Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2007 Review

Not so much
>> V6 petrol engine
>> Four-cylinders' five-speed auto
>> Monotone dash

OVERVIEW
Mercedes-Benz Australia says the launch of the W204 C-Class is its most important ever. For in a market that's physically downsizing, but is keen to keep all the mod-cons that full-size prestige cars offer, the medium luxury segment is becoming the key battleground.

Thus on the broader, shrink-wrapped S-Class-style shoulders of the new C-Class, rests the responsibility of continuing Mercedes-Benz's salad days. Selling more cars than it has ever done Down Under, the maker's future prosperity is inextricably linked to the fortunes of this new car. In our estimation it has little to worry about.

Built better than ever to take on its sworn enemy, BMW's 3 Series, the new C-Class is not only sportier than ever before it's also roomier, more comfortable and, dollar for dollar, better equipped.

Further, the car now offers two quite different faces -- a traditional look via the Classic and Elegance trim grades and the significantly more youthful sportscar-oriented three-pointed-star-in-grille look of the Avantgarde models. It's this two-car strategy with which Mercedes-Benz plans to lower the average age of C-Class buyers.

For the time being just three engine variants will be offered Down Under, and in four-door sedan body style only. A revised Sportscoupe (still based on the W203) and a new 204 wagon will follow, as well as more powerplants. You've probably already read about the M3-rivalling C63 AMG (the first modern Benz to allow carte blanche to disable the safety nannies, more here), but also expect a C180 with a sub-$50K starting price and a larger diesel -- the latter as the C-Class range's new non-AMG performance flagship.

At this point in time the local C-Class offer comprises the entry-level C200 Kompressor featuring a revised supercharged petrol four-cylinder engine, the tweaked turbodiesel-powered C220 CDI and the C280 with a petrol V6. Our international launch coverage (more here) detailed other engine options and looked at the range in toto. We'll concentrate this review on the specifics of the local offer -- right here, right now.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Mercedes-Benz took the unusual step of announcing its all-new C-Class pricing more than a month before it officially arrived Down Under. And boy did it cause a kafuffle -- especially at BMW HQ.

Benz's strategy was to deliver the best equipped base-model C-Class ever -- at a price that undercut the already competitive run-out pricing of the W203. In doing so it also cut a swathe through 3 Series pricing -- expect the Bavarians to counter before long.

Depending on who you listen to, specification-adjusted the new C offers at least $7000 worth of extra value over the outgoing model. Note too that the entry-level model is now a '200' rather than the C180 K.

The C200 Kompressor kicks off the range at $56,990 -- just under the current Luxury Car Tax threshold of $57,009. Next comes the turbodiesel four-cylinder C220 CDI Classic at $60,300, with the V6 petrol-engined C280 Elegance starting at $85,000.

All models feature ESP, Parktronic park distance sensors, Parameter Steering, eight airbags and Mercedes' PRE-SAFE 'anticipatory occupant protection system' as standard equipment. The new C-Class also features Agility Control suspension across the range (more later).

At Classic level, the C200 K and C220 CDI sedans feature five-speed automatic transmission (six-speed manual available) and roll on 16-inch seven-spoke alloys. Inside there's new seats (front with lumbar adjustment) Artico upholstery (Mercedes insists on calling this 'man-made leather') THERMATIC dual-zone climate control, multi-function leather wheel with cruise control/speed limiter, auto-wipers and headlamps and a six-disc audio system. Mercedes' own Universal Handy Interface (UHI) 'mobile telephone facility' is also standard.

The next step up is the Elegance and Avantgarde versions priced at $3500 and $5700 respectively. The Elegance boasts extra brightwork outside and burl walnut interior appointments as well as 12-spoke 16-inch alloys and other minor upgrades such as auto-dimming mirror.

With its 'new face' there's more bang for you bucks in the case of the Avantgarde. As well as the sportscar style grille, there are tweaks to the taillights, more chrome and alloy highlights and new 17-inch alloys. Inside there's real leather, as well as Black Birds-Eye maple trim.

Step up to the C280 Elegance and you add voice-activated COMAND Cockpit Management and Data System (includes satnav, audio and telephone functionality), leather, power memory-equipped front seats and 17-inch alloys. The C280 is available in the Avantgarde variant at no extra cost.

