The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has never TRULY challenged the 3-Series. Is that about to change?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has never TRULY challenged the 3-Series. Is that about to change?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has really had its ups and downs over the years. Some of the models have been impressive and done well but some have 'we don't really care about this model or a budget Mercedes is a necessary evil' written all over them.

And because of that, the car has never truly challenged the BMW 3-Series.

Is that all about to change?

2007 is a big year for Mercedes and a lot is riding on the success of the totally re-designed 2008 C-Class.

And based on the spy photos and videos, the new design looks like it will be the most beautiful C-Class ever.

But how will it drive?

Solid and heavy in the tradional Mercedes fashion or have they made a better 3-Series?

That's the $64,000 question.

001 will be at an undisclosed location sometime in January getting his first drive in the new C-Class.

So you can be assured you will be the first to know if Mercedes has knocked it out of the park or made a whole lot of better sameness.

We're going to give them the benefit of the doubt for the time being because our internal moles have leaked information to us that says the new 'C' will get an 'A' on its report card.

Waht's your opinon on this subject?

For know, enjoy the best photo so far and the video.



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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/22/2006 12:32:58 PM
+7 Boost
I love the CL rear.

But I'm scared that this will be another half-hearted attempt by Mercedes.

I think they should stick with their guns and just kill the IS350- don't target the 335i. It's not going to work!

Mercedes: LUXURY

BMW: SPORT

And that shouldn't change any time soon.


SSP350SSP350 - 12/22/2006 1:39:00 PM
-2 Boost
That sounds very bias. Even if they made the C Class a piece of shit car, people will still buy it because its a "Mercedes".


BillBill - 12/22/2006 10:09:03 PM
+4 Boost
Um....?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/22/2006 11:09:56 PM
+5 Boost
When did I say it wouldn't sell?

I just said they shouldn't target the 3 Series.


NeverfollowNeverfollow - 12/22/2006 12:34:12 PM
0 Boost
Unless they use a unique platform and don't share ANY suspension components with the E-Class or CLK-class, we can expect more of the same from MB. The C-class has always been about parts sharing. The more parts they can use from other members of the line up, the cheaper the car can be built to hit that entry luxury price point of $35K to $45K. I would not be looking for anything revolutionary from this car. Drive an E and I'm sure you'll get the jist of it.


WillisWillis - 12/22/2006 1:19:04 PM
+2 Boost
Huh? What are you trying to imply in your post?

I drive the current C Class, the V6 C230 and it is a fun little car. Not quite a BMW 3 Series beater, but sporty enough for the enthusiastic driver and still loyal to traditional MB philosophy.

The upcoming C Class looks very promising. Design wise, it implies class, elegance and sportiness. It will hands down be a great improvement over the current C Class. I am looking forward to this car and if the price is right and driving dynamics are convincing, I might even get one.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 12/22/2006 8:49:32 PM
+4 Boost
actually the "clk" is based on the c class totally, not the "e class" in the slightest exceot the v8.....motortrend did an article on it, and they were saying it actually is cheaper for MB to build the clk than it is to build c class its based on, but they charge almost 10,000 more, alot of profit there, not a big mercedes fan but they have strong brand name, and they can prestige price everything dont believe me see people spend thousands over the competition to get a "mercedes" not one of them but hey it works people buy them, the c class looks promising, ive always had a thing for the amg c class models....but i agree its about saving money and sharing parts at "any" brand, dont think that takes away from the car "in some cases" in the case of the c class sharing with "more expensive cars" not bad at all.


BM3WBM3W - 12/22/2006 12:48:04 PM
+8 Boost
So Mercedes wants to get in line for the next "who wants to try and dethrone the 3 series shoot-out". I'm happy for them. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a beautiful car. It certainly may challenge the 3-series but will not topple it. BMW's mechanical engineers are un-matched.


SixxFiveSixxFive - 12/22/2006 12:53:01 PM
+8 Boost
So far I like the exterior design - hope the interior materials and design are an improvement over the current car.


Sauceboy01Sauceboy01 - 12/22/2006 1:15:40 PM
+5 Boost
The Current car with the latest models are actually quite nice on the interior. Look inside a sport model next time you see one.. you'll be surprised!


