Vs *new* Mercedes C 220 BlueTEC vs BMW 320d vs Volvo S60 D4 vs Lexus IS 300h
- Thread starter Zafiro
- Start date
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
Problem is though. F30 isn't an uncomfortable car. Just because the new C-class is slightly more comfortable doesn't mean the F30 is uncomfortable ride. Besides what I read, the new C-class has worse seat space in the back (mainly for the head) than both A4 and 3-serie. F30 isn't available with Airmatic but there is adaptive chassi. Only error with F30 are those run flats which could affect the ride slightly. Just read every single review regarding F30, the ride is more comfortable than ever but less sporty.
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
you mean the members of GermanCarForum
W201
Meister Mechaniker
Well, if you put it that way, the C Class probably isn't "non-sporty", it is just less sporty than the Bimmer. Also, C Class can have adaptive chassis as well? Also, I think the C Class runs on run-flat tires as well?
However, there is one thing that bothers me in the AutoBild test: the 3 has the M Sport pack. The Merc is an Avantgarde one, and the A4 is not S-Line. That is a bit unfair, because real competitors would be: Avantgarde vs. Sport; Exclusive vs Luxury; and AMG vs M Sport. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the AMG has bit sportier suspension setting than the regular C Classes?
Anyways, even if it was AMG in this test, I think the 3 would still be the sportier one (as it should). But the question is, who would be the overall winner.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/first-drives/2015-mercedes-benz-c400-4matic?src=soc_fcbks
"the 3 Series’s best materials can’t compare to the worst in this car. Wow"
somehow im very sceptical of this
"the 3 Series’s best materials can’t compare to the worst in this car. Wow"
somehow im very sceptical of this
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
Completely agree with you or everyone would buy a 3 series ,which is not the case. I do like the fact that Mercedes are playing this c class through their strengths and not trying to chase BMW , which itself isnt as sporty as it used to be. Whether making this c class generation more luxurious and comfortable than sporty will translate to it being considered a 'benchmark' in its segment remains to be seen
However, I am of the opinion that most of buyers in this segment will tend to agree with the demands and conclusion of the testers in the articles above ,by actually voting with their monies and choosing a 3 series over a c class,continuing where the e90 and e46 etc left off ,dominating the segment.
Nicks
Quattro Commander
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/first-drives/2015-mercedes-benz-c400-4matic?src=soc_fcbks
"the 3 Series’s best materials can’t compare to the worst in this car. Wow"
somehow im very sceptical of this
This might be an exaggeration but still, C-class interior is amazing for this segment
Nicks
Quattro Commander
True dat.
You now, sporty is a relative thing. One car might be faster round the corner and the other one brings more enjoyment. CLK-black for example - not the fastest car in the world. But it was praised all across the globe for how fun it was.
IMO judging cars by magazine's review is plain dumb. Get a test drive and see which brand suits you the best.
emve
Subscriber
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/first-drives/2015-mercedes-benz-c400-4matic?src=soc_fcbks
"the 3 Series’s best materials can’t compare to the worst in this car. Wow"
somehow im very sceptical of this
Well I sat in the same interior spec (AMG line with red leather) and it felt like 100+K EUR car. For me the best interior of any Merc (including S-class) or even any car I sat/drove in. Simply perfect. Photos don´t do the justice.
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
Like I said. People seem to think one of the cars are a Rolls-Royce and the other car is a Ferrari. I've driven both and I cant say any of them are uncomfortable or very sporty. And people are going to buy these cars based on which one suits them the best.
I think American carmags are going to rate the C-class higher than F30 and in European carmags bmw probably going to win most of the tests.
klier
Premium
But i cant imagine how materials can be very different from one to another, they are still in the same class and price range, from similar car makers industry position wise. Different styles yes, but material wise i could only see marginal difference
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
I guarantee you the C-class will eat the 3-series up in Australian testing and in sales.
And i'm pretty confident that MB will narrow the gap with the 3-series even more this generation on a global level. There's a reason why the the 3-series has been made more comfortable than previously. As even older buyers continue to downsize, this is what they are demanding in these smaller models. The handling of the C will satisfy 75% of buyers and the interior presentation and ride quality will seal the deal for them.
Finally, I think sometimes we also forget that in the Chinese market they don't drive. The buyers of these cars get driven around. And as if so often the case now, this market plays a huge part in determining a models success, if not determining the class leader in sales entirely.
And i'm pretty confident that MB will narrow the gap with the 3-series even more this generation on a global level. There's a reason why the the 3-series has been made more comfortable than previously. As even older buyers continue to downsize, this is what they are demanding in these smaller models. The handling of the C will satisfy 75% of buyers and the interior presentation and ride quality will seal the deal for them.
Finally, I think sometimes we also forget that in the Chinese market they don't drive. The buyers of these cars get driven around. And as if so often the case now, this market plays a huge part in determining a models success, if not determining the class leader in sales entirely.
Nicks
Quattro Commander
People in China get driven around in C-class? For real?
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
Yep. Hence why LWB variants are so popular. The Chinese market is a very different kettle of fish to others.
I dont believe the hype that c class is a lot more comfy than 3 series, or 3 a lot more sportier than C. Well it might be the case to us, but most customers wount be able to tell the difference. Most of the buy it by looks, brand image and general reception.
mini_cooper4
Autotechnik Ace
Hmm... I really thought that the W205 would get a win.
I myself don't see the 3-Series as appealing anymore but I guess it proved once again that it's an amazing all-round package.
I myself don't see the 3-Series as appealing anymore but I guess it proved once again that it's an amazing all-round package.
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
No neither. I believe they probably both play both disciplines very well. Ultimately itss a question of do you want your car a little sportier or a little more comfortable. Also design appeal will play a big part in what you choose.
I'm pretty confident that the balance MB has with the C-class will ensure victory over the 3-series for our market. The W204 has outsold the E90 and F30 every since it's launch. The w205 just builds on the W204.
I also believe the interior presentation of the C will play hugely on the minds of Chinese buyers.
Its is the same in South Africa, the W204 C-Class was outselling the 3-series for the last 5 years at least, it was in the top 10 list of best selling in South Africa, quite amazing for a car that costs double of the cars listed from above it in the Top 10 best sellers.
I have driven a F30 3 series and it has a more comfortable ride than my E90 3 series, although to me the F30 doesn't feel as sporty as my E90 due mainly to the steering in the new car been much lighter and having less feedback.
The 3 series and C-Class are very similar cars to drive at normal speeds. I have driven a W204 and the ride, steering and noise levels at normal speeds feel quite similar to the F30 3 series. I drove both on the highway and one sharp bend, although not at extreme speeds and only slight differences were felt for chassis behaviour, C-Class ride felt a fraction better on highway while F30 had slightly less body roll but steering virtually no difference.
I have yet to drive the W205 but when it comes out in South Africa or here in Qatar where I am at present I for sure will take it for a test drive. From what I can see the styling and especially the interior will win people over, the car looks much classier than the 3 series, I love the interior.
If I had a choice I would like to own both F30 and W205 as both offer the best driving experiences and are the benchmark compact rear drive saloons.
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