The compact luxury sedan market has drastically changed over the past few years and the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is at the forefront of those changes. 2008 marked a major redesign for the C-Class, now carried over into 2009.
The 5-passenger C-Class is available in two distinctly different models: The C300 Luxury model, which offers creature comforts and styling cues based on Mercedes' flagship S-Class sedan; and the Sport model, including the C300 and C350 sport sedans and 4matics that display a more performance look, including a large Mercedes Tri-star emblem in the grille.
Engine choices are a 228 horsepower 3-liter V6, a 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, and a 451 horsepower 6.3-liter V8, found in the limited edition C63 AMG, reportedly the first AMG Mercedes designed from the ground up for performance. A 6-speed manual transmission is found only in the 3.0 liter powered sport model, while all others come equipped with a 7-speed automatic, sending power to the rear wheels or available all wheel drive.
Fuel economy for the C-Class ranges from 12 miles per gallon city to 26 miles per gallon highway.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is $32,900. A fully loaded AMG model can break $70,000. The C-Class is protected by a 4-year, 50,000-mile power train warranty.
With chiseled styling, and available 400 plus horsepower, the 2009 C-Class is a compact luxury sedan that continues to lead the market in design, ergonomics and performance.