Monday 24 October 2011

Mercedes benz c300

Mercedes benz c300 Class is a compact executive car produced by the while the Avantgarde is on the C300 Sport (only US market C-Class with available
Mercedes benz c300
 Mercedes benz c300
Mercedes benz c300
See reviews, specs, and pictures of different Mercedes-Benz C300 trims at CarsDirect and get our low price guarantee on the new Mercedes benz c300
Mercedes benz c300

Mercedes benz c300

Mercedes benz c300

Mercedes benz c300

Mercedes benz c300

Mercedes benz c300

Mercedes benz c300
 
Mercedes Benz C300 design is in line with his strength and agility. It features an aggressive exterior design is dominated by the wide front chrome grille with oversized Mercedes-Benz star as the centerpiece. It’s a look that we really like the Mercedes Benz c300, so we are happy to see the Mercedes Benz C300. The exterior is also highlighted by a front apron with mesh air intakes, a pair of sculptures, side skirts under the door and a rear apron depth. Another nice touch is the new, streamlined exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a sleek look that complements the flowing lines of the car extending from the grille back and forth, and is capped by polished chrome fittings on pipes exhaust.

And under that metal plates in search of a good nit is eager to start. The Mercedes Benz C300 is powered by a 228 horsepower engine 3.0-liter V6 that propels the sport sedan easy highway speeds and provides a rapid response when a little extra acceleration is needed to move vehicles slower. The 7-speed option on our test car was silky thing we expect other test vehicles of the automobile. What’s also nice is that you can set the transmission of the game if you want to respond even better. Handling is a Mercedes Benz C300 is an excellent, multi-link sport suspension. According to Mercedes, the suspension automatically help improve the driving experience in different damping of each wheel, if necessary. Other changes to the suspension ensure optimum response to vibration and improve the Mercedes Benz C300 is predictable when driven hard, according to the carmaker. We have to say on that, because it is one thing, we did not. But what we needed, Mercedes Benz C300 is a pleasure to drive.

Mercedes Benz C300 in theU.S., Mercedes Benz C300 is the smallest class of the vehicle offered by a German manufacturer of luxury cars, but not what you would call a model for beginners. (Canada, offers a Mercedes Class B smaller than the entry-level model). However, despite the smaller company’s offerings, packs a lot of power and functionality, and, like all Mercedes models, offers a location, which is one of the best bargains. Mercedes Benz C300 is the starting price is $ 33,600, which is not bad considering what you get for that amount of money. Despite this being the low-end of the Mercedes lineup, you still get every feature you would expect in a luxury car like Bluetooth, a six-disc and iPod-ready stereo, leather seats, an optional navigation system, power everything, dashboard data system, dual-zone climate control, and HID headlights. For the Mercedes Benz C300 4Matic, however, you have to add $3,500 to the price tag before you even look at options. But that price also includes an upgrade to a 7-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Our 4Matic tester also added the Premium 1 Package that included heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and auto-dimming mirrors. That package adds $2,300 to the price, bringing the total damage to $40,595. Still, with all those features wrapped in a nice package, it certainly makes the Mercedes Benz C300 an attractive option.

The newly redesigned 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in August of 2011. The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes-Benz sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by the stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New-generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features.  Scroll down to view a complete options list for the C250, C300 and C350.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car produced by the Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range (W201, also nicknamed “Baby-Benz”), the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's lineup until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany as well as in Mercedes's factories in Brazil[3] and Daimler AG's South African factory in East London. The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation W204 C-Class was launched in 2007. The C-Class is the entry-level offering in Mercedes-Benz's United States lineup.

The C-Class platform has been used for several coupes, including the CLC-Class (and its predecessor, the C-Class Sportcoupe), the E-class Coupe (and its predecessor, the CLK-Class), and again for the 2012 model year with the C-Class coupe
On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The new family of four cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), the only four cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1996 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with the same output, although with torque increased to 220 N·m (162 lb·ft). The C 280 was the high end model of the class, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-6 engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp).

Four-cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L and 2.2 L versions. Many of these diesel variants were sold as taxis, due to their low fuel consumption and strong reliability. There were also more powerful OM605 five cylinder engines which were available in naturally aspired (C 250 D) and turbocharged (C 250 TD) forms. The turbodiesel was introduced in 1995 and is one of the novelties in the engine range available from this year. The most important was a supercharged version of the M111 straight four, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Due to the tax law in Italy and Portugal, models in those countries featured a supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor.

