Autocar Test Drive C320 CDi

[Monster]

http://imageshack.us

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Test date 08 March 2007 Price when new TBA


What is it?
Mercedes’ new contender in the junior executive class, which has the unenviable task of taking on the BMW 3-series.

This all-new C-class was developed entirely within a computer until late on in the prototype stage, and also embraces plenty of new technology in its production form: electronic dampers, a new generation of voice control, and S-class-style COMAND system to name but a few.

Essentially, though, it’s the familiar recipe of sophisticated suspension and rear-wheel drive.

There’s a predictable – yet carefully developed – range of engines from the four-cylinder petrol to the V6 350 and diesel 320CDi engines.

What’s it like?
We tried the C320 CDi in Sport trim. The fact that it was a Sport is now quite important, because Mercedes has put more air between the differing trim levels in the range.

An Elegance is very much the luxury variant; a Sport gets switchable dampers, a quicker steering rack, an AMG bodykit including a totally different grille and sportier interior.

In the glinting black of our test car, the Sport looks really rather effective indeed. Mercedes has really tried to put the gravitas back into the C-class and the mixture of current S-class themes and the big, upright grille – like that on a 1980s 560 SEC – give this car genuine presence.

At town speeds and when cruising the C320 is a very easy and relaxing car to drive. The steering is light but accurate and the ride – on these ripple-free Spanish roads at least – is very smooth when the dampers are set to normal.

There’re oodles of grunt on tap from the refined V6, and the seven-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly.

As a sports saloon it’s not quite so successful, if still a highly competent steer. There’s plenty of grip and composure up until eight-tenths, beyond which it lacks the genuine sporting poise and entertainment of a 3-series.

Nevertheless, the C-class is roomier than its Bavarian rival, with a bigger boot and better ride. It also gets much more attention from passers-by.

Should I buy one?
If you're about to replace your compact exec saloon, you should certainly try one. Although it doesn’t offer quite the entertainment of a BMW, based on this initial sampling the new C-class is a strong all-round package.

Adam Towler

from
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-C320-CDI/224443/

 

[PC Valkyrie]

"...As a sports saloon it’s not quite so successful, if still a highly competent steer. There’s plenty of grip and composure up until eight-tenths, beyond which it lacks the genuine sporting poise and entertainment of a 3-series...."

Why oh why does this sound so familiar????

I wonder if this will be the first of many similar conclusions as the W204 C-class gets tested more and more.....

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

But that was always expected no?

 

[bum-man]

But that was always expected no?

Agreed. I'm also going to go off on a limb and say that the CDI model was probably not the best to test for a "sporting" ride. A C280 or C350 would probably be a better bet.

 

[Deutsch]

The E90/2 3er is a revelation as far as agility and chassis grip goes, not to mention the sublime steering. It comes as no surprise that MB couldn't match the Bavarian in dynamics. Takes a lot I imagine to make a car that handles that good, and I can't imagine MB would want that anyway.

 

[Zafiro]

I wonder if they compared this C-class to a 3er with or without the sportpackage?
Becuase comparing a C-class with the sportpackage (AMG-kit) to a 3er without the sportpackage (M-kit) makes no sense to me. They should compare the sportiest settings from what these carmakers offer to get it fair and honest.

 

[mrkc77]

Hi All

This is the verdict from CAR Magazine. They're calling it the most complete Merc since the '83 190. However, this review does not make any comparisons to the 3er which is fair enough. IMO, for a first drive, it should be about the car itself and nothing else.
Mercedes C-class drive

Posted: 10:57am, 12 March 2007



Verdict

If kitchen sinks designed cars, even they would have been thrown into this project. It’s been ferociously analysed but the end result isn’t overkill - this is the most complete entry-level (real) Merc since the ’83 190.

Mercedes UK isn’t revealing any UK data but European cars have an inflation-only price increases, so list price here should be from £23k. For what’s possibly the most complete Merc ever, that’s heartening.
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_drive.php?sid=568&page=6 7 of 8

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_drive.php?sid=568&page=8

 

[cawimmer430]

I'm not to worried about Autocar's comment on the C-Class sporting characteristics compared to the BMW 3-Series. At the end of the day, these cars do what their target market expects them to do and those are two completely different philosophies from one another.

I am pretty sure that the handling and sporting qualities of the W204 have been upgraded and improved big time over the old W203, but MB also tries to create a balance with comfort and sport, and in my experience, this has been pretty well achieved on the facelifted W203 C-Class, C219 CLS, facelifted W211 E-Class and W221 S-Class.

