The least expensive entry level
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models get a sportier and more luxurious feel. They come in enough versions to satisfy just about anyone, and receive revised styling and redone interiors.
The C-Class has three body styles: sedan, station wagon and two-door hatchback coupe. They're divided into Sport and Luxury versions ranging from $25,850 for the C230 hatchback Sport Coupe to $39,150 for the top-line C320 4Matic luxury all-wheel-drive sedan, which I tested.
There's also a hot new, low-volume C55 AMG hot rod model, which is the most costly version. Its price hasn't been announced yet, but buyers can figure on paying at least $50,000. That's a lot for an entry level Mercedes, but one can't argue with its furious Mercedes-claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.
No C-Class model is lazy. Even the base C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe do 0-60 mph in 7.2 to 7.5 seconds.
All C-Class models are packed with standard comfort, convenience and safety equipment, including anti-lock brakes, antiskid-traction control system, front-rear side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags.
With all that equipment, you'd think Mercedes would outdo Volvo in the safety image area.
There once were few entry level Mercedes models offered in America. But it's reached the point with the 2005 C-Class models where you almost can't tell the players without a score card.
Just the choice of engines can give pause. For example, the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe have a 189-horsepower supercharged four-cylinder engine. The C240s get a 168-horsepower V-6 and come as Luxury sedans and wagons. The C320s have a 215-horsepower V-6 and are sold as a Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan -- and also as a Luxury sedan and wagon.
Finally, the C55 AMG sedan from Mercedes' high-performance AMG division has a 362-horsepower V-8. It replaces the 349-horsepower supercharged V-6 C32 AMG sedan and has distinct front-end styling and such items as stronger brakes.
Fuel economy of standard C-Class models is decent, ranging from 19 to 23 mpg in the city and 26 to 30 on the highway. Figure on about 15 city, 21 highway with the C55 AMG model, which generally is bought as a second or third car by auto buffs.
A six-speed manual transmission with shorter gear throws and modifications for quicker off-line acceleration are standard for the C230 Sport and and C320 Sport versions. They also can be had with a five-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on other C-Class models.
Standard on C240 and C320 Luxury sedans as well as the C240 Luxury Wagon (and optional on Sport Sedans and Sport Coupes) is a manual shift feature for the automatic transmission. A driver can select forward speeds by tapping the gear lever to the right to upshift and to the left to downshift. When not shifted manually, this electronic transmission adapts to changes in road grade and an individual's driving style in fully automatic mode.
The Sport versions come with sport-tuned suspensions and 17-inch wheels, while other versions have 16-inch wheels. All 2005 C-Class models feature increased track width and suspension enhancements that improve handling and responsiveness.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but the C240 sedan and wagon and C320 sedan can be had with Mercedes' advanced 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which doesn't have the often-clunky feel of some other all-wheel-drive systems.
The new Luxury sedans and wagons have newly styled wheels and body trim used on the 2004 Sport models. Sport Sedans get AMG body trim, and a perforated grille is on Sport Coupes.
All C-Class models have revised headlights and taillights. They also feature a redone dashboard with a new four-gauge instrument cluster, three-spoke steering wheel, redesigned console and re-contoured seats for more support and comfort.
The Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe have aluminum trim throughout their cabins for a sportier look, while Luxury versions get richer wood trim with multicontour front seats that have a new adjustable lumbar support for the driver.
The Sport Sedan has new 17-inch five-spoke wheels, while the Sport Coupe has staggered-width wheels for a more aggressive stance. Every C-Class model receives redesigned, clear headlights and revised taillights for a slicker appearance.
My test C320 4Matic AWD Luxury Sedan with all-wheel drive had the tight feel of 1970s and 1980s Mercedes models. That was when Mercedes design was dominated by Daimler-Benz engineers, not as much by the automaker's marketing department, which has been forced by rivals such as Lexus to offer lots of models.
My test car had a responsive automatic transmission and a smooth engine with strong acceleration in town and on highways. The 215-horsepower V-6 delivers an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on highways.
The quick, rather heavy steering felt good, and the supple suspension shrugged off bad bumps while providing a comfortable ride. Brake pedal feel was good, and there was plenty of stopping power.
The quiet interior provided room for four 6-footers. It's reached via large door handles, which aren't matched by small inside handles. Front seats were supportive, but a high, hard center rear seat section is uncomfortable for a third occupant. Rear door openings were rather narrow, but back windows lower all the way.
Gauges were easy to read, although their metal rings seemed superfluous, and radio and climate controls were moderately large. The glove compartment was large, and the console's covered bin was fairly deep. But the plastic cupholders in the fold-down rear armrest were narrow and seemed cheap.
The large, usefully shaped trunk had a low, fairly wide opening.
The C320 Luxury Sedan is the best value in the nicely upgraded C-Class line, and its available 4Matic all-wheel drive will come in handy when winter arrives in the Chicago area.
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
PRICES
$25,850-$39,1150
LIKES
Revised inside and out. Hot new V8 model. Plenty of different versions.
DISLIKES
Narrow rear door openings. Plastic rear cupholders. Hard center rear seat area.