The 1997 diesel models featured the OM611, equipped with a common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an improved output of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Also, the inline six engines were replaced by a family of V6, the M112. The new engines featured SOHC heads instead of the previous DOHC, three valves per cylinder instead of four, and twin sparkplugs. The four-cylinder C 230 was replaced by the C 240 (2.4 L) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS (3 kW; 4 hp) increase with the change).

In the last four years of production, the W202 received a few changes in the choices of engine. In 1998, a less powerful version of the 2.2 L turbodiesel was added, called C 200 CDI, which replaced the C 220 Diesel. In 2000, the C 200 Kompressor's output was cut to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp), the C 240 displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine.

At the launch the C-Class had a standard driver airbag, ABS and integrated side-impact protection; the front passenger airbag became standard from 1995 onwards, and from the same period Traction control (ETS in the 4-cylinder models, combined with limited slip differential (ASD) or ASR in the 6 cylinders models) was available as extra cost. In 1997 ASR became standard in the C 280s equipped with the automatic transmission and in the C 36 AMG, as ETS in the 4-cylinder models, except for the C 180 and the C 220 Diesel.

[[File:|thumb|left|MY1998 W202 C-Class sedan (Ireland)]]

With the 1997 restyling ASR became standard in all the models, except in the C 180 and C 220 Diesel. This last model continued to offer ETS available as extra cost. Moreover front side airbags and Brake assist (BAS) came in the list of standard safety features. The two basic models finally joined ASR in 1998, and, in 1999, the W202 was the first mid-size sedan to offer ESP as standard in all the range.
In 1995, the C-Class received its first genuine performance model, the C 36 AMG, to counter the new six-cylinder BMW M3. Developed with AMG, the tuning house that had now become a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz, it had a racing-tuned suspension (lowered by 25 mm (1 in)) and in the USA, a four-speed automatic gearbox, followed by a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.6 L engine had a maximum output of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Only a total of 5200 C 36 AMGs were produced.

In late 1997 (1998 model year) AMG developed a new flagship for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a 4.3 L V8, which could now achieve 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm. Unlike the C36, which was in fact a "ready-to-sell" C280 disassembled for tuning at the AMG factory, the C43 was the first AMG car to be completely assembled at the AMG plant in Affalterbach after the acquisition of AMG by Daimler-Benz in 1998. The C43 AMG can achieve a 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) time in 5.8 seconds for the saloon version and 6.1 seconds for the estate. The C43 was the first C-Class to be equipped with a Mercedes-Benz V8 based engine.

The second generation C-Class was introduced in 2000. The sedan debuted with a range of straight-four and V6 gasoline engines and straight-four and straight-five Diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp). The diesels now featured common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for nearly the entire range (except the C 320). For the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the C 200 (1.8 L), C 240 (2.6 L) and C 200 CDI (2.2 L).

In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, with the introduction of the new T-Model station wagon and Sportcoupé.[10][11][12] The Sportcoupé was a three-door liftback made to counter the BMW Compact. Removed from the North American lineup in 2005, replaced by the Mercedes-Benz B-Class in Canada, it continued on sale in other markets. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230,000 Sportcoupés were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil.[13]
The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In this year, the interior styling was changed in all three body styles. The instrument cluster was revised to display a set of analog gauges, and the center console and audio systems were revised. A fully integrated iPod connection kit was available as was a better bluetooth phone system made optional. For the USA market C230, the "sport" package was made standard which included AMG edition bumpers, side skirts and front 4 caliper cross-drilled brakes from the C55. Widebody rear suspension with sport tuned springs and dampers completed the package for 2005 Mercedes c180 2005 280 bhp.[12]

Several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. The C 230, C 280, C 350 replaced the C 240 and C 320, the new-generation 6-cylinder engines developed substantially more power than the older version, by as much as 24% more, whilst also increasing fuel economy and reducing C02 emissions. The C 230, C 280 and C 350 developed 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp), 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) and 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) respectively. The three-valve twin spark design was replaced by a four-valve design, now with variable valve timing. On the diesel side too, things were much improved, with a brand-new V6 3.0 litre CDI diesel. The new V6 diesel offered masses of more power compared to the C 270 CDI, by as much as 32% more, the CO2 emissions and fuel economy were also bettered, the output of this engine 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) and its torque of 510 N·m (380 lb·ft) made it the worlds most powerful diesel at the time.[citation needed] The C 220 CDI received a power increase from 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) to 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) In addition, these engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, a more economical naturally aspirated 1.8 L (C 160) was added to the Sportcoupé lineup.[12]

The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant.