Remember when the W203 C-Class got its facelift? Almost every magazine commented on the improved handling abilities of the car saying that it was now a more serious sports sedan. It still wasn't quite up to the BMW 3-Series, but I think that MB doesn't even want to really attack the BMW 3-Series. The BMW 3-Series will sell because it is a 3-Series (the reputation) and the C-Class will sell because of its characteristics and reputation (more comfort, less sport). Without a doubt, this new C-Class is sportier to attract potentially new buyers while at the same time still keeping true to Mercedes values.

For most people, the dynamic abilities of the C-Class etc. will be more than adequate. In everyday driving, I am pretty certain that the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS etc. are all pretty evenly matched with the BMW 3er perhaps having the advantage over all of them if driven extremely hard. Now, how many of us do that on a daily basis?

Overall, the review was pretty positive. The 3.0 V6 CDI is a great engine. Incredibly refined and quiet for a diesel - moreso than the old inline-6 CDI that powered the older E320 CDI's etc.

 

[PanterroR]

They only mention 3er (i think) 'cause admit it or not, that car is a benchmark in that segment and very well known for it's amazing driving characteristics. Nothing wrong if they compare it with 3er.

I'm glad C is getting good rates.

 

[Monster]

I'm not to worried about Autocar's comment on the C-Class sporting characteristics compared to the BMW 3-Series. At the end of the day, these cars do what their target market expects them to do and those are two completely different philosophies from one another.

I am pretty sure that the handling and sporting qualities of the W204 have been upgraded and improved big time over the old W203, but MB also tries to create a balance with comfort and sport, and in my experience, this has been pretty well achieved on the facelifted W203 C-Class, C219 CLS, facelifted W211 E-Class and W221 S-Class.

Remember when the W203 C-Class got its facelift? Almost every magazine commented on the improved handling abilities of the car saying that it was now a more serious sports sedan. It still wasn't quite up to the BMW 3-Series, but I think that MB doesn't even want to really attack the BMW 3-Series. The BMW 3-Series will sell because it is a 3-Series (the reputation) and the C-Class will sell because of its characteristics and reputation (more comfort, less sport). Without a doubt, this new C-Class is sportier to attract potentially new buyers while at the same time still keeping true to Mercedes values.

For most people, the dynamic abilities of the C-Class etc. will be more than adequate. In everyday driving, I am pretty certain that the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS etc. are all pretty evenly matched with the BMW 3er perhaps having the advantage over all of them if driven extremely hard. Now, how many of us do that on a daily basis?

Can't agree with you more. I am sure MB has more than enough engineering talent to design a car that handles better than the 3 series. Engineers do buy rival cars, strip them down, and closely examine them. They will know exactly how the BMW engineers have designed the 3 series, down to the last detail. Weight distrubtion, supension type, design, suspension settings...etc. MB chose not to follow BMW and stay with their design and engineering path, and created a car with a better balance between handling and comfort.

 

[Zafiro]

Can't agree with you more. I am sure MB has more than enough engineering talent to design a car that handles better than the 3 series. Engineers do buy rival cars, strip them down, and closely examine them. They will know exactly how the BMW engineers have designed the 3 series, down to the last detail. Weight distrubtion, supension type, design, suspension settings...etc. MB chose not to follow BMW and stay with their design and engineering path, and created a car with a better balance between handling and comfort.

isnt that obvious? I mean, if BMW wants to build a comfortable and comfortable suspension to be just as good as a Mercedes they can build it but its not BMW path.

But we cant deny that MB said by themselves on the pressconfernece when the new C-class was presented, they said something about the new C-class to be a classleader in driving department (correct me if Im wrong, Cawimmer?).
We will see more tests and time will tell if its true.

 

[cawimmer430]

Can't agree with you more. I am sure MB has more than enough engineering talent to design a car that handles better than the 3 series. Engineers do buy rival cars, strip them down, and closely examine them. They will know exactly how the BMW engineers have designed the 3 series, down to the last detail. Weight distrubtion, supension type, design, suspension settings...etc. MB chose not to follow BMW and stay with their design and engineering path, and created a car with a better balance between handling and comfort.

Exactly.

I spoke with a BMW engine engineer at a family funeral last year and he mentioned to me how they examine the cars of the competition for their strengths and weaknesses and if it is a threat to BMW etc.

