KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine - Mercedes-Benz's smallest series, the C-Class, has been part of the premium German automaker's lineup since 1994, when it supplanted the previous 190-series. Last reworked for 2008, the C-Class gets another major redesign for 2012.
Mercedes-Benz claims that more than 2,000 new parts have been installed. Thirteen new standard features have been added, including Attention Assist, which warns with a coffee-cup icon if driver drowsiness is detected.
As before, two distinct models are available: Sport and Luxury, in coupe and sedan body styles. Four engines are offered, each driving a reworked seven-speed automatic transmission.
Sport sedans feature a thick, flat-bottomed, three-spoke steering wheel, whereas a four-spoke round wheel goes into Luxury editions. The all-new, soft-touch instrument panel incorporates a 5.8-inch information screen. Luxury sedans get Napa leather upholstery and "comfort" headrests (said to be similar to those in 747 jet aircraft). Sport-model headrests are more conventional.
For this generation of the C-Class, Mercedes-Benz is bringing back a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Specifically, it's a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. That's sufficient to yield 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.1 seconds, while achieving a fuel-economy estimate of 21 mpg in city driving and a frugal 31 mpg on the highway.
Stepping up a notch, the 3.0-liter V-6 in C300 models delivers 228 horsepower. In the C350 series, a 3.5-liter V-6 with direct injection generates 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Gas mileage is estimated at 20-mpg city/29-mpg highway, with 0-60 mph acceleration achieved in 5.9 seconds.
Topping the line is the C63 AMG model, with a 6.2-liter V-8 that makes a hefty 451 horsepower, along with 443 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy drops to a less-than-thrifty 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while acceleration to 60 mph takes just 4.4 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. If 451 hp simply won't suffice, sometime during the first quarter of 2012, Mercedes-Benz will be adding an AMG Black Series coupe, rated at 510 horsepower and 457 pound-feet. Selecting that version lowers the 0-60 mph acceleration time to 4.2 seconds - not exactly a stunning difference over the regular C63 AMG. This will be the German automaker's third Black Series model for the U.S. market.
Half of C-Class models sold recently have had 4Matic all-wheel drive, which for 2012 will be offered only on the C300 sedan. All other C-Class cars have rear-wheel drive.
Coupes are "purpose-built for the United States," said product manager Todd Grieco. The coupe's panoramic power moonroof can open completely by sliding rearward, or simply tilt upward. LED running lamps are standard, and coupes sit 1.5 inches lower than sedans. As for interiors, the "coupe and sedan share a lot in common," according to Grieco, but coupes have standard shift paddles and their seats include "strong, big bolsters on the side." Coupes seat four passengers, versus five for C-Class sedans.
Eleven airbags are standard in C-Class models, including driver's knee and thorax airbags. Bodies are made of 70 percent high-strength steel. "This is going to be the safest car in its segment," Grieco predicted. Available extra-cost features include Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Parktronic, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.
Solidity is the Number One benefit of any C-Class model. You get a constant sense of tight build quality, but without a particular feeling of heaviness.
No shortage of power is evident in the four-cylinder C250 sedan, which exhibits virtually no evidence of turbocharger activity. As expected, the V-6 models do their work with a bit less effort, but the difference isn't great.
Four-cylinder and V-6 models cope effectively with road bumps - even constant ones. Occupants definitely feel them all, but each one is conquered in the least troublesome manner, courtesy of an attentive suspension. Fully confident steering feel is accompanied by just-right effort. Near-effortless handling is the norm, whether on straightaways or through twisty, repeated segments, as the C-Class stays right on course as requested. Quick stops yield strong, firm, effective braking.
Engines are generally quiet, though the C350's V-6 emits a stronger exhaust sound when accelerating. Excellent, helpful bolstering keeps occupants suitably positioned on firm, highly supportive, yet pretty comfortable seats. On the down side, gauge numerals are not easy for everyone to see.
Considerably more sense of sportiness is evident in the coupe, even if the technical aspects aren't that much different. Climbing up toward the peak of Mount Washington in New Hampshire, a C250 Sport coupe demonstrated its muscularity with dispatch, though much of the steep ascent was accomplished in first gear.
C-Class sedan prices start at $35,675 (including the $875 destination charge) for a C250 Sport sedan with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The C300 sedan, offered only with 4Matic all-wheel drive, stickers for $38,895, versus $41,450 for a C350 sedan. Heading the group is the C63 AMG sedan, priced at $59,805.
Comparable C-Class coupe prices range from $38,095 for the C250 two-door to $43,245 for the C350 and $62,305 for the C63 AMG. A C350 4Matic coupe is expected next March, but there are no C300 coupes.
C-Class serves as the "gateway to our brand," said product manager Grieco. That means this model "conquests more customers than any other."
Wagons have been part of the C-Class lineup in the past, but Mercedes-Benz does not anticipate adding a wagon to this latest generation in the near future. A C-Class convertible, too, is not in the cards anytime soon.
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