Also available across the three models from launch will be two feature option packages: the traditional AMG Sports offering and what Mercedes terms its Vision Package.

Priced at $12,000 for the C200 Kompressor and C200 CDI and $6300 for the C280, the AMG pack includes bodykit (front apron, rear apron and side skirts), 17-inch six twin-spoke alloys, upgraded calipers and cross-drilled discs, front sport seats and three-spoke steering wheel, paddle shift, sports pedals and more.

The Vision package is priced at $4500 on all models and delivers Active Bi-Xenon headlamps, glass sunroof and an upgraded Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 audio system.

As is the case with its bigger stablemates, Mercedes offers a comprehensive options program for the new C-Class. Features such as Keyless Go ($1700), Panoramic glass sunroof ($3900) and upgraded audio systems allow you to push your C towards the mini S-Class status its looks suggest.

MECHANICAL
The structure underpinning the W204 is all-new. Overall the vehicle is 55mm longer, 42mm wider and 22mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has come in for a 45mm stretch and track front and rear has been widened substantially. However, thanks to extensive use of high-strength and ultra-high strength steels (around 70 per cent of the body-in-white by weight) and aluminium (including front guards and door componentry) and despite a significant increase in standard equipment, Mercedes says the new C is less than 20kg heavier than the W203.

Benz also claims weight distribution is improved. While C doesn't match BMW's claim of 50:50 for the 3 Series, at 52.5:47.5 it's less nose-heavy than the outgoing model.

There are no surprises under the skin. A conventional front-engined rear-wheel drive three-box sedan, the new C-Class uses a modified three-link MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink independent rear set-up. Alloy suspension componentry reduces unsprung weight and there's disc brakes all round, coupled to a latest generation S-Class-derived 'Adaptive' ABS system. This features features brake drying and preloading functions as well as a hill holder system and more.

Standard on all Australian delivery C-Class' is Mercedes' new Agility Control suspension. AC is the term Benz uses for its amplitude-dependent adaptive damping system. A simple mechanical system, it alters the characteristics of the car's dampers depending on how big (and hard) a bump is hit (hence amplitude or stroke dependent).

On small bumps and 'gradual' road irregularities, the shock behaves like the sort of languid damper you'd expect on a limo. When damper impulses are greater -- for example when cornering at speed or when it's necessary to take aggressive avoiding action -- the damper firms up to better control the suspension action.

The system uses a bypass channel inside the shock absorber and a floating piston to close off that channel. Though hard to explain (without using your hands, a laser pointer and three diagrams!), it's a remarkably simple and effective system.

The W204 carries over the powertrains from the outgoing model albeit with some tweaks.

The entry level C200 Kompressor supercharged 1796cc four now claims 135kW and 250Nm (from 2800-5500rpm), up from the previous model's 120kW/ 240Nm. Consider that the previous entry-level C was a 180 with 105kW/220Nm and you'll note this is a worthwhile boost in output.

Mercedes-Benz claims combined economy of 8.2lt/100km for the base petrol offering.

The diesel-powered C220 CDI has also been the beneficiary of a significant number of tweaks which have boosted power 15kW to 125, while torque is up from 340 to 400Nm. More importunately, the engine is more responsive and seems quieter in its latest guise -- though it's still not a match for BMW's 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit,

Mercedes claims fuel consumption has also been reduced around 0.3lt/100km to 6.7 --giving the 220 CDI a theoretical range of over 1000km.

As was the case previously, both the 200 K and 220 CDI can be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox. We expect 99 per cent of Aussie buyers will plumb for the standard five-speed automatic.

The sole V6 offering at this time is the C280. Displacing a full 2996cc, the 280 pumps out 170kW and 300Nm -- the latter from 2500-5000rpm. Claimed fuel economy is 9.4lt/100km, helped by the 7G-Tronic seven-speed auto's propensity to grab higher gears early and often.

As noted in our intro, at this stage it is unlikely we'll see the much vaunted C350 make its way Down Under. Though Mercedes-Benz Australia is tight lipped, it's our belief that the range-topping non-AMG C-Class will be the 510Nm C320 CDI V6 turbodiesel... And further, that the local Benz brigade is fast-tracking the 6.2-litre V8-engined C 63 AMG which will arrive before Xmas at an eye-wateringly competitive price.

