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2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
Date Published: 5/13/08
Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
1.
2.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Our road test for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class includes a full evaluation of the
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class help you decide if a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is right for
you.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Rear-seat toe room |
| Quietness | |
| Front seat room/comfort | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No manual-transmission or C63 versions have been made available for testing. C300 models provide good acceleration both around town and in highway passing sprints. Mercedes estimates 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which seems somewhat optimistic to us. C350 is stronger at all speeds, particularly in highway passing. Mercedes estimates a credible 6.1-second 0-60 time. In both, the automatic transmission operates smoothly but can be slow to downshift for more power. Likewise, it's also slow to respond to manual shift inputs.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.6 |
No manual-transmission or C63 versions have been made available for testing. C300 models provide good acceleration both around town and in highway passing sprints. Mercedes estimates 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which seems somewhat optimistic to us. C350 is stronger at all speeds, particularly in highway passing. Mercedes estimates a credible 6.1-second 0-60 time. In both, the automatic transmission operates smoothly but can be slow to downshift for more power. Likewise, it's also slow to respond to manual shift inputs.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission C300 averaged 16.3 mpg with slightly more city driving and 24.5 with mostly highway use. Test AWD C300 fared slightly better, averaging 17.8 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required on all C-Class models, but rear-drive C300s with the automatic transmission can run on E85 ethanol.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission C300 averaged 16.3 mpg with slightly more city driving and 24.5 with mostly highway use. Test AWD C300 fared slightly better, averaging 17.8 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required on all C-Class models, but rear-drive C300s with the automatic transmission can run on E85 ethanol.
Ride Quality
All C-Class models exhibit a commendable blend of compliance and control. Tar strips and rough pavement generate little disturbance. Although Sport models have a slightly tauter suspension than Luxury versions--and tested C350 Sport was optioned with stiffer 18-inch tires--there is little difference in ride quality between the two.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
All C-Class models exhibit a commendable blend of compliance and control. Tar strips and rough pavement generate little disturbance. Although Sport models have a slightly tauter suspension than Luxury versions--and tested C350 Sport was optioned with stiffer 18-inch tires--there is little difference in ride quality between the two.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Sport w/18-inch tires has slightly sharper steering response, but all models corner with surefooted aplomb and little body lean. Steering is a bit numb but properly weighted. Braking control is strong, though one test model suffered from touchy pedal action.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Sport w/18-inch tires has slightly sharper steering response, but all models corner with surefooted aplomb and little body lean. Steering is a bit numb but properly weighted. Braking control is strong, though one test model suffered from touchy pedal action.
Quietness
Slight wind rush is noticed at highway speeds. Coarse pavement prompts a roar from the tires, but they quiet considerably on smooth asphalt and there's little noise over bumps. Engines emit a sweet whine under full throttle, cruise quietly, and idle almost imperceptibly.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
Slight wind rush is noticed at highway speeds. Coarse pavement prompts a roar from the tires, but they quiet considerably on smooth asphalt and there's little noise over bumps. Engines emit a sweet whine under full throttle, cruise quietly, and idle almost imperceptibly.
Controls
Gauges are easy to read. Climate controls consist of convenient rotary dials and clearly marked buttons, and though mounted low, they're easy to reach. Audio controls are more complicated; basic functions can be performed with a convenient knob and buttons, but other operations are addressed through a console-mounted "joyknob" and dashtop screen, which also control the optional navigation system. The navigation system itself is difficult to use, with many controls buried in a series of menus and submenus. The MP3/iPod plug is inconveniently located in the glovebox. The low-mounted turn-signal lever--a Mercedes tradition--requires acclimation.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Gauges are easy to read. Climate controls consist of convenient rotary dials and clearly marked buttons, and though mounted low, they're easy to reach. Audio controls are more complicated; basic functions can be performed with a convenient knob and buttons, but other operations are addressed through a console-mounted "joyknob" and dashtop screen, which also control the optional navigation system. The navigation system itself is difficult to use, with many controls buried in a series of menus and submenus. The MP3/iPod plug is inconveniently located in the glovebox. The low-mounted turn-signal lever--a Mercedes tradition--requires acclimation.
Details
Nicely padded surfaces and upscale trim are appropriate to the price. Test examples felt commendably solid over bumps.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Nicely padded surfaces and upscale trim are appropriate to the price. Test examples felt commendably solid over bumps.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Seats are supportive and comfortable. The steering wheel tilts and is telescopic, and even taller folks should find adequate headroom and legroom. When backing, there's little problem seeing around the tall but narrow front headrests and slender rear roof pillars.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Seats are supportive and comfortable. The steering wheel tilts and is telescopic, and even taller folks should find adequate headroom and legroom. When backing, there's little problem seeing around the tall but narrow front headrests and slender rear roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The seat cushion is mounted a bit low, but gives six-footers adequate headroom. Foot space is tight. Legroom is fine unless the front seats are pushed far back. Egress is hindered by door openings that are narrow, particularly at the bottom.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
The seat cushion is mounted a bit low, but gives six-footers adequate headroom. Foot space is tight. Legroom is fine unless the front seats are pushed far back. Egress is hindered by door openings that are narrow, particularly at the bottom.
Cargo Room
The trunk is narrow, but lid hinges are covered and the area is quite deep and nicely trimmed. Split folding rear seatbacks are optional. Interior storage is adequate at best with a somewhat skimpy center console, two open console cupholders, and a decent-sized glovebox.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
The trunk is narrow, but lid hinges are covered and the area is quite deep and nicely trimmed. Split folding rear seatbacks are optional. Interior storage is adequate at best with a somewhat skimpy center console, two open console cupholders, and a decent-sized glovebox.
Value within Class
Within the confines of its compact dimensions, the new C-Class acquits itself quite well. Others in this segment trump even the C350 Sport for all-out performance, but buyers seeking brand cachet and a refined driving experience would do well to check out this newest version of Mercedes' entry-level sedan.
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Within the confines of its compact dimensions, the new C-Class acquits itself quite well. Others in this segment trump even the C350 Sport for all-out performance, but buyers seeking brand cachet and a refined driving experience would do well to check out this newest version of Mercedes' entry-level sedan.
Total Score
| C300 Sport, automatic | C300 Luxury | AWD C300 Luxury | C350 Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 68 | 68 | 68 | 69 | 65.5 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 59 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
1.
2.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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