Overview
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's entry-level line. This generation, which was all new for 2008, changes little for 2011. It takes its exterior styling cues from the S-Class and is available only as a sedan (the smallest coupe is the E-Class). Considering that the closest competitors are the Audi A4 (wagon and sedan) and BMW 3 Series (coupe, sedan, and wagon), this appears to be the least varied line in its class, and compared with the 3 Series, skews more toward comfort than handling.
Despite the limited number of body styles, the C-Class is a true contender in its class and offers plenty of choices within the line: there are two V-6 engines, as well as a V-8-powered AMG version with 451-horsepower. The base C300 is the only model offered in Sport or Luxury trims, and is also the only one that offers a manual transmission (a six-speed) and optional all-wheel drive. The C300 can also be had with a seven-speed automatic, which is the same transmission as in the C350 (the C63 AMG gets a different seven-speed).
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan
Engines: 3.0L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 6.2L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic
Models: C300 Luxury, C300 Sport, C350 Sport, C63 AMG
What's New
For 2011, the C-Class receives mbrace, the next generation of the automaker's telematics system with emergency assistance, current weather and traffic information, and a Concierge function. Sport models now get standard LED daytime running lights. Those models without bi-xenon headlights get black headlight inlays. The C-Class receives a new headlight control switch, and the ESP button has been relocated.
Exterior
The 2011 C-Class echoes the shape and lines of the S-Class. Fender flares are more aggressive, headlights and taillights are angular -- all in all, its design is sharper and much more current than the previous generation C-Class.
Interior
Features such as Bluetooth and SmartKey are standard, as are eight-way power front seats, a power sunroof, and two-zone climate control. However, interior plastics look too cheap for the car's entry-level-luxury status.
Performance & Handling
While the 3 Series is still the better performer on a canyon road, the C-Class's dynamics are catching up. The C350 Sport offers 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and needs only 117 feet to stop from 60. And for those who have the money, the 4.1-second to 60, race-track-ready C63 is arguably the best C-Class ever.
Safety
Dual front airbags are standard on the C-Class, along with dual side front airbags, pelvic airbags, head curtains, and a driver-side knee bag. Also standard are roadside assistance, ESP, tire-pressure monitoring, and four-wheel discs with ABS.
EPA Fuel Economy
C300 Luxury, Sport: 18 mpg city/25-26 mpg highway
C350 Sport: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
C63 AMG: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway