy for parking lot maneuvers, and it still does not connect the driver to the road in the way that a BMW steering system can. But it weights up nicely while cornering and exhibits little play on center, so you can't ask for too much more.
It's also during those mundane times of urban transit that the C-Class shows how it is still one of the best entry-level cars in terms of luxury and feature content. Wind and road noise are minimal, and the interior design, like the exterior, has gained many family traits found in more expensive Mercedes-Benz cars. Interior material quality has been improved, with every interior plastic panel touchable from the driver's seat being of the soft-touch variety. Leather quality on the seats was high on our sport package-equipped test car, though only one of our editors liked the sport package's engraved aluminum trim; the rest said it looked cheap and unfinished.
Edmunds.com
A station wagon joins Mercedes' entry-level line for 2002. The C320 sedan and new C320 wagon use a 3.2 V6. All models come with traction control, antiskid system, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Also included are front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' BabySmart child-seat recognition system. Leather upholstery is optional. Available for sedans is a Sport Package with upgraded suspension and aero body add-ons. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system is standard. Available for all is Mercedes' COMAND navigation system, which includes an Internet-based "InfoServices" feature that displays user-selected information.
The C320 sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec; C320 wagon feels little slower. Automatic-transmission is no slouch. Test C320 averaged 19.2 mpg despite gas-eating performance runs. In mixed city/highway driving, though, a C320 wagon returned a mediocre 15.7. All engines require premium fuel.
A strong point is ride quality. Supple and composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on Sport Package sedans but still comfortable. Steering, handling and braking
are assured and highly capable. Sedan Sport Package enhances base suspension's already good grip and steering response. Standard traction and antiskid systems are foul-weather safety pluses for these rear-drive cars. Brakes deliver short, undramatic emergency stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some cars tested. Interior wind rush is impressively low. V6s rise only to distant growl at top rpm. Tire noise is relatively high in sedans with more aggressive Sport Package treads.
Instruments and controls are typical Mercedes, with sober design and some cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for calling up vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power window switches are too low on doors and aren't lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy, except for some plastics and assembly details.
Interior is a bit cozy-feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Seats are firm, yet feel deficient in lumbar support to some testers. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor a good basic driving stance. Sedans and wagons have adequate space for two adults in the rear but no more. Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. The sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies, and wagon is truly useful, with some 15-cu-ft-more cargo room than BMW 3-Series wagon.
Now more than just a "baby Mercedes," the C-Class is a desirable near-luxury car in its own right - despite some cut-rate interior details. The new C-class sedans and wagons vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value.
Consumerguide.com
History:
1994-2000 Mercedes Benz C280
2,799 cc / 194 hp / 195 lb-ft / 3316 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.6 sec.
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