C-Class (W205) Mercedes C-Class (W205) first drive reviews

[martinbo]

But the 2.0D and ZF 8 Speed Auto combo in the BMW is a fantastic combination.

 

[klier]

Is that all these guys drive? A 2 liter diesel? lol

It's far and away the most popular combination, so yes. It's all that matters for sales....and I know how much some of you guys are into this whole 'sales' thing.

 

[Kowalski]

Comparing a four cylinder diesel to a V6 diesel... Oh Autocar why?!

 

[Wunderkind]

I suppose if you nit-picking and look at the drive-train (engine and transmission) in isolation, then the C Class may be slightly inferior to the 3-series.

But if you look at the whole package, I think most will choose the C Class because it is superior in so many ways.

 

[mini_cooper4]

I understand. But one must be reasonable. I doubt the 4-cylinder engines from BMW and Audi are much better in terms NVH.

Ohh 2L liter BMW engines are MUCH better. Have not the slightest doubt.
The 20d is as fast as some V6s from MB while it's A LOT smoother and quieter than MB 2L.
MB are generally failing when it comes to engines. Thank God that's not the case with AMGs.

PS: I did test drive the new C-Class in the UK yesterday. I share exactly the same opinion as the guy from AutoExpress(I think it might have been the same car)
Engine and transmission are still failing. Steering feel is OK(for a Benz)... handling is good too. There's some sort of body-shake(not exactly a body-roll)... when you exit corners. Most prominent in the back of course.
Almost like the Traction Control doesn't know when to do what. It really kills most of the fun. The interior is a masterpiece... bar that screen which is a MAJOR fail. It's IN YOUR FACE!!!! The car looks great from some angles while it's quite ugly from other. I think the C63 AMG T-Model will fix all that.
Ride quality is class leading as expected. If you ask me... it's almost as good as an E-Class.
I'd wait for the C63 T-Model which I think will be the best Benz of this generation.

 

[mini_cooper4]

@Amat46 and @Merc1

May I suggest you first drive the new C-Class before rating it as "Old"
It's pretty good for what it is

 

[Merc1]

You review reads like it was lifted from one of the magazines. Nothing different.

M

 

[Sunny]

I understand. But one must be reasonable. I doubt the 4-cylinder engines from BMW and Audi are much better in terms NVH.

Do a blind test of a 28i and most people would not be able to tell it is not a 6 cylinder engine. It is that smooth. Can't say the same for the old C250 which I recently had as a loaner for a day.

There's some sort of body-shake(not exactly a body-roll)... when you exit corners.

Funny you should say that, I was watching the SL63 vs Jag Evo video someone posted and noticed the SL63 doing something similar. It is like body begins to roll, but some active anti-roll technology (airmatic?) interferes after a brief time and sets it straight and it starts again. But does the C have airmatic suspension?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

But the 2.0D and ZF 8 Speed Auto combo in the BMW is a fantastic combination.

Martin if you were selecting freely between BMW's 2 litter petrol and 2 litre diesel as a daily driver, which would you chose?

 

[Giannis]

But does the C have airmatic suspension?

As an option, yes.

 

[martinbo]

Martin if you were selecting freely between BMW's 2 litter petrol and 2 litre diesel as a daily driver, which would you chose?

As a daily driver? 320i vs 320d? - 2.0 litre diesel every time. Performance without the fuel-bill conscience. If it was a 328i however, and someone else was paying for the juice that goes poof - different story. I'd give my left nut for a 330d, that being said. So it's all degrees of desirability relative to the amount of money one has to spend.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

As a daily driver? 320i vs 320d? - 2.0 litre diesel every time. Performance without the fuel-bill conscience. If it was a 328i however, and someone else was paying for the juice that goes poof - different story. I'd give my left nut for a 330d, that being said. So it's all degrees of desirability relative to the amount of money one has to spend.

Thank you.

That is always true. It's all about the money lol. I should check out the 20d sometime. My sister in laws 320d coupe sounds like a tractor from the outside, but it's ok on the go. But I believe the engine has been revised since then (2010). The consumption on these though are amazing though. Fill up's every fortnight, not once a week.

 

[mini_cooper4]

You review reads like it was lifted from one of the magazines. Nothing different.

M

And how does that make it old?
For once I completely agree with a review but not a single review noted the traction/body-shake thingy that I noticed... I guess that's quite "new" isn't it...
what a SH this place is becoming

@Merc1 what's old about my post now or are you on a spree?

 

[Amat46]

The new 9G tronic will find it's way into the C in next couple of months a new range of inline engines are already under development which will be previewed on the next generation E class (2016). So if the media has nothing but the engine and transmission to complain about then I think Merc totally nailed it with the new C.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

When is the 9G Tronic dropping?

 

[Zafiro]

Where is that EVO review?

Finally!

Driven: C200

+ Supremely comfortable, relaxed cruiser, economical four-pots
- Inert chassis, numb steering, lacks performance versions

It doesn’t just look like a miniature S-Class, it drives like one too. Mercedes’s dynamic mission has clearly been to bring back the waft, and the new C-Class feels very different from the last one – more solid, but less involving. It’s a recipe that may well play well with those bored of the ‘schportiness’ of the BMW 3-series and Audi A4, but it’s not made a great driver’s car.

Full review: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/292009/mercedes_cclass_review_price_and_specs.html

 

[Amat46]

Far from the premise of the 190E and the cars that followed it, this C-class has undergone a sea-change and a very worthy one. It has moved up about half a segment, which means that other brands might have to do the same to keep up.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/road-tests/9823222/Mercedes-C-class-sits-out-there-on-its-own

 

[Amat46]

I couldn't find the 'quote'option any more on my Edit tab, has it been removed?

 

[klier]

But if you look at the whole package, I think most will choose the C Class because it is superior in so many ways.

...for 50 year olds and upwards...

 

[tennmb]

Mercedes has stubbornly insisted on designing its own tranny, and in my opinion to their own harm.
ZF does nothing but eat, drink, breath and sh-- tranmissions. Mercedes would be better advised to outsource and focus on their powerplants, which also could use some upgrade. I've had to listen for years to trainers and reps spew the company line about designing trannies in house. Puke!! There is a reason why the others outsource. It is because of the quality that ZF produces, and how much RD time and money can be saved.
What a shame that an otherwise spectactular car is reviewed as lacking in the drivetrain department.