2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mercedes' smallest sedan closes this design generation as the supercharged 4-cylinder C230 Kompressor and V6 C280. The high-performance V8 C43 has ceased production. The only transmission is a 5-speed automatic, now with Mercedes' "Touch Shift" feature for manual shifting. Traction control is standard, and Mercedes' antiskid Electronic Stability Program is standard instead of optional, as is a telescopic steering column. Returning standards include front side airbags, antilock brakes, and Mercedes' TeleAid emergency assistance system.
After adding standard equipment to start model-year 2000, Mercedes added Special Edition packages this past spring. The new Special Editions group $4000-$5000 in options into packages that retail for $1200 on the C230 and $1600 on the C280. Both include special paint and matching leather upholstery, a sunroof, folding rear seatbacks, and the Sport Package with its tauter suspension and 16-inch wheels with low-profile tires. Finally, all Mercedes vehicles now include some maintenance items in the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.
Coming this September is a slightly larger new-design C-Class with styling cues lifted from Mercedes' big S-Class sedans. A C280 model will continue, joined by a new V6 2.4-liter C240 with standard 6-speed manual transmission. Features will expand to include standard dual-force "smart" dashboard airbags, side-window curtain airbags, and optional satellite navigation system with video display.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark, it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price.
But the Acura's not for everyone. We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30, and the luxury-orientated Lexus ES 300.