Remember, you read it here first...

PACKAGING
As noted above, the W204 C-Class is longer, wider and taller than its W203 predecessor and rides on a longer wheelbase (now identical to the 3 Series at 2760mm). But have the extra dimensions translated to more interior room?  Definitely.

The W203 was probably the roomiest of the last generation of the medium-sized execs. While we'll have to wait for Audi's new A4 to surface to be definitive, it's likely the 204 will continue the tradition. In comparison, the W204 has better hip and shoulder room in the front and rear seats and a more comfortable and roomier rear seat.

Hip points have been raised front and rear and the door apertures reprofiled to make ingress and egress easier, Benz claims. The raising of the rear seat makes it a more pleasant place for smaller family members. Grown-ups will appreciate the added legroom -- in part thanks to scalloped front seat backs as well as the 10mm increase in fr:rr couple distance.

The rear seat cushion is better shaped than the last generation too, though it remains quite short in comparison to, say, the Lexus IS250.

A spiltfold rear seat remains a $600 option in this latest generation C-Class -- c'mon Benz get with the program! But even with a full-size alloy spare in situ, it's hard to fault the C's boot. Deep, wide and relatively free of obstructions it'll swallow 475lt according to the VDA measuring method.

Overall there's been a marked upgrade in the ambience of the C's cabin -- even at entry-level. It's a softer, more sculptured interior than the 3 Series (BMW has upgraded its 5 and 1 Series cabins of late, next stop 3) that despite being a little too 'monotone' in some colour/trim combinations, manages to create a classy, upmarket atmosphere. The use of timber 'spears' on the doors softens the look, as do the chrome accents and centre console treatment.

The centre-stack has a more modern, sportier look than we've seen in Benz sedans of late and the binnacle ahead of the driver is closely coupled to the trio of gauges like a sportscar. Controls have a better feel than the last C with damped switches and heavy detents on the dial controls.

Avantegarde versions get an even sportier metallic-faced instrument panel. We're not fans, however.

The centre console itself is asymmetric and handed to suit the marketplace. Ahead of the elongated armrest on the driver's side there's the 'Controller' -- a deliciously weighted alloy 'wheel/mouse' that controls, err... Well, on the base C, not a lot... As you go up the equipment scale it's this controller that gives you access to satnav, audio and vehicle functions a la iDrive and Audi's MMI. On the base C you can use it to tune the radio.

On the road the 204 has a definite air of S-Class about it. Indeed at middle distance it's hard not to be fooled into thinking it is the big car. The confusion will double when the new E-Class arrives in 2008 with the same pumped guard, sculptured stance.

Our pick (despite the bling IP) is the Avantgarde. It's not as showy as the AMG-kitted car but has just enough bodykit and wheel to set off the more aggressive grille and front valance. Ours will be white thanks -- that way we're not shelling out the extra $1900 demanded for metallic paint!

SAFETY
Australian C-Class deliveries come with the full weight of Mercedes' Pro-Safe crash avoidance and safety infrastructure. Benz uses the Pro-Safe term to group the various systems it offers across the active and passive safety spectrums. While many components (for example Pre-safe) are optional in some markets, they are standard on every model Down Under.

Active safety features include ESP, Adaptive Brake (ABS, EBD, EBA et al) and Pre-Safe (more here) which prepares the car and occupants once the car's sensor determine an impact is imminent.

Passive safety features kick-off with the car's all-new crash-structure, honed via more than 100 actual crash tests and countless simulations, and include eight airbags (adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the front occupants and rear side airbags for the outer rear occupants, and two large curtain bags), active head restraints and smart belt systems.

Though yet to be tested, Mercedes is confident the new C-Class will be awarded a five-star rating in EuroNCAP crash testing.

COMPETITORS
In the race to be the most successful luxury brand Down Under, it's the 3 Series that keeps BMW on top and Mercedes on the second step of the podium. This fact, as much as the traditional rivalry between the two medium executives, dictates the main target for the new C-Class.

