Baby Benz
Mercedes refines the notion of ‘entry level’

Innovation and evolution have been trademarks of Mercedes-Benz since it started to manufacture cars over 100 years ago. The German automaker has worked towards a goal of providing the driver and passengers the quintessential driving experience. Over that period, Mercedes has developed a reputation for safety, engineering and quality.

One of the more popular lines of cars for Mercedes in the nineties was the C-Class. As the entry-level car for the company, the “Baby Benz” helped a steady sales resurgence for the company in the U.S. But as this segment of the auto industry has become more competitive, Mercedes has gone back to the drawing board to update the model for the new millennium.

Enter the new C-Class. The looks have many direct styling cues from Mercedes top-of-the-line S-Class. From the catchy oval headlamps to the flowing form, the car’s shape is a slick example of aerodynamic design. In the process the car’s designers have created a beautiful machine.

Driving the C-Class exhibits the power of two optional six-cylinder platforms, with the consumer having a choice between a 2.6 or a 3.2-liter engine size. The smaller 2.6 produces respectable accretion figures in the low eight-second range. Those with more speed in mind should choose the sporty 3.2 that can crank out 215 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.

Transferring this power is a driver-adaptive automatic five-speed transmission. The system allows you the option of shifting the gears without the need to operate a clutch. When not shifting the gears manually, the transmission adapts to changes in road grade and to the individual’s driving patterns.

The results are smooth up-and-down shifts during travel with an emphasis on comfort and efficiency.

Cornering is more precise and stable than one would first think in a vehicle this size. The C-Class easily handles most real-world situations, with a favorable cornering and handling temperament, thanks to the updated multi-link rear suspension, a design pioneered by Mercedes back in the ‘80’s.

Braking power has been increased thanks to the enlargement of the new four-wheel disc brakes paired with an updated four-channel anti-lock braking system. An added bonus is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that senses for lateral acceleration and vehicle yaw and applies selective braking to the wheels to help maintain the intended drive path.

Mercedes is a pioneer in automotive safety since it patented its energy-absorbing car body and front-and-rear crumple zones in 1951. The C-Class is the latest example of its drive to continue to improve safety in design. The body is lighter but stronger than in previous years. Engineers have designed the body to absorb and direct greater amounts of energy away from the driver’s compartment. In the case of a crash, the car’s Smart Restraint System monitors the severity of the impact and automatically adjusts the deployment of the front and side airbags along with the seat belts to reduce injury.

Sitting in the driver’s seat reveals the interior to be roomier than the previous generation. Luxury appointments like genuine wood trim, dual climate control with rear seat vents and premium audio system are just a few of the details that passengers will notice and enjoy.

Mercedes has updated the standard for the luxury car market. The C-Class is bigger, faster, safer and offers an improved driving experience over its predecessor.

Chris Taylor is a contributing writer to The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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