5th Gear tests the W204 Mercedes-Benz C-class

not performance wise...kinda sucks.... I mean if all the other companies have 300+ HP, they should too.
IT's MB for godsake.

Merc has never really been about performance so much in the C class. They may do something, they may not. But I think they recognise that C class buyers are older, so driving thrills aren't a necessity, and A C 350 is not exactly slow, does 0-60 in around 6 seconds. And the C280 is a well placed model, I think it will poach IS sales in the US for people who want something faster than a 250 or want something with a proper automatic, not a CVT, but not something as expensive or fast as an IS350.

the 250 comes in either manual or automatic, but not cvt.

That's weird, I have a site that repeatedly says 250 CVT auto...but it isn't mentioned anywhere else.
I'm wrong, sorry.

We're just spoiled- I don't see how a 3400lb 270hp small sedan could possibly "suck" performance-wise.

i think performance on the new c is good and much better than the old. i think mb is aware of the competition but still need to look out for its ppl they cater to.

their c-amg will definitely be a head tuner and a fast machine. i think the c350 or whatever is between that and the c63 which will be very quick.

keep in mind that mb does not concentrate so much in horsepower wars within the c segment. as proven time and time again their big v8 and v12 are one the best motors in the world.

They are indeed coming back. My 1993 S class had to go to the dealer a while back due to a problem with the engine. My 2001 E class had only a minor problem with the ABS brakes and my 2005 E class has had no problems so far.

Old vid but it does peak my interest in the car. Im a Mercedes guy and I have only had two problems with my new CLK. Im looking forward to driving the new C350.
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Which model year do you have? Havent had any problems with my 06 CLK350 yet.

Very Impressive, MB seems to be back on track to making high quality and reliable cars.
Love the attention to detail.

Only think I don't like is the layout of the center console...too many buttons grouped together and bare plastic.

I can't wait for the C63 AMG...

I hope the new E is more like the S-Class and unlike the C on the inside. Substitute plastic buttons for elegant wood panels.

I've been in the current face-lifted E. Its a great car, very understated.
It has simple interior which may not look or seem great but is really nice, especially at night with the lights on.
Also easy to use with controls laid-out in clear and pleasing design. (unlike the new C which has too much bare plastic and placed too closely together)

I agree, on picture some parts of the dashboard look a bit cheap but in real life everything feels, smells and looks solid and expensive. Those are not just "some" buttons. Everything is engineered to perfection, just like in all German cars.

I'd seriously look at an S-Class if what they say about quality is true. My father's 2007 S-Class appears to be flawless, but he keeps those things tight-lipped around me anyway, for some reason... lol.

The 2007 S-class has been in development for 7 years so it's pretty much perfect. Reliability, quality, leather, .. everything!

Why does everyone keep saying the quality glitches are over. Lets see who's still saying it a year from now.

exactly 1995e43!

The only difference is that these are new UNTARNISHED models which have never experienced problems or have been heavily criticized in the past. The facelifts Mercedes did in 2005-06 improved the cars tremendously.

S4Cabrio: the interior of the C in this video is the sport model, thus the black leather and titanium trim. Non sport models feature the wood. Can't wait to see the new C in person, so far it seems to be another homerun for Mercedes.

Information:
Here in UAE, the base W204 C Class (C200) starts where the Loaded IS300 finishes. (Middle East only gets IS300)
C200 (DHS 180,000) IS300 (DHS 145,000)

This information shows many things, but one is that MB's are so popular and desirable here in Arab, that most of there model's prices starts where the rival's finishes.

And the other thing is. Which sensible person would buy a base 4 cylinder C Class, in which even Leather seats are optional over a loaded IS. (Till now Arabs do, but it's changing now)

That's why Lexus is catching them really fast.

My point is that even if MB got their Quality right, this time they have to address there habits (of Over charging)as well. Otherwise it won't help and their Competitors (especially Asians) will keep getting stronger.

Excuse my English; but I think u got my point

JUGNU

The Arabs admire and want the GLOBAL prestige and recognition the Mercedes Benz brand offers. And I beg to differ with your opinion, Toyota is the one that is overcharging their Lexus vehicles. With the new and improved high quality models from Mercedes who will want to buy a Lexus? If you ask me its all about price and affordability.

Correct and the 325i costs like 180,000 too. But dont forget MB sells these low end models for the name. People buying the C200 wouldnt care about anything, just the MB badge in the front.

Engineering at a higher level..very few car companies obsess about the things MB obsesses about...

It's the same with all German companies. For example Audi has a deparment were they press and click buttons all day long for optimal quality. BMW has people who sit in the car and smell it so the leather from the dash, steering and seats doens't interfear with each other..

And there are many other examples of this crazyness about cars and engineering. Italians do it too, everything is engineered at the millimetre.

Just beautiful

My favourite C-class desgin ever and as soon as i drive it i'm convinced it will be my favourite car in that category.
Two thumbs up, way up, for MB.

Hate to bring this up but a good friend of mine has an 0405 E Class and he has had to have it towed to the dealer several times. As well as a couple other guys I know... but we'll see.

BTW w209w114 how exactly does a face lift fix electrical problems and in my friends case mechanical as well. Last I checked face lifts do nothing but change the look of the car and fix minor fitting problems nothing electrical or mechanical.

Having owned european cars I understand y you guys like them but describing any of them as reliable is a joke.

M316, don't give that bull-shit! Long before the Japanese made decent cars Mercedes was the king of the hill in reliability. They were so strong and durable. Nowadays all cars are engineered to the mm but back then Mercedes over-engineered their cars. That's why they were so reliable. I constantly see old Mercs SEC's or 300's doing over 800.000 km..