MERCEDES C320
The C-Class Is More Desirable Than Ever In C320 form. Good Enough To Tempt Executives Thinking Of Something Larger Think Again? Jonathan Crouch Reports
For prestige-minded executives, down-sizing has never been easier. Take the Mercedes C-class. Not only does it look almost exactly like the larger S-class saloon you probably cant really justify its even got the same engine: or at least it has in the flagship C320 form featured here.
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Specialist AMG models apart, the previous C-class model range went only as far as the 193bhp C280. Moving from a larger-engined E or S-class model into one of those was a bit of a come-down. You couldnt say the same if a C320 appeared on your driveway, especially if it was bearing the revisions brought by the latest facelift. In fact, you might be rather pleased.
After all, this car has virtually all the hi-tech features youd find on larger Mercedes models and all of the golf club carpark panache. Moreover, it has the engine to go with it, a 3,199cc 218bhp V6 capable of rest to sixty in 7.8 seconds on the way to 152mph: that should be enough to keep most executives happy. They probably wont even complain about the price tag (from a pared down £29,960 if youre interested). A third of all buyers tend to choose the estate version, which offers a useful, if hardly cavenous, capacity of 470 litres (with the seats up) or 1,384 litres (with them folded own). This is the closest that Stuttgart has yet got to its arch-rival, BMWs 3 Series in terms of driving dynamics.
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 like the C320, Mercedes install a sports-tuned six-speed manual gearchange with a significantly shorter shift action. Certainly, this car has brought with it a long overdue image change for the Three Pointed Star, if not a real C-change in media opinion.
Most experts this one included have judged the latest C to be a huge step forward but not quite as sharp as BMWs 3 when it comes to the twisty stuff. The real issue of course is that cars like this dont spend much time on bendy backroads: around town, on the motorway and on point-to-point A-road journeys, the Mercedes keys are the ones youd always choose.
"This car has virtually all the hi-tech features youd find on larger Mercedes models and all of the golf club carpark panache."
At first glance, it's hard to decide exactly what size this car is, so cleverly packaged are lines which, as weve already said, are clearly derived from the larger S-class. You discover pretty quickly mind you, after taking a
seat in the back. There's supposed to be more space than was offered by the old C-class but it doesn't feel like it. In the mid-term facelift visited on 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.
Clear-lensed headlamps are fitted as standard and a special scratch-resistant clearcoat finish has also been developed to further protect the paintwork. It will even cost you less to run, thanks to prices very little different from the old range and the usual legendarily low depreciation. All saloon versions are imported, not from Germany, but from South Africa (so forget getting a cheap parallel import from the small ads). Mercedes promise perfect build quality from this new plant - but then they promised that when the first M-class models trickled over from Alabama.
We shall see. Look beyond the sleek lines and the first thing you need to know is that this is the safest car in its class. That simple fact has far-reaching effects, particularly when it comes to weight. With a body that's 26% stiffer, the latest C-class weighs over 100kgs more than its predecessor. Still, the impressive output of the 3.2-litre V6 on test here, coupled with a class-leadingly slippery shape (of 0.26cd), means that the penalties arent too great.
The figures bear this out: compared with the old C280 model, you can now drive from London to Frankfurt half an hour faster while using the same amount of fuel. Sophisticated electronics are everywhere around this car and theres the option of value Classic, Classic SE or plush Elegance and sporty Avantgarde for the same asking price. Alternatively, Elegance and Avantgarde come with an optional SE trim pack. The C320 Classic represents the only way to get that 3.
2-litre engine this side of £30,000, yet equipment is still impressive: automatic climate control, alloy wheels, a CD stereo, leather trimmed wheel and gear shifter, five speed automatic transmission and all the usual C-Class staples such as ABS, Brake Assist, traction control and ESP dynamic driving control (to help you out if you enter a corner too fast) are all standard. So are no fewer than six front airbags (windowbags along with those at the side and the front. Inside, the interior is quite simply peerless. It benefits 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. So where does all of that leave us? With the Ultimate Driving Machine? Probably not.
With the ultimate compact executive car? In this form, the answer is almost certainly.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR:
Mercedes-Benz C320
PRICES: £29,960-£32,116 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 17
CO2 EMISSIONS: 260g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.8s / Max Speed 152mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 18.3mpg / (extra urban) 37.2mph / (combined) 26.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS/ ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4526/1970/1426mm
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