MERCEDES C-CLASS SALOON RANGE
The Revised C-Class Saloon Aims To Stay At The Top Of The Compact Executive Pack. Andy Enright Reports
Before we even explore the merits of the latest Mercedes C-Class saloon range, youll probably know whether its the vehicle for you. The latest set of revisions add up to little more than the mildest of mid-life facelifts because, to be frank, there was very little that needed doing to keep the C-Class at the top of the tree.
That said, customers in this particular market often have very clearly defined affiliations. No matter how good this car is, for instance, it wont sway a dyed-in-the-wool
BMW fan, nor will it tempt somebody whos always bought
Audi. The bald facts are that these marques now offer models so good that theres not a whole lot to choose between them. If one were to apply a strictly objective review, the C-Class would probably emerge victorious, but with Mercedes pricing to take into account, thats probably to be expected.
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When it was launched in 2000, the C-Class changed the way we thought about small Mercedes models. From being dull but worthies, baby Benzes were now viewed as credible drivers cars, with that inherent spark that previous models lacked. Although its a tough task to improve the C-Class, if given that brief, there would be a few changes I would have made. Firstly, Id have ditched the underwhelming C240 model, a car that was both thirsty, sluggish and encumbered by unflattering emissions figures.
Next up Id have moved to tighten up interior trim quality. Finally Id have made the sportier versions feel more sporty to drive instead of just wearing big wheels and spoilers. Mercedes have done all of this and a little bit more at prices starting from £21,130.
"Its a tough task to improve the C-Class"
The exterior has been altered but youll need to be a genuine spotter to make out the revisions. The front bumper has been redesigned and theres a radiator grille with three louvres. This apparently gives a more powerful feel. These louvres are either painted or feature a perforated design, dependent on which model you opt for.
Clear-lensed headlamps are also fitted as standard. Sixteen-inch wheels are fitted as standard and the Classic and Elegance models both get the sportier side skirts and rear bumper previously reserved for the Avantgarde model. A special scratch-resistant clearcoat finish has also been developed to further protect the paintwork. The interiors benefit from better switchgear, modified seats and a little more visual flamboyance with chrome detailing and white, chronometer-style illuminated dials.
Classic models feature fine wood trim as standard while Avantgarde models offer standard aluminium detailing with an option of Birds-Eye maple. This sporting version also offers an interesting
seat trim, being a mix of fabric and what Mercedes dubs ARTICO. All models feature a revised climate control system thats a lot easier to get to grips with and a vertically stacked information display that runs between the speedometer and the rev counter. Its not all window dressing, however.
Under the skin there are revised chassis, steering and manual transmission settings. Revised bearing setups on both front and rear axles allow for more agile cornering without impacting on ride quality while a more direct steering ratio gives a more sporting feel. The reinforced anti-roll bar introduced astern also gives the car a flatter, more dynamic feel through bends. For sportier versions, Mercedes install a sports-tuned six-speed manual gearchange with a significantly shorter shift action.
The good news is that the C240 model has been deleted. The better news is that theres now a 192bhp C230 Kompressor model, which uses the same supercharged TWINPULSE 1.8-litre powerplant seen in the C-Class Sports Coupe. This model will make 60mph in 7.
9 seconds and run on to a top speed of 149mph yet will still average 31.7mpg. Makes you wonder whod want a diesel, doesnt it? The convincing answer comes in the form of the uprated C220CDI model which is boosted from 143 to 150bhp. Performance is notably punchier yet fuel consumption is barely dented at a still astonishing 46.
3mpg. Many of these changes dictated themselves. What was perhaps a little less obvious was the introduction of the C55 AMG. Few felt the existing 349bhp C32AMG was in any way underpowered, having enough under the bonnet to put the
Audi S4 and the
BMW M3 in the shade.
The C55 AMG moves the goalposts into the next postcode with a hefty power output of 367bhp. Its also the perfect riposte to Audi who were making much play of the fact that the S4 was the only eight cylinder offering in this category. Even with an automatic transmission fitted as standard, the C55 AMG will still accelerate to 60mph in just 5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The C55 AMG can be identified by a front end thats been extended by a full 80mm to accommodate the monster V8 engine.
It also adds 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 front tyres and 245/35 rear rubber, Alcantara AMG sports seats and silver dials on the instrument cluster. Deeper side skirts, a low rear bumper moulding and a resculpted bootlid also mark the C55 AMG out. That and the little badge on its bottom. So, a subtle set of makeovers designed to keep the Mercedes C-Class where it belongs.
If youre already a believer, youll be well satisfied.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mercedes C-class saloon range
PRICES: £21,130-£47,865 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-20
CO2 EMISSIONS: 156-276g/km
PERFORMANCE: [C320] 0-60mph 7.8s / Max Speed 152mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [C320] (urban) 18.3mpg / (extra urban) 37.2mph / (combined) 26.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags / ABS/ ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4526/1970/1426mm
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