WillisWillis - 12/22/2006 1:21:09 PM
+2 Boost
I am with Sauceboy. I drive a refreshed C230 and the interior materials are pretty nice. Not class leading like the Audi A4, but nice and of high quality.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/24/2006 12:13:09 PM
0 Boost
I like Mercedes interiors too (S-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, CLS- all beautiful), but I don't think a single model has a cabin that bests its Audi competitor. I would say that A8 and S-Class interiors are equal.


Sauceboy01Sauceboy01 - 12/22/2006 1:12:00 PM
+2 Boost
001! Can i come with you on this one? hehe.

Also, HIDDEN CAMERAS!! Think about it!


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 12/22/2006 1:12:51 PM
+10 Boost
I don't think Mercedes is even going to attempt to "out 3 the 3". Fact is people people the C class and the 3-series for different reasons -- the bulk of people buying C's do so because they dream of owning a Mercedes and see a way to get entry into the club cheap. Mercedes doesn't need to really target the 3-series because the C-class will sell to those people no matter what.


Sauceboy01Sauceboy01 - 12/22/2006 1:16:17 PM
+6 Boost
bingo!


WillisWillis - 12/22/2006 1:21:36 PM
+4 Boost
Agreed.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/22/2006 11:09:12 PM
+4 Boost
Completely right.


jaeggarjaeggar - 12/22/2006 1:18:52 PM
+4 Boost
hope merc stick to their traditional approach and not sacrifice too much ride comfort for BMW standards of sportiness.adequate enough handling and better interior quality could make the C as appealing as the 3 and not neccesarilly out-handling it.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 12/22/2006 8:58:07 PM
+4 Boost
i agree somewhat, but the c class, doesnt have that good of a ride to be considered the "comfort" choice, the 3 series and the c class ride alot like and the c class and e class certainly no better than a 3 or 5 i know ive driven and riden in all of them and own a 545, except the 3 handles and performs better. mercedes dont have a floaty ride or soft ride, firm, smooth controlled ride and as with bmw except they have more body roll, i think if comfort were the reasons people bought c classes they wouldnt, they would be driving a lexus es and alot of people do. mercedes is just as much about performance "or at least they want to be" as bmw, how many amg models do they have, every model has a sport package with "firmer" settings. they arent lexus, cadillac, or acura.


markusckmarkusck - 12/22/2006 1:48:45 PM
-2 Boost
Hey 001, Lets hope the interior ditches the Chrysler motif and the exterior has less of a taxi vibe... :)

Seriously, ive said it before, IF Mercedes releases this version so it looks complete, in other words so it looks like its had all the refreshing it would have gotten in 4 years, then home run. If they make the future model refresh easy for them by skimping on side skirts, wheels, front/rear valances, lights, ride height, it will have the 'first impression' problem. No matter what they do to it later in life, that first impression will stick. IF it looks frumpy and safe now NO way will it compete with the 3er which looks very well finished, sporty and aggresive.

My example is to take the first model year of the current C class and compare to the model refresh, completly different vibe, from frumpy to sleek sport...yet most people still think of it as that initial squirly headlighted chick car...shame. BUT at the end of the day, they will sell, and sell well, even if I will have to wait for the refresh...


EL34EL34 - 12/22/2006 2:44:05 PM
+10 Boost
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a car that is for mature adults at least it seems to me.

The BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 are for sports enthusiast of all ages.

The Lexus IS is for speedracers that like to be annoying with their silly sounding aftermarket exhausts.


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 12/22/2006 4:39:34 PM
-6 Boost
3 series not equal to a4. not even close. merc is a lot closer.


WillisWillis - 12/22/2006 4:44:18 PM
+4 Boost
AB,

Your comment "3 series not equal to a4" generally implies that the 3 Series is NOT EQUAL TO THE AUDI A4. You're virtually saying that the Audi A4 is the BENCHMARK in this class and that the BMW 3 Series isn't a leader but a follower in this class.

Just thought I'd let you know.


