Rear-wheel drive combines with a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-member multi-link rear suspension. The double-wishbone setup is superior to a strut-type design. By not requiring the shock absorber to help locate the front suspension, it can be softer; the wide placement of the upper and lower wishbones contributes to sturdiness. The multi-link rear suspension is space efficient -- allowing a larger trunk. It also eliminates unwanted rear-steering effects and incorporates anti-lift and anti-squat characteristics. That means the car tends to be more stable in corners, under hard braking and during hard acceleration.
Brake Assist, standard on both C-Class models, goes one step beyond the standard anti-lock braking system. Many drivers don't brake hard enough for emergency situations. Brake Assist detects panic braking by how quickly the brake pedal is pushed and applies full braking force.
ESP or Electronic Stability Program is now standard on both C-Class models. It combines wheel speed and yaw sensors with a computer program that detects impending slides or spins and helps prevent either by braking a single wheel.
In the event of a collision, the new TeleAid system automatically summons emergency aid and tells rescuers where to find you, thanks to its Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system. TeleAid can also be used for non-emergency roadside mechanical assistance or information about the car.
All C-Class models have a driver-adaptive 5-speed automatic transmission. The computer modifies shifting to match how and where the car is being driven at the moment. By sensing throttle position and speed, for example, it can determine the car is going downhill and will hold the car in gear, rather than upshifting, to provide engine braking. Press the pedal quickly and the computer will assume the driver wants to downshift for quicker acceleration. The system reduces hunting between gears by discerning uphill grades. It also uses data from the cruise control system and engine temperature to control shifting.
The Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor offered excellent balance and competence in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. The added power of the supercharged engine provides the gumption that was lacking in the old C230, allowing the Kompressor to climb hills with authority and a growl. Traction control only came into play over loose surfaces, and since we never overdrove the roadway, we never experienced the ESP.
The Sport suspension lived up to its name. Roads through the Poconos are narrow and winding with odd camber changes. Our Kompressor Sport maintained its composure even when driven at speed. The trickiest road could not fool its suspension. Just steer where you want to go and the C-Class Sport goes there. Shock damping is superb. Even over sharp crests, this car seems stuck to the pavement. In short, the C230 Kompressor Sport feels more like a sports car than a sedan.
On Interstate 80 heading west, halfway across Pennsylvania, the C230 Kompressor Sport proved itself an able cruiser. Even over long uphill and downhill grades, its speed control never varied from the selected speed. There is little wind noise, but there is enough tire rumble to keep it from feeling like a tomb. The responsive steering calls for a steady hand on the helm, however. It is, after all, a driver's car.
The automatic transmission was utterly flawless driving around town with smooth shifts detectable only on the tachometer. At full throttle, the transmission and engine computers talk to each other for silky smooth shifting. If desired, the driver can choose gears manually. Next Page