However, the W203 Sportcoupé liftback will continue to be produced in Brazil beyond this date, since Mercedes-Benz does not foresee producing a W204 Sportcoupé. Indeed, it has decided to offer an updated W203-2 or CL203 Sportcoupé with a new restyled front end inspired by the W204 sedan[14] and an improved engine range parallel to the one of the W204. It was also spun off into its own separate line as th

After the performance of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales among high-end buyers by introducing two different AMG versions in the new model, also in 2001. The C 32 AMG scaled back down to a 3.2 L V6 engine, to match the E46 M3 displacement and improve weight distribution, but it required a twin-screw type supercharger (manufactured by IHI) to reach 354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp)) at 6100 rpm and 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0–100 km/h sprint within 5.2 seconds. The second version was C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3.0 L five-cylinder engine, capable of 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) at 3800 rpm and 540 N·m (398 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm. Both were available in all three body styles, but the diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004, as well as the C32 AMG Sportcoupé.

Along with the mid-generation refresh of the C-Class in 2005, the C 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.4 L naturally aspirated V8-powered C 55 AMG. This was an evolution of the V8 engine found in the previous E-Class, with power raised to 367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp) at 5750 rpm and torque climbing to 510 N·m (376 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. The C 55 AMG uses a V8 from the same engine family as the W202-generation C 43 AMG. Though maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time has dropped to 4.9 seconds, and the C55 AMG is considered the sportiest AMG model in the C-Class history before the recent release of the W204 (third generation) C 63 AMG. Unlike the less-powerful V6s in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the C55 AMG continued to use the five-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift
The W204 C-Class has four trim levels of equipment – Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, and AMG. The Classic is the base trim found only on the smaller four-cylinder engine models and come with Brighton cloth seats (ARTICO leather optional), while the Elegance has ARTICO leather (vinyl) upholstery standard (leather optional), and the Avantgarde has Liverpool/ARTICO fabric seats (leather optional). The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille usually on sedan models, with a three-point star bonnet emblem, and is designed to appeal to regular luxury buyers. The Avantgarde and AMG have a grille similar to that on Mercedes' sport coupe models, with two horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star, plus there is additional equipment such as a three-spoke steering wheel, AMG bodykit, lower sport suspension, upgraded brake piston calipers, and larger alloy wheels, and these configurations are designed to position the C-Class as a sports sedan. Unlike previous generations of the C-Class and other contemporary Mercedes sedans which stayed with the traditional grille and hood ornament, the W204's advertising predominantly features the sport grille and AMG bodykit, especially in Canada and the United States.
In the United Kingdom, the Classic line is known as the SE, while the Avantgarde line is known as the Sport which has an AMG bodykit and AMG alloy wheels as standard. Most of the lineup consists of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, there is also a 3.5L V6 petrol and 3.5L V6 diesel, and the V8 petrol for the C63 AMG.[26]

In the United States, the Elegance trim is on the C300 Luxury (RWD with 4MATIC option), while the Avantgarde is on the C300 Sport (only US market C-Class with available manual, RWD with 4MATIC option) and C350 Sport (RWD only). There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no wagon body style. Both lines have an additional amber light in front of the front wheel well.

