2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

The first of many versions of the revamped Mercedes-Benz entry level C-Class models arrived as a 2001 sedan with sleek, top-line Mercedes S-Class styling. Predictably, it was a hit--having replaced competent, but unexciting, entry C-Class models.

There now are a variety of C-Class sedans, coupes and station wagon versions, with base prices from $24,950 to $50,400. But most C-Class models stop at $36,700; the top-price C32 model is a 349-horsepower hot rod from Mercedes' elite AMG arm.

Most prices don't top $37,000 because the C-Class is meant to be an "entry level'' luxury car, with Mercedes' E-Class models stepping in as full-luxury cars.

To further confuse things, there are no less than four C-Class supercharged and non-supercharged engines ranging in horsepower from 189 to 349.

The 2001 C320 sedan felt good when introduced, even while being driven hard in the mountains near Vancouver, Canada, at its media introduction. The sedan still is the most popular of the C-Class bunch, with its 3.2-liter, 215-horsepower V-6.

The 2003 version of the C320 four-door I tested came in new $35,200 Sports Sedan form. It has the same potent 3.2-liter, 215-horsepower V-6 of the standard C320 sedan, but is equipped with special items. They include a sport suspension with extra-wide 45-series tires on big 17-inch spoke alloy wheels and special aerodynamic body add-ons such as lower body cladding.

The interior has very supportive power front sport seats, leather seating inserts and textured aluminum trim instead of wood trim.

Surprisingly, the C320 Sports Sedan has the same base price as the regular C320 sedan. Mercedes spokesman Fred Heiler explained that's because the C320 Sports Sedan has interior textured aluminum trim, which looks sportier but costs less than the regular C320's "very expensive'' wood trim.

The new C-Class sedans and wagons also now offer an advanced $1,800 all-wheel-drive system. It's available with an automatic transmission for all models except the entry C230 coupe and C32.

That system allows better traction, especially on slippery roads. But even rear-drive C-Class models display above-average roadability because they have such standard features as stability control and brake-assist systems.

My test car's firmer suspension and wider tires allowed athletic handling, but it felt more like a near-luxury sedan than a sporty near-luxury sedan such as a BMW 3-Series sedan. Sports sedans typically feel light on their feet, and the C320 has such solid construction that it feels considerably heavier than its 3,310-pound curb weight.

Even the sport suspension allows a smooth ride on bad roads, with no unwelcome jolts. The power steering is precise, although somewhat heavy, and the car confidently sweeps through curves at high speeds with no body sway or unsettling motions. The brake pedal is a bit soft, but allows progressive action and exceptionally short, undramatic stops.

The standard transmission is a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission, which seems OK for the sportier, entry $24,950 C230 two-door Sports Coupe--but rather out of place in the C320 Sports Sedan. My test car had the $1,325 five-speed automatic transmission, which some might feel is better suited to the car's luxurious nature. Perhaps the manual gearbox should be optional.

That automatic can be shifted manually, but why bother if not, say, driving in the mountains? The automatic upshifts seamlessly and adapts itself to an individual's driving style when in fully automatic mode. For instance, a driver who experiences frequent highway merging will find that the transmission holds each gear longer for quicker acceleration.

The C320 Sports Sedan scoots to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and tops out at 130 mph before electronic controls prevent the car from going faster. More importantly, the engine provides quick 65-75 mph passing times and loafs at 2,500 rpm at 65 mph.

Fuel economy is an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 on highways, with the heavier all-wheel-drive model delivering 19 and 25.

Large, nicely shaped outside door handles allow quick entry if it's raining or the car is in a dimly lit parking area. However, inside door handles should be larger.

There's decent room for four 6-footers in the quiet interior, although a tall passenger will find his or her legs touching the back of the driver's seat if it's shoved back a lot. The center of the rear seat is too hard for comfort unless you're on a pillow.

The rich-looking interior has easily read gauges and nicely sized controls put where they're supposed to be. But the console has a pop-out cupholder with a gimmicky design that's out of place in the generally no-nonsense interior. Rearview mirrors also should be a little larger.

Assist grips above all doors are there for those who need help getting out, and front doors have deep storage pockets. Even the glove compartment is fairly roomy.

The trunk is roomy with a low opening. But Mercedes is sticking with manual hinges instead of hydraulic struts for its lid. However, the hood goes up smoothly with such struts. Too bad the sophisticated engine is hidden beneath a giant plastic cover.

Always big on safety, Mercedes gives the C320 safety features including side air bags in all doors and side curtain air bags for all outboard occupants.

The C320 Sports Sedan gives its owner the sublime comfort of a near-luxury Mercedes and sports sedan performance. If it doesn't quite have the racy image of a BMW--well, you can't have everything.


MERCEDES-BENZ C320 SPORTS SEDAN
Price:
$35,200

Likes:
Sleek. Fast. Rock-solid. Fairly roomy. Athletic handling. Smooth ride.

Dislikes:
Feels more like a near-luxury sedan than a sports sedan. Rather small outside rearview mirrors. Some might prefer standard automatic transmission.