|
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Mercedes dynamics and comfort in a small package.
2009 C-Class Review Summary & Specifications
The Mercedes C-Class has something for everyone, unless they seek four-cylinder economy in a premium compact sedan. Redesigned in 2008 and further refined for 2009 it adds an element of driving enjoyment to known Mercedes characteristics of safety, stability and luxury defined by driving performance. And if you don't need the larger rear seat, it does so for about $18,000 less than an E-Class.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R. Whale filed this report from Los Angeles
|
|
| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | G.R. Whale |
| Model Lineup | Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport ($32,900); C300 Sport 4Matic ($36,200); C300 Luxury ($34,650); C300 Luxury 4Matic ($36,450); C350 Sport ($39,000); C63AMG ($56,300) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 7-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 228-hp 3.0-liter V6; 268-hp 3.5-liter V6; 451-hp 6.2-liter V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 7-speed automatic; 6-speed manual |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, pelvic airbags, curtain airbags; electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, Pre-Safe, active front headrests |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | 4Matic all-wheel drive |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-334-9200 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mercedes-benz.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 32900 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport ($39,000) |
| Standard Equipment | M-B Tex synthetic upholstery, dual-zone climate control, tilt/telescoping multifunction wheel, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, moonroof, 8-way power sport seats w/driver memory, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, cruise control, trip computer/maintenance minder, AM/FM/Weather/CD audio system with aux input, Bluetooth, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter, alarm, central controller, 5-inch flip-up color display, and wood trim |
| Destination Charge | 875 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | metallic paint ($720), leather upholstery ($1570), P2 package ($1350), Multimedia package ($2980), TeleAid ($650), iPod integration ($375), Panorama roof ($1050), 18-inch wheels ($1010) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 49580 |
| Horse Power | 268 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 258 @ 2400-5000 |
| Fuel Economy | 17/25 |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 |
| Length/Width/Height | 182.3/69.7/56.3 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.1/52.3/41.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 36.9/54.9/33.4 |
| Trunk Volume | 12.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, three-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, five-link, coil springs, gas shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance | 4.1 |
| Curb Weight | 3615 |
| Stock Tires | 225/40ZR18 front; 255/35ZR18 rear |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.4 |
|
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
|