2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

The redesigned, fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class feels much like the top-line Mercedes S-Class sedan of the 1990s, although it's Mercedes' smallest sedan and an entry-level model.

The big, fast, vaultlike 1990s S-Class was Mercedes' flagship and a picture of extravagance and luxury. It was arguably the last Mercedes designed expressly by the automaker's engineers without cost-cutting or meddling from the marketing department, with such items as double-glazed glass found in living rooms.

That S-Class was called too big, heavy and "irresponsible" for the modern world and was replaced for 2000 by a more efficient S-Class model. Yet another redesigned S-Class arrived for the 2007 model year -- leaving the 1990s S-Class a fond memory.

But maybe the Mercedes engineers have gotten more clout because the new mid-size C-Class has the impressive stance and rock-solid feel of the 1990s full-size S-Class. Incidentally, the C-Class is Mercedes' worldwide best-seller.

The 2008 C-Class has Mercedes' new creased corporate look, with an edgy interplay of taut lines and wide, rounded surfaces. It's larger than its predecessor, being nearly 4 inches longer, almost 2 inches wider, with a wheelbase stretched nearly 2 inches.

There are three V-6 powered C-Class models with plenty of comfort, convenience and advanced safety features: the $31,200 C300 Sport, $32,900 C300 Luxury and $36,500 C350 Sport. I drove the C300 Sport.

The new C-Class is heavier and thus a tad slower with its holdover engines, but it is still plenty fast. All versions now have rear-drive, but a new all-wheel-drive system arrives next month for the C300 Sport and C300 Luxury automatic-transmission models.

Mercedes says the cabin is roomier in both front and rear, but there's still no surplus of leg room for a 6-footer behind a driver who has moved his seat halfway back.

The revised interior has supportive front seats, but gauges could use larger markings. Also, the headlight control is notchy. And turn signal and cruise control stalks are too close and thus can be confused.

Otherwise, controls are OK, although I missed Mercedes' traditional, handy door-mounted power seat controls -- replaced by controls at the bottom side of the seats.

An electronic controller on the console acts like a computer mouse to provide operation of functions that once needed scores of buttons and switches. Deep cupholders are conveniently placed on the console, and rear windows roll all the way down.

The enlarged trunk is roomy with a low, wide opening. And its lid has a padded interior panel to hold down noise in this very quiet car.

The new C-Class sedan puts greater emphasis on agility, comfort, safety -- and sport, although it's not as sporty as the rival BMW 3-Series.

The two C300 models have a smooth 3-liter, 228-horsepower engine, while the C350 Sport's V-6 generates 268 horsepower and more torque. The 3-liter versions do 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, while the 3.5-liter model hits 60 in 6.3 seconds.

There's an automatic transmission with seven speeds (some cars have only four, most have five) with a manual-shift feature. It shifts smoothly in automatic mode, although it exhibits some indecisiveness under light throttle at lower speeds.

A six-speed manual gearbox is offered only for the C300 Sport, but it seems rather out of place in this luxurious car. Mercedes isn't offering the manual with the 268-horsepower engine because it thinks there is little demand for such a transmission with that engine.

Estimated fuel economy is approximately 18 mpg in the city and 26 on highways with the 3-liter V6 and 17 and 25 with the 3.5-liter engine.

The C-Class Sport models are identified by Mercedes' iconic three-pointed star in the grille, a design cue usually reserved for Mercedes' coupes and convertibles. They also look more aggressive, with body add-ons inspired by Mercedes' hot rod AMG models. These additions include deeper front and rear aprons, besides under-door rocker panels.

The Sport models also sit a little lower and have twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width, sport shocks, springs and stabilizer bars that deliver crisper handling.

The Luxury model has a traditional three-pointed-star hood emblem, four-spoke steering wheel and burl walnut trim, while Sport models have three-spoke wheels and either aluminum (C300) or black Birdseye maple (C350) trim. The Luxury version has a richer looking interior.

New standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats, two-zone automatic climate controls, 17-inch wheels and a Bluetooth feature that allows a phone in a pocket or purse to be used through the audio system.

The central controller works with a 7-inch display screen that can be read quickly and stows out of sight in the upper dashboard when not used.

Revised steering and suspension make the car more agile at all speeds, although the general firmness of the steering and suspension give the impression that this is mainly a secure high-speed cruiser -- like the 1990s S-Class -- although it's easy to maneuver in town. Handling is secure and the supple ride smooths out roads, but the brake pedal of my early-production test car was a little touchy.

The new Mercedes C-Class competes in a crowded sky with small luxury sedans from such automakers as BMW, Infiniti and Lexus, but there's no arguing with the allure of the Mercedes nameplate.

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

PRICE: $31,200-$36,500.

LIKES: Solid. Agile. Fast. Roomy. Comfortable.

DISLIKES: Touchy brake pedal. Small gauge markings. Confusing control stalks.