CD Article: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C230 4Matic

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:


Sold only in Canada, the new C230 is Mercedes-Benz' entry-level sedan.  It's "a winner", says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, with all the luxury of its C-Class siblings at a lower price, starting at $35,800.  

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Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[2hondas1BMW]

Very nice vehicle from the outside...but that is the most grey and boring interior I have ever seen? Does anyone else agree with me?

[MKII]

I agree, inside at least the centre stack looks very B -class (cheeeeeeeeeap) segment vehicle.

[Marc_]

I think these cars may attract people who want a MB, but can't afford it and shouldn’t buy it.

I had a friend who used to work for MB, in their finance side, and he was the one making the calls on late payments etc.

He said the worst Mercedes customers are the ones who buy the cheapest models, but think they are the 'biggest players'.  He would get lines like "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?"  All the time when calling on late payments.  The most cars often repossessed?  The base model C Class and B Class.

Now, that being said, if I was in the market for an entry level luxury car, this would make my short list for both the outside looks, and the prestige of saying "I drive a Benz".   

Does it still cary that prestige?  Does BMW? 

I know when I tell people I drive a Saab (and I say it quite proudly) I often get looks of sympathy 

[Mitlov]

Very nice vehicle from the outside...but that is the most grey and boring interior I have ever seen? Does anyone else agree with me?

See it in person before passing judgment.  The new C-Class interior photographs very poorly, but exudes luxury and over-engineering in person.  I felt the same way you did about the C-Class interior until I test-drove a C300 Luxury.  While I didn't like the driving experience, the interior was very nice...

[tpl]

Very nice vehicle from the outside...but that is the most grey and boring interior I have ever seen? Does anyone else agree with me?

I agree with Mitlov on this. I thought the interior was very well done, quiet and well designed.


The C300 4-matic is tie 1st on my list to replace my BMW  with the 328xi as the competition,

If only they would put the real gearbox in front of the 4-matic hardware the M-B would win.

[Giant Dwarf]

Very nice vehicle from the outside...but that is the most grey and boring interior I have ever seen? Does anyone else agree with me?

See it in person before passing judgment.  The new C-Class interior photographs very poorly, but exudes luxury and over-engineering in person.  I felt the same way you did about the C-Class interior until I test-drove a C300 Luxury.  While I didn't like the driving experience, the interior was very nice...

   I agree with Mitlov too.  I spent a fair bit of time nosing around the C300 they had at the auto show this year and found it to be very impressively finished inside and out.  The 'solid, bank-vault feeling' Benzes are known for was evident even from sitting in it and closing the door. 

Mercedes definitely has a visual winner with the new C-class and having a reasonably affordable and efficient, handsome AWD sedan can only mean good things here.

[safristi]

i tho't the thread was about the C230....................?..funny isn't it that even the reviewers are quoting wot ya can get in the USofA...   more car fer less $$$'s.....that would have been (IS???) a No No previously.............

[Schmengie]

The C230 looks like the world's most expensive Kia Spectra but with a more boring interior.

[2hondas1BMW]

Well I was just judging from the pictures...of course I would have to see the vehicle in person to decide.

[Iso Octane]

I think these cars may attract people who want a MB, but can't afford it and shouldn’t buy it.

Man I wish people wouldn't relate cars with status.


...


^ Yeah, good luck with that. 

[sailor723]

i tho't the thread was about the C230....................?..funny isn't it that even the reviewers are quoting wot ya can get in the USofA...   more car fer less $$$'s.....that would have been (IS???) a No No previously.............

I have to agree Saf....When even the reviewer brings up how large the price spread is with the US the CDN price has to be pretty bad.

[Mitlov]

The C230 looks like the world's most expensive Kia Spectra but with a more boring interior.

Once again, see it in person before you judge.  When I first saw pictures of the new C-Class, I thought it looked like the new Sebring with a three-pointed-star badge.  When I saw it in person, it took my breath away.  Competes with the E46 3-Series for the "best-looking German sedan ever" award, in my opinion.

[Mitlov]

Overall, this is an extremely nice car to drive. When compared to BMW and Audi, I find that Mercedes feels like it has more heft to it, although it's never cumbersome: the competitors seem sportier, while Mercedes is old-money luxury. The C230 may be the least expensive C-Class, but it still has all the sumptuous feel and silky ride inherent to the brand.

Very accurate assessment from my seat-time in a C300.  It feels like a bank vault going down the road, and the interior is a very very nice place to be, though it's downright boring to drive compared to a 3-Series.  If I was driving, I would rather have the 3.  If I was a passenger, though, I'd definitely want the C.

[Schmengie]

The C230 looks like the world's most expensive Kia Spectra but with a more boring interior.

Once again, see it in person before you judge.  When I first saw pictures of the new C-Class, I thought it looked like the new Sebring with a three-pointed-star badge.  When I saw it in person, it took my breath away.  Competes with the E46 3-Series for the "best-looking German sedan ever" award, in my opinion.

Actually, I HAVE seen it in person, and I still think it looks too much like the Spectra, especially the shape of the grill and headlights. Even the mesh in the lower grill opening looks the same. Not very distinctive at all IMO, and the shape of the greenhouse is quite generic with the exception of the slightly bowed beltline.

Acres of gray plastic and leatherette (which is nothing but gentrified VINYL) = boring in this price range.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Mercedes has done a great job redesigning the C-Class - it's finally as competitive as it should have been years ago. Sat in one and found the interior quite good, near top of the class. Exterior doesn't scream base model - quite classy. Plus the Canada-only C230 4Matic is fantastic value. I'd certainly shop one.

[Mike-NB]

While I agree with MB that the Canadian market is more frugal, I wonder what sense a 'frugal' Benz makes in this market.  I suspect, as noted by another commenter above, that the biggest customer base for these types of cars are those who really are pushing the affordability envelope to get a car that they perceive as having a certain level of status. 

As one of those frugal Canadians that MB is targeting, but not being one concerned with status, the need for premium fuel would kill the deal for me.  Why, in 2008, does MB need premium fuel to get just over 200hp from a 2.5L V6?  If this were a GM engine it would pump out 250hp while burning Bunker-C oil.  Maybe that is part of the cachet of driving a Benz though, as you look down on us minions at the 'regular' pumps. 

[johngenx]

Every gas MB sold in Canada for decades has required premium gas.  The low compression 2.3L engine of the 1984 190E 2.3 (113 roaring ponies) required premium.

[The Mighty Duck]

Why, in 2008, does MB need premium fuel to get just over 200hp from a 2.5L V6?  If this were a GM engine it would pump out 250hp while burning Bunker-C oil.  Maybe that is part of the cachet of driving a Benz though, as you look down on us minions at the 'regular' pumps. 

  The MINI needs premium, too.  If the Fit, Yaris, Accent, etc. can get 110hp from a four-pot with regular, why does the MINI need premium to do the same job?  I understand why the S needs premium fuel, but there's no reason I can see that the base model should...

[Bullet Blue]

I just noticed it, but is there two turn signal stocks on the left side of the steering wheel? I assume one of them is for the wipers?