C-Class New C class first drive by Autoexpress (includes new pics of the car!)

[MB-JIM]

Now, if I could only get a C350 Luxury model. My 06 C350 is a really great car and I don't want anything less. I would get the C350 Sport but I had a CLK430 and E430 with low profile tires and didn't care for the harsh ride. Today, I want comfort, perfomance and low road noise.

 

[Centurion]

I hope the new one is a bit more macho. Here in SoCal it is the ultimate sweet 16 sedan. Every little spoiled tennage girl around here drive around in either a Jetta or a white c-class with AMG-kit.

 

[Matt]

This one gave me a chuckle!

The C-Class is a big step up over the previous car – now, it can give the BMW 3-Series a run for its money in terms of driver appeal.

I hope its as good as they're saying it is....

 

[Merc1]

Wow, I think I'm falling for this littlest of Benzes. It manages to look like a baby S-Class, but still be sportier at the same time. I can't wait until the new engines arrive with the even more aggressive suspension setup. My one and only problem with the interior is the ugly steering wheel:



M

 

[rev]

One thing is for sure. MB did really give its best to create the new C-Class and make it a more appealing car and with better performance.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I believe Mercedes-Benz did an outstanding job with the new C-class. I know alot of people have been saying its a baby S, but except for the front grill and position of the headlights I see no similaities like the old S and C. The rear lights are completely different. The interior may have some buttons like the S-class, but the interior is completely designed different from the navigation to the shifter.

My one and only problem is power. I was really expecting over 300hp plus for the C350. Especially considering the IS, G35 and 3 series numbers.

Is Benz laying off the horse power games? If the S-class can jump 302 to 380 plus then why can't the C-class numbers get a boost?

 

[bum-man]

I think they will get back up to steam within the coming year HOH. It will be mostly the V6's first though, since the V8's are fairly new.

 

[Deutsch]

Not bad. I'd still take an A4 S line over either the 3er sedan or this new car. Great effort by MB though.

 

[Merc1]

I believe Mercedes-Benz did an outstanding job with the new C-class. I know alot of people have been saying its a baby S, but except for the front grill and position of the headlights I see no similaities like the old S and C. The rear lights are completely different. The interior may have some buttons like the S-class, but the interior is completely designed different from the navigation to the shifter.

My one and only problem is power. I was really expecting over 300hp plus for the C350. Especially considering the IS, G35 and 3 series numbers.

Is Benz laying off the horse power games? If the S-class can jump 302 to 380 plus then why can't the C-class numbers get a boost?

This is true, but rarely does MB introduce a new engine with a totally new model at the same time. The only cases in which they did were with the 1990 500SL (32V V8), 2005 SLK350 (3.5L V6) and of course the new S550 with its new 5.5L V8. Do you remember any others? I fully expect MB to leapfrog the 6-cylinder 300hp barrier thrown up by competitors BMW/Lexus/Infiniti/Cadillac. I'm betting on about 320hp, if not 340hp. Turbo, direct-injection and one or two new tricks. Mercedes probably didn't expect the class to shoot to 300hp so soon. The new DOHC V6s just came out in 2004 (?) and usually MB takes anywhere from 5-7 years to update engines. They're hand is being more or less forced this time around.

M

 

[habashi2]

When do u expect that they will update their engines??? From what i understood if Mercedes doesnt like to introduce new models with new engines then they will update their engines by mid 2008 before the introduction of the 2009 E-Class.

 

[tennmb]

I agree. the C is very distinct from the S. Don't really see any attempt to make it a baby S. Sure it shares some design cues, but those can be seen through out the product line. The accent line on the side showed up first in the SLK and ML. Taillamps are more like the SLK and ML.

Re: engines
The current V6 engines have only been out a short while. I don't see them being replaced soon. MB may tune them a little to increase the HP

 

[bmwownage]

Apart from the front, the rear and the side, especially the side windows does not shount Mercedes, it even looks a bit Japanese from the side being so roundy and such a high and short trunk, (like the Toyota Corolla) but i guess the real thing will be different from pics..

 

[mrkc77]

Apart from the front, the rear and the side, especially the side windows does not shount Mercedes, it even looks a bit Japanese from the side being so roundy and such a high and short trunk, (like the Toyota Corolla) but i guess the real thing will be different from pics..

Dude, I have to disagree. I can't remember any Corolla looking like the W204 from any angle.

Are you able to post some pics for comparison to prove me wrong??

 

[ateekt]

I'll go with "E-92" any day (24/7) ...!

 

[Merc1]

When do u expect that they will update their engines??? From what i understood if Mercedes doesnt like to introduce new models with new engines then they will update their engines by mid 2008 before the introduction of the 2009 E-Class.

I think that sounds about right. From most indications the V6s will be first, direct-injection and turbocharged. I expect at least 315hp from the 3.5L V6 or maybe a 320hp 3L V6 I don't know how they're going to get the numbers, but you can bet they'll be class leading in typical MB fashion.

M

 

[ALI]

I have a question , is the w204 heavier or lighter than the w203 C ???


BTW , I love this new C-class , it looks so stylish as well as reliable in terms of quality and performance ...

The horsepower layoff shows that HP numbers wasnt their first priority , therefor better all arround as in stiffness and handling , driving and ride qualities .... Let the engines with big numbers come in within the next 1 or two years , till then they are more than excellent with what they've achieved ...

 

[balpreetsinghahluwalia]

Lovely Car!!

It is going to rock BMW 3 Series in Indian Market. Eagerly waiting for the car to come. Anyways thanks for posting the info and photos.

 

[bum-man]

Just read that the SLK350 sport will be getting 306 hp. So I guess we will have to wait and see.

 

[Merc1]

Just read that the SLK350 sport will be getting 306 hp. So I guess we will have to wait and see.

Is that from direct-injection only or DI+turbo?

M

 

[bum-man]

Is that from direct-injection only or DI+turbo?

M

No turbo definitely. Possibly no direct-injection either...I would say there could be a chance of two different configurations of the M272.

Poorly translated:

10.04.07 SLK Facelift 2008
"The Facelift of the SLK (R171) appears supposed, to Geneva cars the salon (some already speak of the IAA 07 in the autumn 07). It will give a new front apron at the front with two handles, which are the suspension formula 1 front wing to represent. The moreover one the lattice of grill and front apron is changed. The tail lamps change also easily. In the Interieur there are also some changes. E.G. some operating knobs instead of silver will be in grey. On pictures the navigation system which can be seen a new audio 50 APS could be. It could concern in addition, equipment for the export. With the engines it will give as well as probably the 350 sport engine, which will be used also in the SL Facelift to the new 200 K with 184 HP. It becomes approx.. 306 HP carry out."

And for F/L number two on the SL it said:

"The moreover one there is to be a SL 350 sport. Here it concerns a M 272 E 35 V6 engine with different modifications. On the one hand it turns more highly than the well-known 350er and does not carry so for instance 306 HP out (whether it acts with 350 the sport around a representative with CGI technology is me not well-known)."

JESMB (News)