Deutsch

And I'll be driving it again at the C drive event hosted by MBUSA for the launch of the new C in August. I can actually say that it's a car I wouldn't mind driving again, though I don't terribly miss the experience I had. It's a great car.

I went to Calabasas Motor Cars to drop a co worker off as that's her boyfriends place of work. Upon pulling into the dealer I noticed the new C300 sprt. and thought I'd go check it out. Low and behold a salesman pops up(totally unplanned of course ). First I ask for a brochure, then my co worker(who's totally cool) asks if we can drive the car, without hesitation the guy went into the dealer to grab the keys. Upon his return he opened the car up for us, got in and examined the contents of the interior: First thing I noticed was a rather snug roof line that doesn't seem to extend as far upward as in the W203, leg room was bountiful. Interior trim and materials were all top notch, looking as if they fit a car of the C's price bracket and above.The COMMAND system was pretty easy to use, almost laughable in simplicity, anyone who doesn't get the ease of this system I'd probably make angry with laughter(me laughing at them). Especially cool is the ability to play DVD's and rip MP3's that can stored in the cars media system for future play, a boon for any tech freak/geek or music lover.

Onto the good stuff, how it drives. Well, quite interestingly, especially for the class this car competes in, it's typical Benz with a sporty touch to it. Just a touch, you see, because though it handles flat and with enthusiasm, it never grabs you by your shirt collar and demands your attention. Almost everything the new C does is with leisure as you'd expect from an MB. Floor the accelerator, feel what speed? The MB hallmark of no sensation of speed is fully intact. All you see is the speedomter moving ever so quickly upward the speed range, but you must keep mind to watch ahead of you so the pretty thing doesn't end up smashed by a truck pulling out from behind a hedge on the single lane road. The steering is more than decent, providing good feel(more than decent, but only good) but not as razor sharp as a 3er. The suspension has firmness to it but it never disappoints with jarring behavior, something that would be very un-Benz-like. Taking corners is an enthusiastic affair with no hint of noticeable body roll whatsoever. Only detractor from the driving experience was probably the engine and transmission, both of which felt lethargic compared to the N52 in the comparable BMW 328. The whole time I drove the car I had the tranny in sport mode, and using sport mode in the E90 328 is a completely different experience, which is reduced down to the fact that the N52 revvs with a vengeance that's lost in the 3.0 V6 in the Benz. I have yet to drive the 3.5 engine C, but I don't expect it to be a revelation , especially next to the N54. The brakes were noticalby grabby but by no means annoying.

So all in all the W204 is a great car, no leaps and bounds in any which direction but more than adequate for the intended audience. Those looking for a finely crafted automobile that's not crammed with useless features/tech, won't ruffle their feathers to and fro, and looks the part of an established individual, and handles with the alacrity you'd expect of a German sports sedan, won't be let down. No 3er, but I don't think MB ever wanted it to be, but most definitely a welcomed return to tradition for MB quality.

Centurion

Nice review

Giannis

thanks for the review Deutsch. Well writen and informative!

cawimmer430

Sweet review. Karma given buddy.

BMW_Dude

Thanks for the review, seems like overall you liked the car!

Deutsch

Thanks for the compliments guys!

You know, after thinking about it, I realized that the car I drove didn't even have "Advanced Agility Control". To think if it did it might match the 3er for dynamic capabilities, but I'd never know unless I drove one. At the present, as far as I know, "Advance Agility Control" will not be available on U.S. spec C's. In sum the W204 is quite a nice car and does very well next to the 3er, the latter I believe is for someone who craves sport, and nothing but. The C wears both the hat of comfort and sport and will never fatigue you, beyond that it feels like it can last forever. I believe it's a car worthy of much credit that it might not ever get when being expected to beat or topple the 3er, the C is a very very accomplished and worthy sports sedan.

etlomotey

My sentiments exactly, nice one Deutsch

Mr. M

Karma for you my man. Nice review.

Merc1

Deutsch - Last I heard we have to wait until the 2009 model year before we get the sportiest suspension setup. I'm sure they're waiting for the new engines to debut so they can make a big splash. I hope that we'll see the return of the manual on the C350 at this time also.

M

Tycoon

Nice review, Deutsch!