The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will fit each customer “like a tailor-made suit,” was what we were told by execs at the car's world premier in Stuttgart. How's that? Because the C-Class Sport and Luxury models will be decidedly differentiated from each other when the car goes on sale here in the U.S. in August.
Sport and Luxury models have been part of the lineup previously, but now the front ends of both cars are unique, as seen in these photos. The Luxury features extra chrome and grille slats, and an upright 3-pointed star on the hood while the Sport (which isn't just about looks — the suspension tuning is also a bit stiffer) has fewer grille slats and a huge M-B emblem on the grille.
The styling of both cars is all new, but not simply a miniaturized version of the new S-Class as originally thought. The crease below the door handles is there, but thankfully the big sedan's bulbous fenders did not make the cut. The front of the C-Class is a bit high and stubby, no doubt to adhere to pedestrian impact standards, but the car somehow still manages a 0.27 coefficient of drag.
But possibly the biggest news of all regarding the new C-Class is that Mercedes claims “it is the world's first production vehicle to be designed and developed based on a digital prototype (DPT).” Because of this, the first ready-to-drive prototypes were much closer to production levels than usual, though Mercedes still put the C-Class through the most comprehensive testing and development program in the company's history: prototypes logged more than 15 million miles.
The entry-level C300 will be powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 with 231 bhp, available in either Sport or Luxury forms. The Sport will come with a 6-speed manual or the 7-speed automatic that M-B calls 7G-Tronic, the latter the only way the C300 Luxury will come. The C350 and its 272-bhp 3.5-liter V-6 will come only in Sport form and only with the 7-speed automatic.
In 2008 we should see a C63 AMG version in North America, though don't expect the 500-plus-bhp as seen in the other versions of this rompingly-good normally aspirated engine. And DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said that Mercedes' super-clean-burning 50-state-legal turbodiesel — called Bluetec — will make its way into the C-Class for 2008.
The interior has received a makeover as well, with the tightly-screwed-together feel expected of the marque. But the very-German, all-black center stack lacks the flair of cars such as the Lexus IS. But there is no doubt Mercedes spent a lot of time on the inside of the new C-Class, working with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to better control the way air moves to, and around, passengers.
Despite the C-Class being larger in virtually every dimension (and torsionally stiffer) than the car it replaces, and that it features seven standard airbags and the adaptive brake system of the S-Class, Mercedes claims the car's weight has remained the same. Of even greater value, the price will remain similar as well.

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But the very-German, all-black center stack lacks the flair of cars such as the Lexus IS.

How is this "German"?

Also, I've said it before, the interior of the Lexus IS is overrated IMO. It's a good interior, but it's not all that it's made out to be. IMHO the Audi A4 is the best in this class hands down and has the edge over the Lexus.

And how does the Lexus interior have "flair"? It looks like your typical Japanese high-tech interior, kind of cool, but at the same time bland and uncreative. The Lexus GS has the best interior design from the Lexus brand, IMO.

I agree.

The Lexus interior is nothing special. With cheaper plastics the design would be very much at home in a Corolla. And the space is miniscule. The MB design on the other hand still has a sense of occaision about it. The detailing is far superior to the generic Lexus dash, and I'm sure the materials will be also be excellent. Best interior in the class IMO, at least untill the new A4 lodges.

Well, if only the steering wheel was swapped over, than the W204 would have been perfect !!!

I also like the fact that MB seems to be the only car maker that put the seat controls on the doors (correct me if I'm wrong), making it easier to adjust settings.

when can we expect to see some real testdrives and not only impressions based on pics and marketing info?

Bingo! I was just about to say that Lexus has MB trounced in one area, the look of the steering wheel. The Benz's is just plain ugly.

M

I'm a Mercedes fan too, drive one, live and breathe for their new models, but this isn't true in the least. A Corolla is a tin can inside and out compared to the IS.

M

In terms of design I see nothing special about the Lexus interior. It's plain Japanese bland and screams TOYOTA. Sure the Lexus's materials are far superior to a Corolla.

Believe it or not I really like the Mercedes Steering wheel design as well. lol

I agree 100%. I don't understand why Lexus interior+build quality receives such high complements. I sat inside the IS250 and i was not impressed. There are far too many shiny plastic. Those silver plastic buttons on the dashboard reminds me of my Sony radio at home. The top aircon vents didn't exactly align to the rest of the dashboard. And the 2 plastic trim flanking the transmission tunnel is a bit loose. The sliver trim on the inner door handle felt very cheap.

Does anyone notice those buttons on the bottom left below the left air vents? I saw them in real life and it doesn't look like Lexus has bothered to design them, they just find a few parts of Toyota, and slap them on. Just take a look, they look completely out of place.

True in terms of design. Even the LS460 looks like a overfed Camry on the inside, it has the same shape and layout. It its tightly-built quality feel of their interiors that stand out to me, not their design. The Germans easily make a more interesting interior and in the case of any Audi, most Mercedes and most BMWs, an equally well built ones too.

M