That said, I am almost positive that the new C-Class is very sporty, but it also has to pacify the traditional Mercedes crowd and hence the balance between sport and luxury. From my testdrives with the facelifted W203, I'd day they do this very well.

 

[cawimmer430]

But we cant deny that MB said by themselves on the pressconfernece when the new C-class was presented, they said something about the new C-class to be a classleader in driving department (correct me if Im wrong, Cawimmer?).

It's called MARKETING.

I think the C-Class will be a class leader in perhaps overall comfort, but the BMW 3-Series will as usual retain the sport / handling crown. Can't wait for more reviews.

 

[Monster]

But we cant deny that MB said by themselves on the pressconfernece when the new C-class was presented, they said something about the new C-class to be a classleader in driving department (correct me if Im wrong, Cawimmer?).
We will see more tests and time will tell if its true.

Ofcourse they will say that in the press conference, i don't think they are brave enough to say "The new C-class handles almost as good as the 3 series". The next thing you know BMW will have ads on every single newspaper and motor mag with that quote.

 

[Zafiro]

Exactly.

I spoke with a BMW engine engineer at a family funeral last year and he mentioned to me how they examine the cars of the competition for their strengths and weaknesses and if it is a threat to BMW etc.

That said, I am almost positive that the new C-Class is very sporty, but it also has to pacify the traditional Mercedes crowd and hence the balance between sport and luxury. From my testdrives with the facelifted W203, I'd day they do this very well.

All carmakers examine the competition.

 

[cawimmer430]

All carmakers examine the competition.

I know, I was just using BMW's example in my post.

 

[mrkc77]

I'm not to worried about Autocar's comment on the C-Class sporting characteristics compared to the BMW 3-Series. At the end of the day, these cars do what their target market expects them to do and those are two completely different philosophies from one another.

I am pretty sure that the handling and sporting qualities of the W204 have been upgraded and improved big time over the old W203, but MB also tries to create a balance with comfort and sport, and in my experience, this has been pretty well achieved on the facelifted W203 C-Class, C219 CLS, facelifted W211 E-Class and W221 S-Class.

Remember when the W203 C-Class got its facelift? Almost every magazine commented on the improved handling abilities of the car saying that it was now a more serious sports sedan. It still wasn't quite up to the BMW 3-Series, but I think that MB doesn't even want to really attack the BMW 3-Series. The BMW 3-Series will sell because it is a 3-Series (the reputation) and the C-Class will sell because of its characteristics and reputation (more comfort, less sport). Without a doubt, this new C-Class is sportier to attract potentially new buyers while at the same time still keeping true to Mercedes values.

For most people, the dynamic abilities of the C-Class etc. will be more than adequate. In everyday driving, I am pretty certain that the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS etc. are all pretty evenly matched with the BMW 3er perhaps having the advantage over all of them if driven extremely hard. Now, how many of us do that on a daily basis?

Overall, the review was pretty positive. The 3.0 V6 CDI is a great engine. Incredibly refined and quiet for a diesel - moreso than the old inline-6 CDI that powered the older E320 CDI's etc.

Christian,

You took the words right out my mouth!!

Would it be fair to say that, with the W204, instead of trying to beat the BMW, MB wanted to improve what was good on the facelifted W203 and maybe inch a little closer the 3er?

 

[cawimmer430]

Christian,

You took the words right out my mouth!!

Would it be fair to say that, with the W204, instead of trying to beat the BMW, MB wanted to improve what was good on the facelifted W203 and maybe inch a little closer the 3er?

Thanks. Glad I saved you all the typing work!

I agree with your last sentence. They seem to have wanted to offer more sport to make the drive more fun but at the same time, they wanted to (or needed to) remain loyal to their target market and what they expect in a C-Class.

At the same time, the Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels and the availability of a sport package (suspension) should cater to individual buyer needs. Those that want a really sporty C-Class will tick the Avantgarde box and perhaps add the sport suspension. I can't wait to testdrive these two trim levels of the new C-Class.

 

[mrkc77]

In any event, 3er beater or not, the W204 would still be my choice to replace my W202.

These early reviews might just be the icing on the cake!!

 

[cawimmer430]

These early reviews might just be the icing on the cake!!

I agree.

Also, I think the 3er will be class leading in dynamics (as usual) while the C-Class will impress with its comfort and probably improved handling qualities.