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2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
Date Published: 5/03/08
Also in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
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2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Revised styling and introduction of a high-performance V8 model highlight 2005 changes to Mercedes-Benz' least-expensive cars. The C-Class offers three body styles: sedan, wagon, and 2-dr hatchback coupe. Mercedes divides the line into Sport and Luxury versions.
C230s have a 189-hp supercharged 4-cyl engine; they come in Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan trim. C240s have a 168-hp V6; they come as Luxury Sedans and Wagons. C320s have a 215-hp V6; they come as a Sport Coupe and Sedan, and as a Luxury Sedan. The new high-performance C55 AMG sedan has a 362-hp V8. It replaces the 349-hp V6 C32 AMG sedan and has front-end styling distinct from other models'. C230 Sport and C320 Sport models are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or the 5-speed automatic that's standard on the other models. Rear-wheel drive is standard. The C240 sedan and wagon and C320 sedan are available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. Due during the '05 model year is a 3.5-liter replacement for the C320's 3.2-liter V6.
For '05, Luxury Sedans and Wagons get new-style wheels and adopt body trim used on the 2004 Sport versions. Sport Sedans adopt body trim used on the C32 AMG. Sport Coupes get a perforated grille. All have revised headlamps and taillamps and a redesigned dashboard. Interior trim--wood on Luxury versions, aluminum on Sports--is also revised.
The C55 and Sports come with sport-tuned suspension. The C55 has 18-inch wheels, the Sports 17s; other models have 16s. Every C-Class has ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Options include a navigation system and bi-xenon headlamps. Coupes are available with Mercedes' large Panorama sunroof that teams with a fixed-glass panel over the rear seat; each has a power sunshade.
C230s have a 189-hp supercharged 4-cyl engine; they come in Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan trim. C240s have a 168-hp V6; they come as Luxury Sedans and Wagons. C320s have a 215-hp V6; they come as a Sport Coupe and Sedan, and as a Luxury Sedan. The new high-performance C55 AMG sedan has a 362-hp V8. It replaces the 349-hp V6 C32 AMG sedan and has front-end styling distinct from other models'. C230 Sport and C320 Sport models are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or the 5-speed automatic that's standard on the other models. Rear-wheel drive is standard. The C240 sedan and wagon and C320 sedan are available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. Due during the '05 model year is a 3.5-liter replacement for the C320's 3.2-liter V6.
For '05, Luxury Sedans and Wagons get new-style wheels and adopt body trim used on the 2004 Sport versions. Sport Sedans adopt body trim used on the C32 AMG. Sport Coupes get a perforated grille. All have revised headlamps and taillamps and a redesigned dashboard. Interior trim--wood on Luxury versions, aluminum on Sports--is also revised.
The C55 and Sports come with sport-tuned suspension. The C55 has 18-inch wheels, the Sports 17s; other models have 16s. Every C-Class has ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Options include a navigation system and bi-xenon headlamps. Coupes are available with Mercedes' large Panorama sunroof that teams with a fixed-glass panel over the rear seat; each has a power sunshade.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.
Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.
News
The C-Class will remain the most affordable U.S. Mercedes, as a lower-priced B-Class won't be coming here as promised. Based on Mercedes' Euro-market A-Class "supermini" hatchback and recently previewed in concept form, the B-Class is a compact high-body wagon that was intended to rival the Audi A3 and BMW's upcoming 1-Series. But the dollar's steady decline against the Euro looked to price the new model above its low-$20,000 target, threatening sales and profits, so Mercedes decided not to bring it in.
The weak dollar also dims U.S. hopes for the X-Class, a compact crossover SUV based on C-Class components. This "baby M-Class" was mooted for 2007-08 as Mercedes' answer to BMW's American-built X3, but German sourcing would likely put it at a price disadvantage. Assuming Mercedes can get around that, a U.S. X-Class could come here with a 3.5-liter V6, standard AWD and overall length of around 177 inches. A hot V8 version is rumored for later on, as Mercedes has reportedly registered the names X55 and X63.
Another evident U.S. no-show is the Smart ForMore, an SUV-flavored miniwagon from DaimlerChrysler's European small-car division. Based on a Dutch-built front-drive hatchback developed with Mitsubishi, the ForMore was to be sourced from Brazil with a small 4-cyl engine, conventional and computer-controlled manual transmissions, standard AWD, and "off-roader" styling on a raised suspension. ForMore was slated for 2006 to lead the U.S. launch of the Smart franchise under "official" Mercedes auspices. But Smart keeps losing money at home, and ForMore development has been halted amid rumors that Mercedes might kill its low-end brand. Smart could still have a chance, but the outlook seems increasingly grim. For Americans determined to drive Smart, a California company called Zap offers a U.S.-legal version of Smart's 8-foot-long ForTwo, a two-seat semi-convertible with a turbocharged 698cc 3-cyl engine tucked in the tail.
