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1994 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Pre-Owned

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Khatir Soltani

Compact Luxury at an Affordable Price

The year was 1982. Mercedes-Benz hadn't produced a compact vehicle since before World War II. Years witnessing

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class released in 1993 was tuned more towards comfort than sport. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
thousands of 1600s, 2002s and 3-Series models leaving BMW dealers, with nary a cent of compact luxury money spent at Mercedes-Benz, must have had its effect. Finally the purveyor of the three-pointed star decided to dive into the entry-level segment with the 190-Series.

It was a good looking sedan, with a big, bold M-B chrome grille up front, Euro-style headlamps, edgy overall shape with a tall decklid overtop Mercedes' then trademark 'corrugated' taillights. Inside it was more luxuriously appointed than its BMW competitor, with excellent quality interior materials and near S-Class creature comforts. The bar had been raised and the race for compact sport/luxury buyers was on.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class that succeeded it in 1993, like the 190, was tuned more towards comfort than sport. That doesn't mean it lacked adequate handling dynamics, it just wasn't as capable as a similarly equipped BMW. But that's OK. Rather than go head to head with the Bavarians for sport sedan buyers, Mercedes found an untapped niche with its luxury bent. While costing about

Rather than go head to head with the Bavarians for sport sedan buyers, Mercedes found an untapped niche with its luxury bent. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
the same price, the C-Class was larger than the outgoing model, looked decidedly better and served up considerably stronger performance.

Initially the C-Class offered two engine choices, a 148-horsepower 2.2-litre 4-cylinder in the C220 and a 194-horsepower 2.8-litre inline 6-cylinder in the more luxuriously appointed C280. The 4-cylinder came with 16-valve technology and dual-overhead cams, making it a spirited performer for its day. The C280's engine was obviously quicker, while smoother in operation. An automatic transmission was standard, which meant no manual was initially offered.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada