2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

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.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (C320, C32)	Rear visibility (coupe)

Steering/handling	Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe)

Available AWD

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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