In Canada, only the AMG trim line is used, while Elegance/Luxury and Avantgarde/Sport trim names are not used. There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no wagon body style. The base C230 (renamed the C250 from 2010 model year onward) is exclusive to the Canadian market and is the only model that has anemities similar to the Elegance/Luxury trim with the traditional grille and three-point star hood ornament. The other C-Class models (C300, C350, C63) all have the AMG bodykit and sport grille standard like the Avantgarde/Sport, and these are optional on the C230 via an $800 Sport Package (which rises to $1200 for the 2011 model year due to the new LED fog lights). All models, except for C63 AMG, are available in both RWD and 4MATIC.[27][28]

The middle of the dashboard has a sliding panel that reveals the color LCD screen, which displays radio and other vehicle secondary functions when the car is in operation. C-Class cars that have the COMAND APS with navigation receive a larger TFT screen (7-inch), which retracts to allow the panel to cover it when the vehicle shuts down.[29][30][31] The 2011 facelift removes the retractable cover and replaces it with a fixed screen, connecting into the instrument cluster.

The 2010 models of the C-Class received a new style of turn signals on the side mirrors. For 2011 model year onwards, the bumper fog lamps in the AMG bodykit have been replaced by LED lights, except for the C63 AMG which retains its unique bumper.


Versions of the car are available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive (the AWD system is the fourth-generation 4MATIC system, not available in right-hand drive format), along with a variety of four and six-cylinder engines (and a 6.2 litre V8 in the C 63 AMG). Engines are the straight-4 M271 and V6 M272 petrol engines, straight-4 OM611 + OM651, and V6 OM642 Diesel engines. Most of the engines are from the W203 C-class, but the C 180 K, C 200 K, C 200 CDI & C 220 CDI derivatives have increased power outputs, also with improvements with respect to emissions and fuel consumption. A high performance AMG version, the C 63 AMG, followed in September 2007, and it has a 6.2 L engine with 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) to rival the Audi RS4 and BMW M3.

A five speed automatic transmission is available for the four cylinder models, while a six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models except the C350, the 7G-Tronic seven speed automatic is available for C 230 K, C 280, C 300, C 320 CDI and standard for the C 350 and 4MATIC models. The C 63 AMG has the 7G-Tronic with AMG SpeedShift enhancements. 4MATIC is available on six cylinder engine models (C 230 4MATIC, C 300, C 350 and C 320 CDI), while four cylinder engine models and the C 63 AMG, are only rear wheel drive.

There is a special system exclusive to this class, named 'Agility control' package, which through its unique concept provides drivers with excellent agility and ride quality. It achieves this feat through a hydro-mechanical set up, which constantly analyzes road conditions and driving 'habits', then it adjusts damper & suspension settings accordingly to provide the driver the best possible balance between ride comfort and agility. Buyers can opt for 'Advanced agility control' package that offers the 'sport' mode button.

In December 2010, Mercedes released some photos and details of W204 C-Class facelift, which was officially unveiled during Detroit Auto Show in January 2011.

Some new features of the new model includes engine start-stop system, 7G-tronic gearbox available for lower end models with revised gear ratios to improve fuel economy. There is also a minor revision of the exterior appearance, including LED daytime running lights integrated into the main headlamps housing, and LED taillights. The interior has been significantly reworked to bring its arrangement and quality closer to the E-Class and S-Class. There is a high resolution screen on the dashboard which has visual functions similar to the S and CL Class models, and it also features the new Mercedes-Benz Comand APS system first seen on the 2010 E Class.

The 2012 C 350 will receive the new 3.5L V6 engine with a 60 degree vee-angle and direct injection. There will also be a new entry-level C 250 which has a 1.8L turbocharged inline-4 with direct injection. These new engines will be mated to an improved 7G-tronic Plus transmission which is calibrated for fuel economy. The C 250 4MATIC (a Canada-only model with a 2.5L V6 which was badged as the C 230 4MATIC from 2008-09, is still offered since 4MATIC isn't yet compatible with the turbo inline-4 engine[32]), C 300 and C 300 4MATIC (3.0L V6) will retain their 90 degree vee-angle V6 engines and the 7G-tronic transmission, while the 6-speed manual transmission which was previously available for the rear-wheel drive 2008-2011 C 230/250 and C 300 has now been dropped in North American markets due to low sales.

The new 2012 models are expected to be available at the dealers starting September 2011.