The weak dollar also dims U.S. hopes for the X-Class, a compact crossover SUV based on C-Class components. This "baby M-Class" was mooted for 2007-08 as Mercedes' answer to BMW's American-built X3, but German sourcing would likely put it at a price disadvantage. Assuming Mercedes can get around that, a U.S. X-Class could come here with a 3.5-liter V6, standard AWD and overall length of around 177 inches. A hot V8 version is rumored for later on, as Mercedes has reportedly registered the names X55 and X63.
Another evident U.S. no-show is the Smart ForMore, an SUV-flavored miniwagon from DaimlerChrysler's European small-car division. Based on a Dutch-built front-drive hatchback developed with Mitsubishi, the ForMore was to be sourced from Brazil with a small 4-cyl engine, conventional and computer-controlled manual transmissions, standard AWD, and "off-roader" styling on a raised suspension. ForMore was slated for 2006 to lead the U.S. launch of the Smart franchise under "official" Mercedes auspices. But Smart keeps losing money at home, and ForMore development has been halted amid rumors that Mercedes might kill its low-end brand. Smart could still have a chance, but the outlook seems increasingly grim. For Americans determined to drive Smart, a California company called Zap offers a U.S.-legal version of Smart's 8-foot-long ForTwo, a two-seat semi-convertible with a turbocharged 698cc 3-cyl engine tucked in the tail.
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (C320, C55) | Rear visibility (coupe) |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe) |
| Available AWD | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test C320 sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec, coupe in 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. No opportunity yet to test C55. 4Matic adds about 200 lb, but AWD models accelerate virtually the same as rear-drive counterparts.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Test C320 sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec, coupe in 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. No opportunity yet to test C55. 4Matic adds about 200 lb, but AWD models accelerate virtually the same as rear-drive counterparts.
Fuel Economy
Test automatic-transmission C230 sedan averaged 23.4 mpg. C240 sedans averaged 19.3-22.2 mpg. Test C320 sedans averaged 15.7-19.2 mpg. Test C320 4Matic sedans averaged 19.2-21.1 mpg, test C320 coupe averaged 17.6 with automatic, just 15.6 with manual. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.3 |
Test automatic-transmission C230 sedan averaged 23.4 mpg. C240 sedans averaged 19.3-22.2 mpg. Test C320 sedans averaged 15.7-19.2 mpg. Test C320 4Matic sedans averaged 19.2-21.1 mpg, test C320 coupe averaged 17.6 with automatic, just 15.6 with manual. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Supple, composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on models with 17-inch tires, but still comfortable. AWD does not affect ride quality.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Supple, composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on models with 17-inch tires, but still comfortable. AWD does not affect ride quality.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Assured and highly capable. Firmer Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan suspension and 17-inch tires enhance base chassis' already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't 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.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Assured and highly capable. Firmer Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan suspension and 17-inch tires enhance base chassis' already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't 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
Little wind rush. All engines quiet, refined. Road noise relatively high in sedans with 17-inch tires and in coupe with Panorama sunroof.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Little wind rush. All engines quiet, refined. Road noise relatively high in sedans with 17-inch tires and in coupe with Panorama sunroof.
Controls
New gauge cluster with simple round dials a legibility plus over previous design. Navigation system takes time to sort out. The '05 changes enhance upscale feel of luxury models, reinforce sporty ambience of Sports versions. Still, coupes have more plastic panels than deserved at these prices.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
New gauge cluster with simple round dials a legibility plus over previous design. Navigation system takes time to sort out. The '05 changes enhance upscale feel of luxury models, reinforce sporty ambience of Sports versions. Still, coupes have more plastic panels than deserved at these prices.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
A bit cozy feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Standard tilt/telescope 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.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
A bit cozy feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Standard tilt/telescope 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)
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 a chore.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
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 a chore.
Cargo Room
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 folding rear seats enhance versatility, but are sedan options. All C-Class cabins short on small-item storage.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
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 folding rear seats enhance versatility, but are sedan options. All C-Class cabins short on small-item storage.
Value within Class
The C320 sedan is the best overall value in this line. It's a desirable premium compact in its own right, and vies with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. The 4Matic C240s and C320s impress with all-season security. C-Class coupes are less accommodating than the sedans, and lack the performance or styling to score with enthusiast buyers.
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
The C320 sedan is the best overall value in this line. It's a desirable premium compact in its own right, and vies with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. The 4Matic C240s and C320s impress with all-season security. C-Class coupes are less accommodating than the sedans, and lack the performance or styling to score with enthusiast buyers.
