Vehicle Overview Mercedes-Benz redesigned its entry-level C-Class sedan last year, offering new styling reminiscent of the automaker’s S-Class flagship. Engine choices remain the same for 2009: The C300 has a 228-horsepower V-6, while the C350 offers a larger, 268-hp V-6 and the high-performance C63 AMG packs a 451-hp V-8. Prime competitors include the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Infiniti G35.
New for 2009 There are two new pelvic airbags for front-seat occupants, and a memory seat and power-adjustable steering column are now optional. There are new interior color choices for Sport models, and the optional navigation system gets a larger internal hard drive that can store up to 6GB of music.
Exterior The C-Class grew 3.7 inches longer and 1.7 inches wider when it was redesigned last year, taking on a cleaner, more angular appearance.
Luxury and Sport versions available
Luxury models have comfort suspension and traditional Mercedes-Benz grille and hood ornament
Sport models have a large grille-mounted star (think SL-Class roadster), subtle ground effects and a sport-tuned suspension
Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, 18-inch wheels are optional
Interior Two front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench provide seating for five. An angular dashboard design mimics the car’s exterior styling theme, and Luxury and Sport models have unique instrument panels. The trunk measures 12.4 cubic feet, which is slightly more than a 3 Series sedan but less than a G35’s 13.5-cubic-foot trunk.
Standard eight-way power front seats
Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
Standard moonroof
Optional features include leather upholstery, xenon headlights and a navigation system governed by Mercedes’ Comand interface
Under the Hood The C300 is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 while the C350 has a 3.5-liter V-6. The C63 AMG performance sedan packs a 6.2-liter V-8.
228-hp C300 is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission
C300’s engine can run on E85 ethanol
All-wheel drive is offered on C300
268-hp C350 and 451-hp C63 AMG have rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic
