C Class Mercedes Coupe and Sedan

C Class Mercedes Coupe and Sedan

There are some vehicles that set standards for quality and value. Those that come to mind immediately are the Toyota Corolla for $14,000, the Honda Accord for $16,500, the Chevrolet AVEO for $10,000, Saturn's Ion for $12000, Volkswagen's Beetle starting at $16,600, the MINI Cooper for $16,500, the Hyundai Santa Fe for $18, 500, the CR-V from Honda for $19,300, Nissan's swift 350 Z priced at $27,000, Infiniti's G 35 and I35 both under $29,000, the solid Saab 9-3 for $26,670. and Toyota's large Sienna CE minivan for $24,000. So how does a Mercedes Benz get on the bargain list? Can you say C Class? You can own a great handling, gas sipping C class sports sedan or hatchback coupe for under $28,000. In other words, for less than a loaded Camry you can own a Mercedes.

The question is whether or not Mercedes did the right thing in bringing these two price leaders into the fold at a time when people are lusting after $60,000 luxury SUVs that get ten miles to the gallon and cost a bundle to insure? The answer isn't simple. Mercedes is known as a luxury car manufacture and does well in this regard. Pricing its cars close to that of a Ford Crown Victoria could tarnish this image unless the product delivers. Thus we tested the coupe and sedan with that in mind and came away impressed, but with reservations.

First, these are sold handling, good braking, and worth the money if what you want is basic transportation with a little glitter. Indeed, without the Mercedes name these cars would be hard to discern from others if you just based your findings on the interior and freeway ride. But, if you like to drive and not just aim your car down the highway, these Mercedes come alive and quickly separate themselves from the more mundane vehicles in this price category.

We tested the C320 coupe with the optional 215 horsepower V6 engine priced just over $34,000. If you stick with the C230 you can save several thousand as it lists around $27,555. We recommend the more powerful engine because it makes it a more capable and fairly spacious two door. It handles well, but not to BMW 3 Series limits. However, it is easier to drive in traffic than the BMW and we found it roomier and more eager to accelerate. We also tested the C Class sports sedan with the supercharged 1.8-liter dohc 4-cylinder supercharged engine C230 Kompressor sedan offered at $27,990.

Inside, the front seats are comfortable with plenty of room to stretch except for the intrusion of the power window controls that rub against your left leg. The back seats fold down and are best used for short hauls with short people.