the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has become a legitimate contender after years of also-ran status. We weren't big fans of the previous-generation model, as we found it overpriced considering its lackluster interior, performance and quality. Things changed dramatically last year, however, with a complete redesign that brought about a renewed emphasis on the traits that Mercedes is traditionally known for, as well as an extra dollop of sportiness to compete with its German rivals.
Although the car's dimensions, suspension design and V6 engines largely carried over from the previous generation, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class gained an improved interior with higher-quality materials, an optional hard-drive-based navigation and multimedia system, and an easier-to-use COMAND interface. The Luxury and Sport trim levels were also clearly differentiated in terms of styling, suspension tuning and interior design. Midway through the model year,
This year, Mercedes further distinguishes its Luxury models from the Sport models; the latter get a sport-inspired instrument cluster, which is a logical addition to the Sport's already distinctive interior, and more aggressive exterior styling. On the safety front, all 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models get seat-mounted front pelvic airbags. For music buffs, the optional hard-drive-based navigation system's larger size (40GB) now has 6GB reserved for music.
With its mix of driving involvement, comfort and high-tech goodies, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a fine choice for an entry-luxury sedan. However, the V6-powered models are up against stiff competition from the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS.
Performance & mpg
All 2009 C300 models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic is standard on the C300 Luxury and optional on the C300 Sport, which comes standard with a six-speed manual. Mercedes estimates a 0-60-mph time of around 7 seconds. All C-Class models are rear-wheel drive except for the C300 4Matics, which are all-wheel drive.
Safety
The C-Class comes with a full load of standard safety equipment, including front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted pelvic airbags, active front head restraints, stability control, traction control and adaptive antilock brakes that feature brake assist, brake drying, pre-pressure and hill-start assist. In government testing, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received four stars (out of a possible five) for both driver and passenger in frontal impacts, and five stars for front and rear passengers in side impact collisions.
Interior
It's beautifully crafted, but the C-Class cabin can come off as austere and a bit bland -- although the AMG version packs quite a bit more punch. When equipped with the Multimedia Package, the C-Class is transformed into a mobile sound studio and movie theater. For 2009, the built-in hard drive's storage capacity has increased, leaving 6GB of space for music (about 1,500 songs). With the car in Park, the system can also play DVDs through the pop-up LCD screen and superb Logic 7 surround-sound system.
On the downside, even though the latest generation boasts more spacious dimensions, the C-Class is still on the small side for its class. Trunk capacity is 12.4 cubic feet, which can be expanded on models equipped with split-folding rear seats.
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
Stand-alone options include leather upholstery, a panorama sunroof, TeleAid satellite communications, 18-inch wheels, an iPod integration kit and the in-dash CD changer.
Although the car's dimensions, suspension design and V6 engines largely carried over from the previous generation, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class gained an improved interior with higher-quality materials, an optional hard-drive-based navigation and multimedia system, and an easier-to-use COMAND interface. The Luxury and Sport trim levels were also clearly differentiated in terms of styling, suspension tuning and interior design. Midway through the model year,
This year, Mercedes further distinguishes its Luxury models from the Sport models; the latter get a sport-inspired instrument cluster, which is a logical addition to the Sport's already distinctive interior, and more aggressive exterior styling. On the safety front, all 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models get seat-mounted front pelvic airbags. For music buffs, the optional hard-drive-based navigation system's larger size (40GB) now has 6GB reserved for music.
With its mix of driving involvement, comfort and high-tech goodies, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a fine choice for an entry-luxury sedan. However, the V6-powered models are up against stiff competition from the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS.
Performance & mpg
All 2009 C300 models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic is standard on the C300 Luxury and optional on the C300 Sport, which comes standard with a six-speed manual. Mercedes estimates a 0-60-mph time of around 7 seconds. All C-Class models are rear-wheel drive except for the C300 4Matics, which are all-wheel drive.
Safety
The C-Class comes with a full load of standard safety equipment, including front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted pelvic airbags, active front head restraints, stability control, traction control and adaptive antilock brakes that feature brake assist, brake drying, pre-pressure and hill-start assist. In government testing, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received four stars (out of a possible five) for both driver and passenger in frontal impacts, and five stars for front and rear passengers in side impact collisions.
Interior
It's beautifully crafted, but the C-Class cabin can come off as austere and a bit bland -- although the AMG version packs quite a bit more punch. When equipped with the Multimedia Package, the C-Class is transformed into a mobile sound studio and movie theater. For 2009, the built-in hard drive's storage capacity has increased, leaving 6GB of space for music (about 1,500 songs). With the car in Park, the system can also play DVDs through the pop-up LCD screen and superb Logic 7 surround-sound system.
On the downside, even though the latest generation boasts more spacious dimensions, the C-Class is still on the small side for its class. Trunk capacity is 12.4 cubic feet, which can be expanded on models equipped with split-folding rear seats.
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
Stand-alone options include leather upholstery, a panorama sunroof, TeleAid satellite communications, 18-inch wheels, an iPod integration kit and the in-dash CD changer.
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- Autogefühl
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