The C 63 AMG is reportedly the first AMG-Mercedes designed from the ground up for performance, as compared to previous AMG cars which essentially featured "bolt on" performance modifications. The C 63 has a revised front end architecture that is taken from the CLK 63 AMG Black Series.[34] The 7G-Tronic has AMG SpeedShift with three shift modes – Comfort, Sport and Manual – with the last one running with the converter locked allowing the driver to hold the engine at the rev limit. The ESP can now be completely turned off, interfering only under heavy braking. The car also has the quickest, most responsive steering of any Mercedes to date. Car and Driver tested the car in their December 2007 issue and recorded a 0–60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds at 116 mph (187 km/h).[35] This made the C63 AMG the quickest 4-door production sedan in the world at its debut.

In 2010, Mercedes-AMG introduced a new "AMG P31 Development Package" for an extra $6,050, which ups the power to 487 PS (358 kW) compared to 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) for the standard model. Top speed has increased to 280 km/h (170 mph). When equipped with this package, the C63 AMG features a revised ECU and crankshaft.[36]

For 2011, a limited-edition C 63 AMG was introduced by the Mercedes-Benz Specialist Products division, dubbed the "DR520". This is the most powerful version of the C-Class to date, with a power rating of 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) and 650 N·m (480 lb·ft)) of torque. The DR520 is exclusive to the UK market, with production limited to only 20 units.[37][38] In July 2011, Mercedes announced an AMG C63 Black Edition. Available only as a coupe, the Black Edition produces 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, propelling it from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.[39]

For the 2012 model year, a C63 AMG coupe was added to the lineup. The C63 AMG also received the AMG SpeedShift MCT dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, replacing the 7G-Tronic with AMG SpeedShift.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or the "Baby Benz" as it is affectionately known, has been a favorite of entry-level luxury/sport sedan buyers for years. More than just a small sedan with a few three-pointed stars thrown on it, the C-Class provides the core strengths of the brand, such as cutting-edge safety features, lively performance and a feeling of solidity. Fans of ultra-high performance have been thrilled by the AMG versions, which boast blistering acceleration and tenacious handling along with tastefully sporty styling accents.

Style plays into the equation of the small Benz's appeal as well, with the C-Class drawing inspiration from bigger Benzes. The front and rear fascias are instantly recognizable as part of the Mercedes family. In the recent past, the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class wasn't up to the car's traditional standards in terms of quality, but Mercedes has largely rectified the situation on the latest generation of the car.

Invariably, the C-Class is cross-shopped with its German rivals, the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. While the 3 Series is traditionally the most sporting of the trio and the A4 the more luxury-themed, the Benz offers a little of both personalities, along with superior technology features and more prestige for those concerned about such things.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is available in four trim levels: C300 Luxury, C300 Sport, C350 and C63 AMG. The C300 Luxury and C300 Sport share the same engine (a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque), but differ in exterior styling elements, interior trim, front seat design and standard transmission. A seven-speed automatic is standard on the C300 Luxury and optional on the C300 Sport, which comes with a six-speed manual. Both C300s can be had with an all-wheel-drive system known as 4Matic. The C350 comes only in Sport guise and powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed auto is the only transmission choice.

The ultimate C-Class is known as the C63 AMG, a high-performance sports edition with a 6.2-liter V8 shoehorned under the hood. Sending 451 hp and 443 lb-ft to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed automatic, the C63 is a wild machine that accelerates to 60 mph in a lightning-quick 4.4 seconds. Other performance upgrades include a wider front track, revised steering and suspension, meaty 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and aggressively bolstered seats. There are also noticeable exterior styling differences.

In reviews, we've welcomed the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class as a significant improvement over its forebears. The Luxury and Sport flavors of the base model should help attract a wider array of new and traditional buyers, and the interior is mostly up to date in terms of features and design, though it's still not a standout. The C63 AMG is a feather in the company's cap, a ridiculously powerful small sedan that can keep up with the vaunted M3 and sounds better to boot. While the C-Class may be a tad too expensive given its size, power and equipment level, there's no denying the attraction of this refined, luxurious Baby Benz.

