Beneath the Bonnet

Differences between the models run more than skin deep. The Luxury version is offered with only one powertrain: a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and 7-speed automatic transmission. Called the C300 Luxury, it comes standard with rear-wheel drive; Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive is an option. The same goes for the C300 Sport, but it adds an available 6-speed manual transmission, though only in rear-drive form. When mated to the automatic, the 3.0-liter V6 is E85-capable, so it can run on premium fuel, E85 (a mix of 85-percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline), or any combination of the two. Topping the line is the C350 Sport, which comes only with a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 (premium fuel only), 7-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-class
The Luxury version is powered by a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6 and 7-speed automatic.
Sports gets its go from the 3.0-liter V6 and optional 6-speed manual or a 268-hp
3.5-liter V6 paired with a 7-speed automatic.

If horsepower ratings on both engines look a bit tame compared to those of similar-size sixes in top rivals, their torque ratings aren't. Not only are their respective 221- and 258-lb-ft figures competitive, they come at only 2400-2700 rpm; most rival engines either can't match those numbers, or don't see peak torque until about 5000 rpm. For instance, the 3.0-liter six in the BMW 328i produces 230-horsepower--nearly the same as the C300--but torque is just 200 lb-ft at 2750 rpm. The high-output 3.5-liter V6 in the Infiniti G35 puts out an impressive 306-horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, but the latter doesn't arrive until 5200 rpm. Mercedes used variable valve timing, a two-stage intake manifold, and special turbulence-inducing intake "flaps" to fatten the torque curve and make the C-Class models feel spirited without having to wait for revs to build. And the strategy worked: both models leap away from a stop and are commendably spunky in around-town driving.

Mercedes estimates 0-60-mph times of 7.1 seconds for the C300 models, 6.1 for the C350. We haven't had an opportunity to confirm those figures, but both seem plausible based on our preview test drive. However, the C350's power advantage over the C300 is noticed mostly in highway passing sprints, where the smooth 7-speed automatic sometimes hesitates a beat longer than most before choosing a kickdown gear. Fortunately, the transmission's manual-shift feature is very easy to use, as from the "Drive" position it requires only that the lever be tilted to the right or left to manually shift up or down one gear. In many competitors, the lever must first be placed in a separate gate, making gear changes a slower, less-convenient, two-step process.

Classy Chassis
Traditional coil-spring struts, gas shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar team with two separate lower links on each side to form the C-Class's front suspension. The twin links are claimed to be of lighter weight than a traditional one-piece arm, allowing better wheel control over bumps. Mercedes' proven five-link suspension holds up the rear, though it's been updated for '08. The combination results in a commendable degree of ride comfort, with tar strips and lateral pavement heaves--often a challenge to smother--generating little disturbance. Handling is equally impressive, the only deficit being Mercedes' typical weighty, slightly dull steering, which lends a (probably intentional) beefy feel at the expense of crisp, road-reading response. Sport models come with a marginally stiffer suspension than do Luxury versions, but it seemed to make little difference in ride or handling. Ditto for the Sport's optional 18-inch tires, though their stiffer sidewalls increased steering response a bit. One problem that's been corrected is the former generation's tendency to bob its tail slightly after bumps, and the overall effect while driving down the road is one of solidity and control. Aiding in the latter are standard ABS, traction control, and antiskid system, while the available 4Matic all-wheel drive takes it a notch further, especially in inclement weather.

An Impressive Effort
Overall, the new C-Class represents a step forward in the evolution of the premium compact sedan, at least for those comfortable with the burgeoning electronic age. Sport models--even the bigger-engine C350 versions--can't match the overall performance of top rivals, but project the proper air despite a slightly softer demeanor. However, it's the Luxury model that seems to best exemplify what the three-pointed star has come to portray. Particularly in 4Matic form, it's a comfortable, confidence-inspiring car that should give Mercedes a boost--in both image and sales.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport