First Drive Experience-Mercedes C220 CDI Sport

The Mercedes C220 offers a superbly comfortable experience with good interior space and a fine engine range.

While the latest Mercedes may have two road-going personalities, it's got one specific aim in mind: to topple the BMW 3-Series from the number one spot in the sales charts.

For the first time, the C-Class will be offered in a choice of looks, providing buyers with completely individual driving experiences.

Broadening the model's appeal, the racier Sport will gun for younger buyers, while the comfort-oriented SE and Elegance versions aim to keep traditional customers happy. Along with the popular 3-Series, Mercedes is targeting the Audi A4, Lexus IS and Volvo S60, too. But is the company right to be so confident? We drove what is expected to be the range's top seller - the 170bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel C220 CDI - on British roads for the first time to find out.

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Rupert - 6/7/2007 10:41:14 AM

+3 Boost

Quicker than the C230, and way more economical, 38 US combined.

EnnNorak - 6/7/2007 10:56:50 AM

+2 Boost

That is exactly the kind of vehicle I am looking for and Mercedes is making a big mistake if it decides to bring this to North America later than sooner. I take long distance vacation drives (I'm long retired but I still call it a vacation) and need the diesel for range between fill-ups.

Will_ - 6/7/2007 10:58:49 AM

-2 Boost

With two distinct versions of the new C-Class, one aiming at the compact performance (Lexus IS), the other aiming at the compact entry-level luxury (Lexus ES), the entire C-Class range is bound to do extremely well.

The one thing that worries me is: "...the A-Class-style hard plastics on the dashboard compromise the feeling of quality." But hard plastic hasn't stopped the 3-Series, I guess.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/7/2007 12:02:58 PM

+1 Boost

Oh please the reviewer is talking rubbish. The W204's interior is a true quality thing. Everything feels very solid and well-engineered. Have you watched the Fifth gear review? Pictures don't do it any justice, you have to sit in one to appreciate the quality.

As for that silly BMW remark, you're just ignorant. The 3-series interior may not look very good compared to the E46, it's still a high-quality product and there is no such thing as hard cheap plastic.

Talking about plastic, the IS250/350's faux-alu look center console combined with the digital Camry clock looks cheap! Not to mention the wood that looks like it came from plastic trees.

Will_ - 6/7/2007 1:34:44 PM

0 Boost

I said nothing about Lexus.

You guys are desperate at best.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/7/2007 2:54:20 PM

-1 Boost

No, that cheap comment of yours when you say plastic interior hasn't stop people from buying the 3-series while the IS interior (direct competitor) is even worse.

It proves you disrespect all that automotive greatness stands about. You're just an ignorant fool.

Will_ - 6/7/2007 3:23:37 PM

0 Boost

Are you joking?

The 3-Series interior is horrible, no matter how many times you bring up the Lexus.

There's nowhere to run...

All rationality and intelligence is lost when the topic turns to the Germans, it never fails.

bagwell - 6/8/2007 12:32:57 PM

0 Boost

+1 the 3 series interior is too plain blah.

new C interior looks ok, but I hate the "flip out" type NAV systems.

dumpsty - 6/7/2007 11:40:20 AM

+1 Boost

I like that MB is at least trying to break a mainstream diesel engine into the US market.

This new C-class has brought all kinds of respect back to the "Baby Benz".

S4cabriofoxone - 6/7/2007 1:16:03 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, the pictures probably don't do it justice. It doesn't look as impressive as the A4 on the inside- I'll have to sit in one.

On the other hand, the fact that it "only" is up to par with the five-year-old A4 isn't a very good thing. Audi is going to come out with the new one next year, and it will probably set new interior standards for this class...

S4cabriofoxone - 6/9/2007 1:33:04 AM

+1 Boost

The S-Class's interior is simple beauty at its finest. It is just overflowing with super-high-quality materials, and makes you feel like a king. Much, much better than the W220.

Htay7500 - 6/7/2007 6:24:17 PM

+1 Boost

hmm, here in the US, the reason why MB is crappy is because of its assembly line made here in AL. the quality isnt as good and solid as those built in Europe.

Htay7500 - 6/7/2007 6:28:02 PM

+1 Boost

even though i dont live in AL, US MBs as i adressed arent as well built as those in Europe. made in the US is the GL, ML, and E-class i belive.

Rupert - 6/7/2007 6:51:19 PM

+2 Boost

GL, ML and R class.
E class made in Germany.

Htay7500 - 6/7/2007 8:26:08 PM

+1 Boost

lol i 4got the R-class. went in it, nuthing interesting. its styling is ugly.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/8/2007 1:38:10 AM

+2 Boost

What? Are you serious?

Rupert - 6/8/2007 4:57:37 AM

+2 Boost

Are you serious?
Why would they put on bluetec when it's not needed and expensive?
Who would pay for it?

bagwell - 6/8/2007 12:38:37 PM

+1 Boost

rupert - not needed?? lower emissions is a good thing remember???!?!?!?!?!!??!

MB bragged about how great the BLUETEC is....why don't they use it more and drive the price down rather than making it so exclusive?

Rupert - 6/8/2007 6:17:35 PM

+2 Boost

Because putting bluetec on a European C Class (euro emissions regs don't need bluetec) would add about 2000 dollars to the price, making the C cross over into E class territory.

bagwell - 6/9/2007 11:22:56 PM

+1 Boost

wouldn't mass producing it (bluetec) drive the price down?