German Car Forum

There was plenty of talk about ‘virtual cars’ at the launch of Mercedes’ bigger, chunkier new C-class in Spain, though some disagreement about which direction the discussion should take.

From Mercedes’ perspective, it was all about the world’s first digital prototype. Before the conventional prototypes were built – and for the record there were 280 that covered a mind-boggling 140 million test miles, a record even for Mercedes – the engineers already had a near-perfect idea of how they would feel to drive, thanks to the ‘virtual prototype’. And no, they didn’t knock up a program with Gran Turismo’s Kazunori Yamauchi to run on a PS3. Nor did anyone dare to be so glib at the press briefing, tempting as it was. The digital mock-up, all 2130 gigabytes of it, was used for 5500 crash test simulations, intensive ride and handling analysis, NVH tuning, aerodynamic development and climate control tests. Undoubtedly a worthy use of silicon and electricity.

All well and good, but the angle I had in mind for the discussions was a little closer to the Jamiroquai track ‘Virtual Insanity’. In other words, when would we see the AMG version, where would it check in on the ‘bad craziness’ scale, and just how many shades of ordure was it likely to beat out of BMW’s imminent V8-engined M3? Naturally, our hosts were a little guarded on the subject, though they did reveal this: it will have the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 currently in the CLK (circa 475bhp), it will be launched in the first half of 2008 and, unlike AMGs of present and past, its pricing and spec will place it closer to the orbit of the mainstream models, thereby giving the range a more integrated feel.

But an M3 mauler? For the time being we’ll have to glean what we can from the sportiest version of the new C-class, the 268bhp, seven-speed auto C350 Avantgarde. Its UK-specific equivalent, the C350 Sport, goes on sale a couple of months after the roll-out of the initial model line-up launch in July. The Sport, like the Avantgarde, is instantly distinguished by its bold, simple nose treatment, with a big three-pointed star dominating the grille in a manner similar to the new CL coupe’s. The comfort-orientated SE and Elegance models get more chrome trim and finely meshed grilles with a conventional three-pointed star standing proud of the bonnet.



The contrasting treatments make the cars look startlingly different head on, though arguably the starker simplicity of the Sport sits more comfortably with the masculine, almost butch architecture of the new car, which clearly speaks the same dialect of design language as the S-class. Intriguingly, the sturdy new shape doesn’t photograph nearly as well as it looks in the metal but, when you first see it, it’s striking how successfully it re-establishes the sense of strength, solidity and durability long held as Mercedes core values.

Although based on the old C-class platform, the new car is 55mm longer and 42mm wider, so it’s more spacious inside and has a larger boot. The wheelbase is 45mm longer and the track is 44mm wider at the front, 76mm at the rear. Combined, these changes give a slightly more rearward bias to the weight distribution, with the aim of making the handling more neutral.

The rack-and-pinion steering has been sharpened up, with a six per cent more direct ratio, and while the suspension retains the same three-link MacPherson strut (front) and five-link (rear) designs, it has been completely overhauled with new lightweight components, altered geometry and new amplitude-sensitive dampers that are more compliant over small bumps to maximise comfort, but which stiffen up with bigger wheel movements and/or steering inputs. This basic ‘Agility Control’ system is entirely hydraulic, but our C350 has the optional ‘Advanced Agility’ package, which has infinitely variable electronic control for each damper and is linked to two gearshift programmes, Sport and Comfort, which also alter the throttle and transmission maps.

What’s immediately apparent is that the new C feels lighter, tauter and innately more poised than its predecessor. The 3.5-litre V6 spins sweetly and relentlessly, and is clearly strong enough to put the chassis under pressure. It doesn’t buckle; in fact, it seems to love it. Feel is superb, grip prodigious and, no matter how hard you push, the C350 refuses to come a cropper. Truth is, it enjoys being taken by the scruff of the neck and hammered. The basic tenacity and faithfulness of the chassis, massaged and focused by the electro-hydraulic damping regimes, can simply murder a twisty road. And the steering isn’t just beautifully weighted but dripping with feel. Cornering balance is just about spot on, too.



Even with the traction control left on (being a non-AMG it never fully switches off), slide the auto down a cog or two and it’s possible to enter a bend on a trailing throttle with a mild state of oversteer. Stab-correct stuff; your granny could do it. There’s definitely a feeling that the car is maybe more than an equal partner – flattering to the point you begin to doubt your own contribution. But also encouraging. With 475bhp to play with, a helping hand might not be such a bad idea. We can’t wait to find out.

RATING
+ Bold looks, fine build, great chassis

- Another year till the C63 AMG arrives

EVO SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:V6, 3498cc, 32v
Max power: 268bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 221lb ft @ 2400-5000rpm
0 - 60mph: 6.3sec (claimed)
Top Speed: 155mph (limited)
Price: £36,000 (est)
On sale:September 2007

looks like EVO loves it,i think the C equipped with the agility package with match the 3er dynamically while having an excellent ride quality.

whats interesting is that they found the steering to have excellent feel while most others criticize it as being too light.has any other publication tested the 350 because the 350 looks to have a much better steering feel than the lesser models.

checkout the AutoExpress review for the C220CDI

Mercedes C-Class | First Drives | Car Reviews | Auto Express

Thanks for posting that link, merve_extreme.

