Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic 2008 review.
As-tested price: $45,535
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter V6; awd, seven-speed automatic
Output: 228 hp @ 6000 rpm, 228 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 rpm
Curb weight: 3527 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 20/21.3 mpg
Options: Multimedia package, including seven-inch power-retractable color display, COMAND navigation, six-disc CD/DVD changer, premium sound, voice control, music register, PCMCIA slot ($2,950); Premium II package, including satellite radio, heated front seats, bixenon headlights with washers and cornering lamps, split-folding rear seats, garage-door opener, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade ($2,750);
As-tested price: $45,535
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter V6; awd, seven-speed automatic
Output: 228 hp @ 6000 rpm, 228 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 rpm
Curb weight: 3527 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 20/21.3 mpg
Options: Multimedia package, including seven-inch power-retractable color display, COMAND navigation, six-disc CD/DVD changer, premium sound, voice control, music register, PCMCIA slot ($2,950); Premium II package, including satellite radio, heated front seats, bixenon headlights with washers and cornering lamps, split-folding rear seats, garage-door opener, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade ($2,750); Savannah/cashmere leather ($1,550); panorama sunroof ($1,000); sand beige paint ($710); TeleAid ($650); luxury package, including luxury styling, Mercedes-Benz star on hood, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, luxury interior, burl-walnut wood trim ($260)
OUR TAKE: The C300 4Matic is a very nice midsize luxury cruiser, but the performance and feel are bland, bland, bland. This car probably has ample power for stodgy young professionals more concerned with showing off their three-pointed stars, but few enthusiasts will pull the trigger on it. Sure, it will haul itself into the triple-digit speed range and run there all day without complaint, but it takes some time to build velocity. And the transmission is really slow to kick down anytime it is asked to get up and go.
Everything else about this car is up to par. The build quality appears top-notch, the new design cues inside are pleasant, and the reconfigured COMAND system is a cinch to use. The C-Class now feels as solid as Mercedes’ more prestigious offerings, and the 4Matic system no doubt helps drivers feel extremely safe in all conditions. But this particular model won’t make your heart race.