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 12/22/2006 4:52:57 PM
-2 Boost
obviously meant the opposite
A4 is ore g35 competitor.. in this class the 3 and c class (new one) will be in a league of their own


JCF110JCF110 - 12/22/2006 6:31:58 PM
-3 Boost
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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/22/2006 7:53:54 PM
-10 Boost
What! Mercedes? That's actually pretty attractive.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/27/2006 2:00:07 AM
0 Boost
Why am I getting deboosted for that? I was saying that this Mercedes looks good.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/22/2006 11:13:31 PM
+5 Boost
You don't think so? The new C's rear (in this picture) is clearly reminescent of the new CL- and that's a huge compliment. I think it looks very upmarket for an "entry-level" luxury sedan.


wooodwoood - 12/22/2006 9:52:11 PM
+6 Boost
It would have been a whole new arguement if the title of this article said New AMG C63 to dethrone M3 or something like that. Because the regular models of MB and BMW have completely different markets.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/24/2006 2:08:00 AM
+1 Boost
I disagree. Sales have clearly shown that both the 3 Series and A4 have broader appeal than the C-Class. People don't necessarily appreciate driving them- but they like the "sporty" image.


godofhackergodofhacker - 12/23/2006 12:19:57 AM
+1 Boost
Merc and BMW are cars from 2 different world and have their own fan. The characteristic of Merc engine not suitable for youngster but good for person about their 40's. For someone below 40's BMW is your ideal car not from looks perspective but from fun side.


BillBill - 12/23/2006 7:03:56 AM
+2 Boost
Jesus, will these stereotypes stop someday?

The C-Class is the car from Mercedes aimed at younger buyers.




2JZSoarer2JZSoarer - 12/23/2006 1:15:21 AM
+1 Boost
Thats some nice R&D equipment!!


AdmiralT20AdmiralT20 - 12/23/2006 10:14:20 AM
+4 Boost
I am impressed with the level of maturity displayed in this post. No name calling, everyone is airing their opinion in a respective manner, and no public display of "fanboy" mentality.
Happy Holidays everyone, and please drive safe.



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/24/2006 12:14:39 PM
+2 Boost
Well, AmazingBimmer just ruined it.


IZZIE06IZZIE06 - 12/23/2006 7:05:37 PM
+4 Boost
HAPPY HOLIDAYS





AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 12/24/2006 11:43:08 AM
-1 Boost
i especially like how s4 slips in the lumping of the a4 with the 3 series and therefore thinks by doing so, he legimitizes the VW!. regardless, i thenink this C class will come closer to the 3 than anything out there currently in the market.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/24/2006 12:14:15 PM
+1 Boost
I especially like how you continue to submit mindless bashings that nobody listens to so that you can stretch your endless ego around your body.

Have fun licking your BMW.


MunichRobMunichRob - 12/26/2006 5:43:22 AM
0 Boost
I actually have to agree with "Will" for once...The back end of this car isn't all that appealing to me. I'm not a big fan of the rear of the new CL either, & this is no more appealing in my eyes.

I love Benz's, I'm not a hater...Just an opinion, don't kill me for it.


MunichRobMunichRob - 12/26/2006 5:46:24 AM
+2 Boost
"AmazingBimmer" just answer my question...You don't happen to be one of those close minded people who are too close minded to admit their close minded, are you?


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 12/26/2006 11:38:12 AM
+1 Boost
s4.. I will.. you have fun justifying your VW!
Munich... I am not closed minded. I like Mercedes, BMW, Aston, Range rover. But it really infuriates me when the VW crowd or th elexus crowd pretend they are inthe same league. thats all. Plain and simple.


BuzzBuzz - 12/26/2006 5:51:13 PM
+3 Boost
Hi. This is my first entry to this site, and I work for Lexus in Australia. I just thought it was worth pointing out that all these cars from base models to flagships, are mass produced. None of them are in a 'different league' from their competitors. They all offer slightly different characteristics and advantages, but they're all good cars. The only real thing that makes a difference is the age of the design, relative to its competition. Expect the new C-Class to be pretty good. After Merecedes' reliability problems and warranty issues, their new bread-and-butter model will be impressive. It has to be.
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