The current third-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class debuted for the 2008 model year. Changes since then include a redesigned instrument cluster on Sport models for 2009, and the 2010 addition of a Dynamic Handling package (RWD Sport models only) that adds an active suspension, quicker steering, shift paddles and 18-inch AMG wheels. A back-up camera and keyless ignition/entry were not available prior to 2010.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class debuted in 2001, and there were a variety of changes made to the numerous different models and body styles during the car's lifespan. The initial models were the C240 (168-hp V6) and C320 (215-hp V6) sedans. These were joined the following year by a C320 wagon and the C230 Kompressor two-door hatchback coupe (192-hp supercharged four-cylinder). The C32 AMG also showed up for 2002 saddled to a 3.2-liter supercharged V6 producing 349 hp. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system became available for 2003 on sedan and wagon body styles, while the C320 two-door hatchback, C240 wagon and supercharged C230 sedan arrived. A variety of Sport upgrades debuted for particular models for 2004, while the following year saw freshened exterior styling and a revised interior. The C32 AMG was also replaced for 2005 with the C55 AMG, which featured a 362-hp V8.

The biggest changes occurred for 2006, when the hatchback coupe and wagon were discontinued and a new selection of models and engines debuted that would remain with the car until it was replaced by the current C-Class. This was also the first year for the Sport and Luxury trim designations, which differed in wheel size, transmission choice, suspension tuning, styling elements and interior trim. The C230 Sport (201-hp V6) and C350 Sport (268-hp V6) were joined by the C350 Luxury (same engine as Sport) and the C280 Luxury (228-hp V6). 4Matic all-wheel drive was available on Luxury models.

Those considering this generation Mercedes C-Class probably won't regret their purchase, as there should be more than enough performance and luxury to satisfy them. As with the current model, savvy shoppers should know that other automakers, particularly those from Japan, offered roomier, less costly alternatives that equal or better this C-Class in performance and features, although certainly not status. This C-Class didn't exactly hold its value well, so there are certainly deals to be found. However, given the staggering amount of model designations, body styles, engines and feature content, it's important to make sure you know exactly what you're getting in a used C-Class.

The original Mercedes-Benz C-Class debuted in 1994 as a replacement for the small 190-Class sedan. With more room, a more luxurious cabin and styling that mimicked the larger E-Class, the first C-Class could be had with four-cylinder (C220) or six-cylinder (C280) power, with output ranging from 148 to 194 hp. There was no wagon offered at all during this generation's run (1994-2000). Safety has always been a priority with Mercedes, and as such the C-Class benefited from the early adoption of such technologies as stability control, emergency brake assist and side airbags. Performance of the base C rose through the years, as the 2.2-liter four gave way to a 2.3-liter, which was then replaced by a 2.3-liter supercharged unit.

The hot-rod AMG versions started in 1995 with the C36 that featured a 268-hp inline-6. Serious firepower arrived in 1998 with the debut of the C43, whose 4.3-liter V8 pumped out 302 hp. Die-hard enthusiasts should know that only automatic transmissions came with the AMGs, though this hardly hurt the performance of these fast little sedans.

Either way, used-car shoppers should know that the Mercedes C-Class historically scores high in crash tests, and ownership satisfaction is generally quite high, with consumers praising handling, ride and reliability. However, maintenance is typically costly.

s a mid-cycle refresh successful if it makes owners of the current car feel like suckers? Absolutely. When the fourth-generation C-class arrived in 2007, the dour, cheap interior made us wonder if Mercedes-Benz was serious about calling it a luxury car. For 2012, Mercedes gutted it, refinishing the C with soft, rich plastics befitting the pricier E-class. There are new gauges with higher-quality displays, the seats are more comfortable, and the switchgear looks to have been lifted from the new CLS. It’s so much nicer inside that we actually feel a little bad for customers who already bought a C-class.

If Mercedes-Benz had stopped at the new interior, we probably still would have considered the remodel a triumph, but there are many more changes. Under the new aluminum hood, U.S. buyers will find one of two new engines, both of which will be paired with a seven-speed automatic. At the bottom of the lineup is the new C250. Available in August, the C250 will get a turbocharged 201-hp, 1.8-liter four. If you’re in a big hurry, you’ll find yourself regularly revving past 4000 rpm, but the turbo does provide a good percentage of its 229 lb-ft of torque from just 2000 rpm. Most of the time, the four is barely audible, but it emits a healthy growl when worked hard. Figure on a 0-to-60-mph time of about seven seconds flat. Fuel-economy numbers have not yet been set, but we expect to see a city number of about 23 mpg and a highway figure of about 31.
Mercedes benz c300

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