Merc1

Toronto, Ontario - The kid in the Mercedes' family has all grown up. With the introduction of 2008 C-Class, Mercedes-Benz has expanded its small sedan in every dimension save the height, but more importantly, the car now carries itself with a stylish swagger that elevates it above the previous model's, "It was the only Merc I could afford" image.

It sure is a looker. My Iridium Silver C350 tester, with its bold grill sporting a huge three-pointed star, sharp creases and aggressive AMG-inspired body treatment, garnered its fair share of appreciative stares and polite queries. It was universally praised by everyone who rode in it, and to complicate matters, my wife is now determined to own one.

The C350 carries a base price of $47,900 and is motivated by a 3.5-litre DOHC 90 degree V6 that generates 268 hp at 6000 r.p.m. and 258 lb.-ft. available from 2400-5000 r.p.m. Coupled to M-B's smooth-shifting 7G-Tronic 7-speed auto box, this engine is a carry over from the previous C.

One might question Mercedes decision in not putting more hooves under the hood, as the major players in this hotly contested segment (BMW 335i, Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS350) are all sporting 300+ horsepower. After all, the rear-drive sport sedan game is as much about numbers as anything.

Indeed, the C350 does not storm out of the gates like the twin-turbo Bimmer (nor do the Infiniti and Lexus for that matter), but it's still plenty swift (zero to 100 km/h in just over six sec) and proves to be a well sorted and wonderfully integrated package.

Slip behind the wheel and there's no doubt you're in a Mercedes. The seats are broad, steering wheel feels one size up from a true sportster, and the interior, albeit a little severe in its Germanic crispness, has a grown-up ambience featuring impeccable fit and finish and nicely grained plastics. The brushed aluminum panel that houses the gauges within the central binnacle is a clever touch that adds a splash of much-needed brightness in this all-black tester.

You'll immediately notice the increased elbow-room, and the back seats are fine for long-legged adults. The trunk is a cavernous 475 litres (16.8 cu. ft.), expandable via the flip down rear seatbacks.

My tester had the optional $4,600 Premium Package, which added (to the C350's all ready extensive list of luxo-goodies) Comand APS with navigation, DVD changer, four-gig hard drive with memory card slot, panoramic sunroof, keyless-go, Linguatronic voice control and rear window sunshades.

On start-up, a panel atop the dash glides back and the LCD screen flips into place. This little mechanical ballet never failed to elicit oohs and aahs from passengers. The LCD screen proved exceptionally sharp in all lighting conditions.

From here, it's techno-geek heaven - download music, view photos, or even watch a DVD as long as the car is stationary. There's an auxiliary jack for your iPod too.

It all runs through a standard Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system. Sirius satellite radio is also included.

Thankfully, the Comand interface, which in the C350 controls the navigation, audio and info functions (the HVAC controls are logically placed on the dash) is quite intuitive, and with this latest edition of Linguatronic, almost every parameter is just a voice command away. Yes, you'll need to spend some time with the manual.

Dynamically, the C Class has always lived in the long shadow of the BMW 3 Series, so how does the new kid measure up?

A whole lot better.

The first thing you notice is the clarity of the steering. It's well weighted, precise and offers sharp turn in - something that couldn't be said for the old car. My tester was fitted with 17-inch snow tires, so while grip and response may have been somewhat compromised, it still showed commendable body control and balance over a twisty back road.

The C350 is competent, composed but not particularly involving - it doesn't offer the intimacy, or invite playful hooliganism of the 335i. Paddle shifters would have been welcomed, although you can swap gears by tapping the shifter left for downshifts and right for upshifts. It's a good system, and shifts happen with reasonable alacrity. Interestingly, a six-speed manual is only offered in the less robust 228-hp C300 and 201-hp C230.

Through the use of high-strength steel, this fourth-gen C-Class feels solid as Fort Knox, yet has not gained any weight over the previous model. Ride quality is generally good, although smaller road imperfections make their way into the cabin a little more than expected.

For those wanting additional all-weather security, the fourth generation rear-drive biased 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available for an additional $2200.

While Infiniti and Lexus are trying mightily to nip at the BMW 335i's heels, it seems Mercedes is taking a more casual and, yes, confident approach with the C350. It may not have the power or fancy footwork of its Munich rival, but Mercedes is happy to play up the sedan's sharp styling and mature demeanor, with an emphasis on value and traditional Mercedes solidity. There is a lot to like here.

Besides, if you want a C-Class that will kick just about anyone's keister, Mercedes will gladly sell you the nutty 457-hp 6.2-litre V8-powered C63 AMG when it arrives mid-2008.


Pricing: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350
Base price: $47,900
Options: $ 6,990 (Premium Package, $4600; metallic paint, $890; AMG 18" five-spoke alloys with performance tires (not shown due to winter wheels, $1500)
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $1,795
Price as tested: $56,785


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M

Tarek

Very good review now if only it has the power increase to 315hp like the new SL

Mr. M

I too would wait for the power upgrade if I'm in the market for a C350. I'm more interested in the supercharged four pots for the C though.