I wanted to see unbiased pics from the same angles to compare the W204 and W203. Here is the best I could come up with, comparing the on line configurator still shots from various angles comparing the Classic facelift W203 model with the Classic W204 model. I'm interested to hear whether people think when you compare the design of these 2 generations of C-class.

And here are some pictures of the W204 C-class with AMG Sports Package, compared with some shots of the W203 C55 AMG. Unfortunately, I don't have any good pics of the W203 C-class with the AMG Sports package. On the other hand, it is fairly likely that the W204 C63 AMG will look very much like the W204 C-class with AMG Sports Package, if MB sticks to tradition.













After looking at all these pics, I think the W204 is really an evolution of the W203, rather than a complete revolution. The W204 is more angular of a car, with sharp creases and flares throughout its body panels, while the W203 is a smooth flowing car without much fuss. The weakest part of the W203 was the rear, IMO. I think the W204 rear is much better.

The W204 looks forced compared to it's predecessor which looks more restrained and will be (IMO) more of the classic.

I think W204 has won hands down in the exterior , BMW is a close second.

I dont think Lexus, Infiniti are lux brands, they are rebranded cars with leather and wood and little better plastic.

Audi is a fine car in my book but it really tries too hard and does not have any identity.

I think the W204 looks fantastic compared to its predecessor. You can see the word 'modernity' from every angle of the car when your views move from the W203 to the W204. In terms of freshness of design and appeal, I certainly think the W204 is an update which is done appropriately and tastefully.

The W204 now looks more 'tight', in the way that the elements that put the car together now blend and synergise together better than how it did in the W203... That is not to say, however, that the W204 is by any way smaller - they managed to squeeze more space, more bulk into a sleeker-looking sedan - I must give credit to them for that.

My favourite details in this car come straight from the S-Class - the flared wheel arches, the crease at the side which slopes downwards, the simple and uncluttered front - all of which contributes to the appeal of the AMG package, because the car simply looks sporty. Remove the AMG trim however, and you get a car that's half-done with the 'sporty' job - I believe that's why the W204 without the AMG package doesn't look half as good as the W204 w/o the package.

As usual, AMG makes excellent rims and this one is no exception in the W204. It now looks bigger, more sleek and more eye-catching. The one in the W203 always reminded me that it was squished and compressed.

That said, however, I have some issues with the car: the rear. It looks like a half-done job. I am inclined to believe that the bootlid is raised somewhat to act as a subtle spoiler - it is too intrusive IMO, and should have been integrated better. The rear lights, when viewed from the 3/4 angle, also look awkward, though this must have been attributed to Mercedes making those lights act as aerodynamics supplements.

Overall, a well-deserved successor to the W203... Congratulations Mercedes.

W204 vs W203? This is what i call evolution! Both cars have classic classy Mercedes design lines and look great.

BUT, we all know that the W203 has aged and don't look that sporty and fresh anymore, while it still keeps its identity. The new C-Class has new and even more sporty lines and it definitely looks fresh!

I am not a fan of the rear desing, as M77 already said, since i wanted the lights a bit bigger and the whole boot somekind of raised.

Overall it is very improved and i like it. Well done, MB guys!

I was never really a fan of the W203 C-Class when it first came out, mostly because it felt so cheap and wasn't worthy of the Benz badge IMHO. Then came the facelift and after testdriving an entry level C200 CDI 6-speed and a C220 CDI A/T back-to-back, I came away really impressed because they felt solid, expensive, handled well etc. Now, if the entry-level diesels felt like this, then the higher-end models must be tons better.

Design wise, the W203 was ok. It became better with the facelift because it looked more expensive with its clear headlights and changed front lower body kit Check this out.

Original W203


Facelifted W203


I think the W204 looks really good so far. Can't wait to see it in real life. The W204 looks really expensive and premium to begin with (well, maybe not in Classic trim level from an exterior POV).

I think with the AMG package the new model is really nice looking ...I still am not a big fan of the rear styling though -- it is not instantly recognizable as a Mercedes to me ...which is ironic really because I think Mercedes have become obsessed with "brand identity".

IMHO,

. Everything : W204 > W203
. Rear Lights : W203 > W204