2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Road Test
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2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $24,950 -$50,400
- Invoice: $23,204 -$46,782
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Our road test for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class help you decide if a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
C320s the best all-around. C320 sedan did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph, coupe 6.9; both had automatic transmission. Test automatic-transmission C230 sedan took 8.1 sec. Manual-transmission C240 sedan took 9.2 sec, weak for this class. Test C32 took just 5.1 sec, but supercharger-related throttle lag tempers midrange response. 4Matic adds about 200 lb, but AWD models feel little different than rear-drive counterparts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.1 |
Test C320 sedans and wagons averaged 15.7-19.2 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test C320 4Matic sedan averaged 21.1 mpg. Test C230 automatic sedan averaged 23.4 mpg. C240 sedans averaged 19.3-22.2 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.4 with manual. Test C32 averaged 20.3 in mostly highway travel. Automatic-transmission C320 coupe averaged 17.6. All engines require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Supple, composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on models with 17-inch tires and C32, but still comfortable. AWD does not affect ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Assured and highly capable, especially C32. Coupe and Sport Sedan 17-inch wheel setup enhances base chassis' already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't quite sports-car nimble. Standard antiskid/traction control a security plus for any rear-drive C-Class; get 4Matic for impressive all-season roadholding. Brakes deliver short, undramatic stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some test cars.
QUIETNESS
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Impressively low wind rush. All engines quiet and refined. Road noise relatively high in C32, sedans with 17-inch tires, and coupe with Panorama sunroof.
CONTROLS
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Typical Mercedes, with sober design, a few cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for accessing vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power-window switches should be lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy, except for some plastics and assembly details, especially on coupe.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
A bit cozy-feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Some testers find firm seats lack sufficient lumbar support. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel helps tailor good basic driving stance. Tail design hampers coupe visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, but tinted glass panel below hatch window aids parking.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. Coupe's rear seat not as cramped as in most rivals; medium-size adults ride in relative comfort, but entry/exit still a chore.
CARGO ROOM
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 4.1 |
Sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies. Wagon beats Audi A4 and especially BMW 3-Series rivals for volume. Coupe has good luggage space even with rear seat up. Split fold rear seats enhance versatility, but are sedan options.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4.8 |
C320 sedans and wagons are desirable near-luxury cars. Some interior details disappoint, but they vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. 4Matic versions match AWD rivals from BMW and Audi for all-season security. Less accommodating than the sedans, C-Class coupes are slow sellers.
Total Score
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 58 | 63 | 59 | 55.9 |
Total Score: 59
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