Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007 sedan

C-class games

More sports and maximum safety here are the main features of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse
Thanks to the organizers of the Russian C-class presentation: I managed to test almost all versions of the model, and in different conditions. The test drive started in the evening Monday at first made it possible to feel branded comfort on the streets of the night capital. And the next day at the Dmitrovsky training ground, and in addition to the company of professional instructors of the Mercedes-Benz driver’s driver’s skill from Germany, allowed to feel all the driver potential, which is generously endowed with the car. Therefore, I can safely say: the Stuttgart C-class begins the game on the field where BMW and Alfa Romeo now rule.
One model, two look
Working on creating the fourth C-class generation, Mercedes could not afford to make a mistake, and at the same time had to show something truly new. The story and image of the brand oblige.
The first such car appeared in the already distant 1983 in the form of the 190th model, which, then, in 1993, turned into a S-class under the W202 index. From generation to generation, the model developed, became more modern and dynamic, invariably remaining loyalty to corporate traditions in every detail. The consumer immediately recognized the premium product in the Class, which let him be a little late (BMW Treshka appeared as early as 1975), but bribed both the appearance and comfort. The dimensions allowed to position the car between C and D class, which, in turn, provided certain freedom to the designers. And if someone believes that the outing body of the W203 turned out to be the peak, then this means only one thing that he just had not seen the new W204.
I admit: when I saw the first official pictures of the new C-class, I slightly tensed. Did the designers really follow the simplest way, and did something like a blow-out S-class? No, this is far from the case with personal acquaintance, the car seemed to open, demonstrating all the identity.
Yes, the front part is somewhat reminiscent of the recently debuting CL compartment. But it is precisely this front end that creates a unique feeling of dynamics and hidden aggression, which literally blows from C-class. Moreover, the creators went into an original step clearly divided more comfortable versions of Classic and Elegance, and sports Avantgarde. The differences are that the elegant modification has a classic radiator lattice and a branded three -beam star towering above the hood, and hot execution means a large emblem built into the center of the avant -garde front lattice and a corporate sign pressed into the hood. In addition, there are small strokes in the front bumper. Only behind both executions are identical. Moreover, it was the food, when looking at the photo, that most of all was alarming. But it became clear that it was not a reduced S-class at all.
Yes, you can argue about the shape of lanterns, but you cannot refuse originality. Moreover, the rear lighting technique carries a rather fun functional load. From the barely noticeable slots along the outer edges of the lanterns, air is blown out on the go. In other words, the lights are an additional aerodynamic element. Thanks to him, the stern of the sedan is not so quickly dirty, since the air flow does not break immediately behind the trunk lid and the hind wings, which significantly reduces twists. And the aerodynamic coefficient is one of the best in the class 0.27.
By the way about the stern: a distinctive feature of all 6-cylinder modifications of the new C-class are two oval pipe spaced at the edges of the rear bumper of the exhaust system. And in the charged version of AMG, which will appear very soon, there will be four pipes. So far, you can order styling-kit from the court atelier of the overlays on the thresholds, additional aerodynamic elements in bumpers, original cast discs and, of course, some details in the interior.
Nothing completely
Thanks to the grown overall dimensions, the length increased by 55 mm, the width of 42 mm, and the wheelbase stretched for 45mm new C-class became more spacious inside. This is noticeable not only in terms of 475 liters increased with the volume of the luggage compartment, but also in space in the rear seats. Now there is now noticeably larger space for the legs, and the recesses in the back of the back of the front seats allow you to get comfortable even if someone was very large in front. However, do not forget that the C-class is still a rather compact car. But the rear seats can be folded both entirely and in parts, which makes the model, despite the body type, quite functional. However, when I was convinced that the appearance of the new C-class became more dynamic, it became clear to me that the best place inside is a driver's seat.
It is here that you understand that the creators sought to make the car more sports, thereby interest the part of the buyers who are used to choosing a BMW or something like that. The C-class is no longer just a cutie, primarily addressed to a female audience. This is a solid and serious car for accustomed to live at the pace of the modern metropolis of a man. And there is no need to talk about the Avantgarde option.
The first thing that the look at the wheel falls on is the instrument shield, trimmed with aluminum. In the center is a round speedometer, the central part of which is a large monitor. That is why the shooter indicating speed moves in a circle, which slightly reduces readability, but looks great. In addition, the on -board computer menu allows you to display a digital speedometer to the monitor, and the slightly smaller circles of the tachometer, the fuel margin in the tank and the temperature of the power unit are clearly visible in any light. Only now the steering wheel is rustic plastic and a strange bend in the lower part is slightly disconnected with the instrument shield and aluminum inserts on the doors and the tunnel between the driver and the front passenger. At the same time, the steering column is adjusted both in height and in departure, and the diameter and thickness of the steering wheel is exactly what are required.
If I already mentioned that I personally upset me somewhat, I will say more about the depressed central console. All the same dull of grayish plastic, although visually it separates it from everything else, but it was not the question that it was impossible to lure it with the same material that is present on the instruments, door panels and tunnel?
Everything else, without reservation, is on top. So, the front panel is finished with pleasant quality plastic, in its center a special window for the monitor. In expensive versions, this is a pop -up color screen with good image quality and a rather voluminous menu. A small joystick with two keys on the sides helps to understand it by the Command system, located in the very convenient hand right under the right hand, freely laid on a soft armrest. The central console itself has the control buttons of various functions and the quick access key to the corresponding submenu, for example, to navigation or sound settings.