Which centre stack is this? Definitely not the W204. Is that why they're saying the quality is A-Class style??

yes that first picture is a goofup,to me it looks like its as Audi interior.

Next to the number buttons there is a button with a lion on it so presumably it is a Peugeot.


However, I wonder if Autoexpress actually drove the car as:

The new C-Class has 'hill start assist' which solves the problem of hill starts with the manual box. If they had driven it then surely they would have known this.

Did they just said a 476bhp for the C63? damn

and they are wrong. correct number is 450hp

Well i hope u r wrong

Good review. A real testament to the work Mercedes put into the car's dynamics.

But boy are those seats ugly.

if evo loves it..it handles well..now lets drop this bad handling C class crap

That's right Artist. The C-Class hasn't handled "badly" since two generations back.

yep i can vouch for that..owning a 06 W203.. it handles better than most cars ive driven

As good as the new W204 may be, it still has an uphill battle in trying to steal sales from the very popular 3 series. Imhotep is right that the BMW has the history and perception of being the most sporty and hip vehicle to drive in its class (compared to A4, C-class, and IS). The population that the 3 series appeals to is the young professsional earning a decent income, and it is hard for the C-class to break into that demographic (although it did make some strides with the W203, especially the facelifted version with the AMG Sports Package in the USA).

Even car journalists have an inherent bias against Mercedes being "sporty", given their past experiences with the brand.

As a good example, here is an excerpt from a test that MotorTrend did comparing the facelifted W203 C350, E90 330i, and IS350. Keep in mind that the C350 Sport Sedan was the "sportiest" non-AMG C-class ever, before the W204 came out.

[Surprising. The one word all three drivers uttered after exiting the Mercedes. "One loop, and if I hadn't known this was a C-Class, I never would've guessed by the way it devoured Angeles Crest," said Walton. "The biggest surprise of the bunch," declared Mortara. Take this Benz for a spin, and you realize how fun and able a C-Class can be. While softer than the BMW and the Lexus--the C displayed more pitch, dive, and body roll--the Benz nonetheless chewed up and spit out curve after curve, inspiring confidence with each turn of the wheel. Moreover, the C's softer legs afforded it the most compliant ride, smoothing out even the bumpiest roads. Though saddled with a subpar shifter and a brake pedal a bit too high for ideal heel-and-toeing, the Mercedes featured light, linear steering, communicative and strong brakes, and a soft spot for mild understeer, which made spirited driving easy and predictable, not to mention more fun--especially with Mercedes's unobtrusive ESP, which didn't rob the car of what it was capable of doing. A set of 18-inch wheels and grippier tires would undoubtedly help performance, not to mention aesthetics. As it stands, the C350 looks identical to its entry-level stablemate, the C230. All said and done, the Benz came across as quick, capable, and subdued. A sleeper. Did it just not wake us up? When the ballots were submitted and the votes counted, there were two cars ahead of the Benz--the winner and the biggest threat to the winner.]

So despite how much of an improvement it was over previous models, it still was considered to be inferior to the slower and less powerful E90 330i in terms of driving dynamics and enjoyment. Too bad the facelifted W203 didn't come out a year or 2 earlier, so that it would have been compared to the E46, which is the car the W203 was really supposed to battle head on.

Let's just hope MB learned their lesson from the pre-facelifted W203 and come out fighting right from the gates for the W204......in other words, don't wait for the facelift before coming out with your best stuff!!!

That's a pretty positive review coming from the very sports-biased EVO magazine.

Speaking of the C63 AMG, I think I saw one today! I was washing the E320 when a black W204 C-Class with the AMG body kit and rims crawled by at slow speed on the street right across from me. The thing that caught my eye was a badge that looked like it said "6.3 V8" (see picture)! But I wasn't sure because he soon rounded a bend and I didn't exactly catch a good glance at that area. The funny thing though was that even if it was a C63 AMG, it had no camouflage or anything on it to disguise it. If you ask me, I think it was some enthusiastic W204 fan who ordered his car with the AMG rims and body kit and stole a "6.3 V8" badge from an E, R, S etc. '63 AMG.

It isn't the seats as much as it is that steering wheel. I hope it looks better in person.

M

I much prefer the seats in the Avantgarde version where its "ribbed" in the backrest as well. It gives a more sporty look IMO. If you guys don't know what I'm talking about, go to the configurator and you'll know what I mean.

To be honest, you don't even notice it when you drive the car. It does feel very nice. Small and compact, it further makes the car feel sportier. And the responsiveness is very nice.

Yeah I'm hoping that is the case.

M

It is. The Avantgarde C220 CDI I drove had a very nice steering feel. Didn't try the Elegance model yet.

I saw a C220 CDI Sport in Palladium Silver today.

The seats in full leather and steering wheel look much much better in real life. Those pictures do it no justice at all.

Let us know what you think when you see it

I saw a C220 CDI Sport in Palladium Silver today.

The seats in full leather and steering wheel look much much better in real life. Those pictures do it no justice at all.

Let us know what you think when you see it

So what does Palladium Silver look like in the metal? Any pictures?

I will post a picture later today.

Nice styling & handy power-plant makes it a real "pocket rocket" ...!