2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Available all-wheel drive, revised engine choices, and new sport models make 2003 news for Mercedes' least-expensive line. The C-Class offers sedan, wagon, and hatchback-coupe body styles. C230 models come as coupes or the new Sport Sedan. They use a supercharged 4 cyl, a 189-hp 1.8 liter in place of last year's 192-hp 2.3. The C240 has a 168-hp V6 and comes as a sedan or wagon. C320 models have a 215-hp V6 and come in all three body styles after adding coupe and Sport Sedan versions for '03. The high-performance C32 AMG sedan has a supercharged 349-hp V6, sport suspension, and 5-speed automatic transmission. On other C-Class models, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive is newly available for any automatic-transmission C-class sedan or wagon, except the C32. Sport versions come with sport-tuned suspension, body cladding, and aluminum interior trim. Sports and the C32 have 17-inch wheels, other models use 16s. Every C-Class has ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' BabySmart child-seat recognition system. A unique coupe option is the large Panorama sunroof that teams with a fixed-glass panel over the rear seat; each has a power sunshade. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system is standard on the C32, available for other models. A navigation system also is available, and high- and low-beam xenon headlamps are a new linewide option replacing low beams only.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.

We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.