By the way, the Hi-Fi HARMAN/Kardon Hi-Fi option with the Logic 7 and Dolby Surround Sound system is offered. I hasten to notice that it sounds excellent, which, however, does not at all belittles the qualities of a standard audio system. You can manage everything with buttons on the steering wheel. Yes, I almost forgot: a convenient seats profile with a wide range of adjustments allows you to get in the driver's place with maximum comfort. Moreover, I would again recommend sports seats with electrical adjustments located, according to the tradition of Mercedes, directly on the door.
Testing
On the roads of night Moscow, as well as on a country line, which ultimately led to an auto policy, who was sitting at the wheel of the most powerful modification of C350, it became clear that the Mercedes immediately steps on the heels of the BMW. Zadora, real sports anger in the previous generation of C-class was much less. Moreover, the matter is not only in power plants, about which, however, it is also necessary to say at least a few words. Five engines were offered for the Russian market. All gasoline (diesel modifications will not be delivered to Russia), with direct fuel injection, and 4-cylinder are equipped with a compressor. So far it is C200 Kompressor with a capacity of 184 hp. A little later, approximately in the fall, C180 Kompressor will appear. These engines are standardly aggregated with 6-speed mechanical KP, as well as more powerful 6-cylinder modifications C230 and C280. A 5-speed automatic is offered as an option, but the most powerful C350 is equipped exclusively with a 7-speed automatic transmission. It is very quick, and, coupled with 272 horses rotating the rear wheels, can turn C350 into a kind of sports car.
From acceleration, it is slightly breathtaking, as if you feel as if you feel the energy of all this herd under the hood is directly proportional to the growth of the revolution. In addition, this exciting process is accompanied by a juicy roar of the motor and exhaust system, which still breaks into the interior through thick layers of sound insulation. With her, as you know, in Mercedes-Benz everything is in order. You close the door, and the outside world fades into the background. Even at high speeds, I did not catch any aerodynamic noise, despite the fact that the side mirrors became twice as much. Now everything is clearly visible in them, which could not be said before.
And to the bumps of our asphalt, the car reacts normally, with the calmness of the aristocrat athlete. Of course, any car will get the rut of the third ring, but ordinary irregularities are leveled by pendants very successfully. Although they are noticeable, which, however, depends on the driving style. The thing is that the shock absorbers of the new C-class themselves adapt to the quality of the roadbed and the driver’s disposition. It is worth accelerating several times and actively pass a couple of turns, as the pendants will become noticeably tougher, and the cranes of the body in the turns will almost disappear. This Agility Control system is called, and a little later it will be possible to order its sports version of Advanced Agility, which allows you to change the settings beyond recognition.
By clicking on the Sport button on the central console, the driver not only tightens the shock absorbers, but also makes the accelerator pedal more sensitive, and also reduces the effect of the water steering on the steering. It, by the way, pleases with a pleasant feedback and a progressive characteristic. At low speeds, the steering wheel is light and supplied, but it is worth going faster, as it is noticeably heavy. Moreover, it is impossible to call the steering wheel too much in the traditions of Mercedes, from the edge to the edge of the steering wheel, it makes three turns. In this case, the machine has excellent maneuverability. As usual, the front wheels literally fall on the asphalt in the extreme positions of the steering wheel. In addition, there is always a clear zero on the steering wheel, and in terms of smoothness and stability, the C-class is practically in no way inferior to its older brothers in the concern. Hence the amazing sensations: you can confidently rush at a speed of 160 km/h, without feeling any tension, few cars are capable of this.
In the conditions of the Dmitrovsky training ground, it was possible to find out everything about the dynamic potential, and regarding the settings of pendants and the steering, and about security in the sense of systems too. In addition to ABS with the system of distribution of brake forces and Brake Assist, it is also the latest generation ESP system. It is impossible to disconnect it again that contradicts the philosophy of the company, but by clicking on the ESP OFF button, you can significantly increase the threshold after which it is activated, and even achieve slippers of the rear drives, as well as small slipping. At the same time, the driver does not leave a sense of control over the car for a second.
A considerable contribution to the active security of the model is also made by a new brake system. German instructors from the driving school Mercedes-Benz claimed that its capacity is the same as on S-class cars. I can believe with the slowdown at the car everything is in order. The pedal has precisely calculated move and verified effort, the latter generation ABS allows you to maintain the controllability of the car on slippery coatings. Moreover, these qualities do not depend on the modification of the model, whether it is C350 or C200 Kompressor to the brake system, there are no complaints, and cannot be. By the way, with emergency braking, the rear lights begin to blink, an alarm is turned on. And the top versions are equipped with a Pre-Safe system, which, recognizing the critical situation, delays the seat belt, closes or slightly opens the side glass, leaving a few centimeters on top, so that if the airbags work, there is no excessive pressure inside, which is harmful to hearing
All C-class modifications are similar in their running qualities, the difference is only in the degree of enthusiasm. Say, if C280 is not inferior to C350 in dynamics, then C200 Kompressor is a little calmer, it is more suitable for lovers of comfortable movement.
He is his own
I am sitting in the restaurant of smokes 1 on Sofia Embankment, I admire the line built in a row, at an angle of three quarters to the road by cars. And I am not particularly surprised at how appropriate the car looks in the Moscow surroundings. It seems to her everything to her face and the golden -headed towers of the Kremlin, and the red brick, and the granite of the embankment. Handsomely! And the mood was good, even despite the bad service in that same restaurant.
In general, I have practically no doubt that in the next few months we have to see many new ceses on the streets and highways, and, of course, not only in the capital's. Our consumer is clearly a combination of all of the above, which will undoubtedly strengthen the brand’s position in the Russian market. However, this model will never become popular, which, in my opinion, is only for the better. Mercedes should remain a premium product, as befits a brand. Well, the reader can learn about prices and trim levels from the AI-Market newspaper application.
Text: Andrey Osipov
Photo Mercedes-Benz
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 9 (121), 2007]