08 Mercedes-Benz C Sedan The Totally New Mercedes C Class Now Larger and More Capable   by Kelly Foss  www.car-data.com Mercedes is never a company that is merely “satisfied” with the status quo. It has a heritage of enhancing and improving their vehicles with each new model introduction. Such is the case with the totally new C Class sedan, their entry level model. The C Class can be described as a premium compact model that provides the full “Mercedes” experience in a small package with a $32,000 entry price point.

For 2008, the C Class has grown 3.9 inches in length, 1.7 inches in width and the cabin is noticeably roomier. Though a compact, the vehicle’s solid build puts it in the weight class of a midsize. The trunk now offers 16.8 cubic feet of space, also an improvement from the previous model.

The model lineup now parallels the current Mercedes strategy with prepackaged “Luxury” and “Sport” models offered. For reference, the Luxury model is most similar to the Mercedes models in the past, with a more compliant suspension and wood trim. The Sport models have more of an athletic demeanor which includes twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width, sport shocks, springs and stabilizer bars that provide a crisper ride and more than a half-inch lower ride height. Metallic surfaces on the interior characterize the Sport models.

Power is provided by two V6 engines this year: a 3.0 liter with 226 horsepower and a 3.5 liter with 268 horsepower. The available C Class model choices are C300 Luxury, C300 Sport and C350 Sport.

In the past, only automatic transmissions were offered, but for the 2008 model, in addition to the wonderful 7-speed automatic, you can now specify a 6-speed manual in the C300 Sport. The C300 Luxury accelerates to 60 miles an hour in 7.2 seconds, the manual Sport is only .1 second faster and the C350 arrives in just 6.3 seconds. Highway fuel economy is 28 mpg for the 300 and 29 for the 350, meaning there is no penalty for the larger engine thanks to better rear axle gearing. Top speed on all models is electronically limited to 130 miles an hour, although they are capable of much more than that.

The 2008 model is also available with Mercedes’ 4MATIC full-time 4-wheel drive system. This full-time system is available on both the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport models. It aims to offer improved clear and inclement weather vehicle stability and traction. With upgrades to the system this year, it now is more seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.

The new C Class is a more refined and complete vehicle than before. In addition to its many upgrades and enhancements, it offers the complete suite of safety systems that Mercedes owners have come to expect. The previous C Class, although a fine vehicle, was just a bit too small for many American drivers’ tastes. The new C is a more substantial and appealing offering. For an attractive starting price of about $32,000 you can obtain a totally modernized, high quality Mercedes Benz.