Mercedes-Benz of Nashville

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Walk Around

The C-Class was completely redone in 2008, the fourth-generation of the C-Class known to three-pointed tar faithful by its W204 codename. Apart from the V6 engines, transmissions and those three-pointed stars little was carried forward.

While larger than its predecessor its dimensions reflect the class; very similar to BMW's 3-Series and just a couple of inches shorter and less wheelbase than Audi's 2009 A4. Like most vehicles in this class the size gives good urban utility with the ability to carry four passengers and some luggage.

The C is distinguished from earlier versions by its headlamps that feature round lamps within a rectangular housing, eyebrow lights above the main beams, and a wider grille reminiscent of the big CLS and CL-Class Benz coupes. This is more evident on Sport C models with the star in the grille than it is on the Luxury models with more chrome and the traditional hood ornament. At the rear the C has a typical Mercedes light layout and comes across as a scaled-down version of the S-Class sedan, with rounder edges and lots of taper.

Character lines on the sides of the car present a forward-leaning profile, more of a wedge that certainly aids in making this iteration the sportiest-appearing of any C-Class; the hood seam carries from headlight corner to the window bases, and the lower character line starts behind the front wheels and gets heavier as it rises to the rear, squeezing the window line ever tauter, and ending at the top of the tail lamp opening. Wheels play a big part too, the Sport cars using twin-spoke wheels with some attitude while the Luxury versions use finer more elegant wheels.

Closing the door brings a different sound than the old bank vault Benzes did, perhaps because the outer skin of the doors, hood, front fenders and trunk is aluminum. However, the basic structure is very rigid and has lots of high-strength steel in it, providing three benefits: First, it keeps squeaks and rattles away, as both of our examples made no noise at all when subjected to opening the doors and trunk while parked on just three wheels; second, it makes a good handling and comfort compromise easier to reach; and third, it will help keep you alive should you attempt to rearrange by force any civil engineering.

The hot-rod C63 by Mercedes-owned AMG is the most aggressive C-Class, the Sport-style front end appearing even more imposing because of the 63's extra front track width and bigger coolers lurking behind the grille. The wheels are similar in design and size to the Sport option 18s but the brakes behind them are substantially larger, and at the rear are a lip spoiler, mild diffuser, and four large tailpipes. Look carefully and you'll see at least 15 AMG markers outside (minimum 9 inside), though anyone who hears it will know this is no plain C-Class.

Mercedes claims the new C is at least 12 percent stiffer than the old chassis, partially a result of the C being the first in Mercedes-Benz history essentially designed, developed and validated by computer.

Interior

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Regardless of model the C-Class interior is familiar Mercedes-Benz function not trumped by form; the miniature seats on the doors used for adjustment, floor-mounted gas pedal, the sophisticated light switch to driver's left, all the control stalks on the left side of the steering wheel (to keep the right hand free for shifting), glovebox latch where the driver can reach it, and no sharp edges even on switches or vent adjusters all staples of Stuttgart.

Upholstery is called M-B Tex and it looks more like leather than the real thing on some cars, wears well and is PETA approved; leather is available on any C. Some cars have aluminum trim, others walnut or maple, and you can pop for carbon fiber on the C63 but whichever you choose it is the real thing. Most of the trim, all the way down to the Mercedes-Benz badges in the front floor mats, is low-glare so errant reflections don't distract or dazzle the driver, and assembly quality is first-rate.

Front seats are electrically adjusted with heaters available and with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel (powered, with driver memory as standard on C350 and C63 for 2009) provide good support and driving position; those of larger sizes may find the Sport seats a tad confining while others will appreciate the lateral support. Luxury model seats are less aggressively bolstered but maintain the hours-long support and comfort.

Relative to some other ultra-performance sedan seats those in the C63 don't look overly racy and hard to extricate yourself from but the deep side bolsters and range of adjustments offer superb lateral support (these seats preclude the pelvic side airbags standard on all other C for 2009). All C63 have aluminum shift paddles behind the steering wheel (upshift right, downshift left); a leather and Alcantara flat-bottom wheel is available.

Cabin styling follows the same forward-sloping theme as the outside, with armrests that gently fall away forward and end in window switch plates angled parallel the dash and center stack of controls. The center console also slopes downward forward, adding control space to the vertical surfaces, and the dashboards arches downward away from the windshield adding a degree of spaciousness.

Instruments comprise analog coolant temperature and fuel left, speed/display center, and tachometer to the right. The speedometer needle rides around the outer periphery of the gauge, the center a digital display used for the extensive information available though the steering wheel controls; everything from oil temperature to directional instructions can be called up here, and for 2009 more trip computer data is available. In events that require immediate attention, such as a manual upshift or loss of oil pressure, the entire display switches to red.

Above the center vents is the screen, which varies in size based on options, and hides below the dash when the car is off or you turn it off. Direct sunlight may wash it out and polarized sunglasses may make some info difficult to read (problems not exclusive to Mercedes) but the screen is very close to line of sight without interfering in it; some of the vision issues are overcome by using the speedometer display for route following.

Below the vents are audio system controls and the 10-key pad for the COMAND system (M-B's audio/navi/phone integration) and below that ancillary switches for bits like the rear window shade and seat heaters. At the bottom of the panel is the standard dual-zone climate control, so you needn't fumble through menus trying to thaw.

For 2009 the electronics have been upgraded, with 6 GB of the HDD's 40 set aside for music and a Zagat restaurant guide; buyers who forego navigation can still use New Car Test Drive's old-school approach of using radar detectors to rule out establishments with microwave ovens. COMAND also adds an auxiliary input for iPods, and the Multimedia package plays CD, DVD and memory-card source material.

The available harman/kardon 5.1 surround sound system features 450 watts to drive 12 speakers, and makes the best of all of them with good sound stage and plenty of impact. It's amusing that a large round controller moves a needle across the radio tuning display screen just as an old radio dial with vertical pointer gliding left and right.

Behind the ashtray Mercedes' auto shifter solves the dilemma about whether the up/down shift direction should be forward/backwards respectively or vice-versa by making downshifts to the left and upshifts to the right. Automatics offer multiple modes requiring nothing more than a button push or holding the lever left of right for one second; it's a simple setup many could do well to emulate.

Under the driver's right arm are clamshell-opening armrests and the controller that's become the de facto computer mouse in modern premium cars. With just a few buttons and click/rotate wheel it can execute a wide variety of commands, and while the system may not be as intuitive as the benchmarks it's far better than employing 200 buttons to do the same thing. When pressed we'd label it better than BMW's 2008-or-older iDrive and not quite up to Audi's MMI but these are akin to Mac vs. PC decisions best left to individual owners. Do, however, have someone else do a test drive so you can see which commands can be done, and how easily, while the vehicle is in motion.

As in most compact sedans rear-seat legroom is likely the defining measurement because it's fine for kids and smaller adults but perhaps not the best for need-impressing clients or big golf buddies. Size aside, those riders do get a nicely shaped and proportioned seat, reading lights, door pockets, comfy center armrest and AC vents; available on most C are a folding 60/40 rear seat and rear window shade.

Driver visibility is very good, especially on cars with the bi-Xenon headlamps, although by compact sedan standards the side mirrors are relatively large and shorter drivers may find themselves having to peer around sometimes. There are three rear headrests but they don't obscure rear vision.

Trunk space amounts to about 12 cubic feet, adequate but not class-leading. Load height is reasonable and the well isn't too deep so you won't need a crane to unload overstuffed suitcases.

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