Total Score
| C240 Lux. Sdn, auto. | C320 Lux. Sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 4Matic Lux. Sdn | C320 Sport Cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 53 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 57.4 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 57 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/17/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| C230 Sport Coupe 2-door hatchback, manual | $25,850 | $24,041 | $720 |
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| C320 Sport Coupe 2-door hatchback, manual | $28,250 | $26,273 | $720 |
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| C230 Sport Sedan 4-door sedan, manual | $29,250 | $27,203 | $720 |
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| C240 Luxury Sedan 4-door sedan, automatic | $32,650 | $30,365 | $720 |
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| AWD C240 4Matic Luxury Sedan 4-door sedan, automatic | $33,850 | $31,481 | $720 |
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| C240 Luxury Wagon 4-door wagon, automatic | $34,150 | $31,760 | $720 |
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| AWD C240 4Matic Luxury Wagon 4-door wagon, automatic | $35,350 | $32,876 | $720 |
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| C320 Sport Sedan 4-door sedan, manual | $37,350 | $34,736 | $720 |
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| C320 Luxury Sedan 4-door sedan, automatic | $37,950 | $35,294 | $720 |
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| AWD C320 4Matic Luxury Sedan 4-door sedan, automatic | $39,150 | $36,410 | $720 |
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| C55 4-door sedan, automatic | $53,900 | $50,127 | $720 |
Price note: C55 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
C230/C320 Sport Coupe
Powertrain
1.8-liter 4-cylinder supercharged engine (C230), 3.2-liter V6 engine (C320), 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and additional controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, cargo cover, heated intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, sport suspension, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 225/45ZR17 rear tires (C230), 245/40ZR17 rear tires (C320), alloy wheels.
C230 Sport Sedan adds to C230/C320 Sports Coupe:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth/leather upholstery, front-seat power height adjustment and reclining, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat, cargo cover.
225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires.
C240 adds to C230 Sports Sedan:
Powertrain
2.6-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Wood interior trim, split folding rear seat (wagon), cargo cover (wagon), heated intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: sport suspension.
Roof rails (wagon), 205/55HR16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated front seats.
C320 sedan adds to C240:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission (Sport).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), aluminum interior trim (Sport), Harman/Kardon sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension (Sport), 225/45ZR17 front and 245/40ZR17 rear tires (Sport), AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated front seats.
C55 adds to C320 sedan:
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
TeleAid assistance system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, split folding rear seat, power sunroof, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Performance suspension, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 245/35ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Entertainment Pkg.
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C230, C240, C320 Sport Coupe
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$970
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$903
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Harman/Kardon sound system, 6-disc CD changer.
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Sunroof Pkg.
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coupe
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$1,390
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$1,293
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sedan
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$1,790
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$1,665
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wagon
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$1,660
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$1,544
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Power Panorama sunroof (coupe), power sunroof (sedan, wagon), rain-sensing wipers, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, power rear sunshade (sedan). NA C55.
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Premium Pkg.
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C55
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$925
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$860
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6-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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C230/C320 Sport
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$1,390
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$1,293
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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TeleAid assistance system
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan
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$820
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$763
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Std. C55.
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COMAND navigation system
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan, C55
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$2,210
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$2,056
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Full leather upholstery
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan
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$1,500
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$1,395
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Std. C55.
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Power driver seat
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C230, C240, C320 Sport Coupe
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$600
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$558
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10-way power driver seat, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, driver seat and mirror memory.
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Heated front seats
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan
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$680
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$633
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Std. AWD, C55.
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Multicontour driver seat
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C240, C320 Luxury
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$240
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$224
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Split folding rear seat
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sedan
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$290
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$270
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Std. C55.
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Wood interior trim
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coupe
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$370
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$345
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C55
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$
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$
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6-disc CD changer
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan
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$420
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$391
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NA C55.
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Hands-free cellular telephone kit
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan, C55
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$765
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$712
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Integrated cellular telephone. Does not include handset/cradle.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan, C55
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$680
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$633
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Lighting Pkg.
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C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sport Coupe, C240, C320 sedan, C55
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$790
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$735
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Bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
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2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2-door hatchback | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.9 | 106.9 | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.2 | 178.4 | 179.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.0 | 68.0 | 68.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.4 | 55.6 | 57.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3250 | 3240 | 3470 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 38.1 | 12.2 | 63.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.9 | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 41.7 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 37.3 | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | 33.0 | 33.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Supercharged dohc I4 | sohc V6 | sohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.8 /110 | 2.6 /159 | 3.2 /195 | 5.4 /332 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 189 @ 5800 | 168 @ 5700 | 215 @ 5700 | 362 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 192 @ 3500 | 177 @ 4700 | 229 @ 3000 | 376 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 23/31 | --/-- | 17/24 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | 23/32 | 20/25 | 19/24 | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2-door hatchback | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 5 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: 6-Disc CD player, Sunroof Pkg. (Garage Door Opener, Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Rain Sensor, Glass Sunroof, Power Rear Sunshade) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.16 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Tom Appel Too much money. With the '05 A6 due in at $40,000, this $42,000 compact seems pricey. Limited space is another pox upon Mercedes smallest sedan. |
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Also in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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