Even putting 3 Series Coupe aside, four-door versus four-door, the Bavarian significantly outsells the C-Class Down Under. Mercedes is hoping to reverse that situation but to do so the W204 will have to sell significantly better than the model it replaces and reverse two decades of BMW dominance.

Mercedes' best C-Class year saw around 4900 of the cars sold. Last year BMW sold in excess of 6000 3 Series sedans and wagons, with two-doors accounting for another 1200 units or thereabouts. Never before, however, has C-Class come as comprehensively equipped as a base model. It's fair to say the pricing and equipment level of the new C200 K caught BMW flat-footed.

But there's more than BMW to consider, with another aggressive rival in the ranks -- Lexus IS250. The Japanese marque has had unprecedented success with the IS thanks to a canny mix of onroad ability and high levels of equipment. The single engine 'policy' of the Lexus has arguably hampered its sales but next year a V8-powered performance model is on its way and perhaps even the European-market turbodiesel.

Add to these foes, a resurgent Audi. Current model A4s are well equipped and there's deals to be had with very little arm twisting. With an all-new A4 due Down Under early in 2008, the C-Class has its work cut out.

Check out our preconfigured car comparator featuring W203 C180 K, W204 C200 K and BMW 320i Executive (here)

All Cs share the same suspension settings -- unlike the W203 model there's no sports suspension option. This, the maker says, is because the new Agility Control dampers deliver what's needed at the sports end of the spectrum as well as in day-to-day driving. Certainly at the relatively modest clip we toured the test route the cars proved well composed, even in the twisty stuff.

Pushing on, the Cs corner flat and the blend of control and ride comfort is better than our 'seat of the pants' recall of the various 3 Series Beemers we've driven. In Sports trim the Beemers probably have a slight edge, though at the expense of comfort.

Over big bumps there's none of the floatiness of the last generation C and despite the fact there's still not enough steering feel, turn-in seems to be sharper. Even at normal speeds there's noticeably less 'push' through the corners in the W204. In this respect it is more of a driver's car than the outgoing model.

Having lived with a W203 C180 K for six months we can vouch for the extra get up and go delivered by the new 200 K. There's far from enough power to test the chassis but what extra power there is is noticeable away from the lights. That said, even the littlest C wound itself up well on the freeway, so there's less difference on the open road -- though overtaking is less fraught thanks to the 200 K's extra horses.

Our complaints about the shift quality of the five-speed gearbox seem to have gone unheard, however. The sooner Benz mates its four-cylinder models with a slicker more refined auto, the better in our view. The current offer remains the car's weakest link.

Step from the 200 K to the 220 CDI (or visa versa) and the difference is marked. Now quieter and much less wooden in terms of throttle response and general enthusiasm for the job at hand, the latest turbodiesel four-cylinder powerplant is arguably the pick of the current crop. Yep, even better than the petrol V6... There's still plenty of 'dieselness' at idle but this calms as the engine warms and the revs rise and the four-pot oiler torques its way into your heart.

We were hard pressed to notice any real difference in its handling in comparison to its petrol stablemates (some hotshots have complained it's a touch nose heavy) but certainly enjoyed the rich midrange of the engine. Real world performance belies the 220's true capacity. And economy should please the tightfisted -- even if the $3300 (approx) purchase premium doesn't.

Undoubtedly the fastest of the brood currently, the C 280 represents good value in its price segment up against the likes of BMW 325i and 330i. In Avantgarde trim it has the hint of edge a young exec going places might like and in Elegance is every inch the minor S-Class its designers intended it to be.

Alas the 3.0-litre V6 doesn't seem to deliver on its promise. In this price range and engine capacity you expect something special -- something that delivers power and presence like BMW's sonorous 2.5 or 3.0-litre inline sixes. The 280 is quiet most of the time but pushed on isn't quite as refined or resourceful as it should be. There's a hint of harshness just under the velvet 'polish' of the engine that you would never experience in the comparable BMW or indeed, the 3.5-litre Benz V6.

To concentrate on the few negatives the all-new W204 C-Class exhibits would be to sell short the significant step forward this generational change represents, however. While previously there was a measurable gap between the C-Class and its 3 Series archrival, the margin has been closed and in, some aspects, the balance of power shifted.

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