Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007 sedan

Chic in miniature

Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Price: from 30500. On sale: April 2007
In Russia, sales of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan have started. Compared to the predecessor, the car, beyond recognition, changed their appearance, increased the dimensions and brought it to technologies.
The release of Mercedes 190, the progenitor of modern C-Class, in the distant 1983, the Stuttgart manufacturer of luxury cars clearly demonstrated that the luxury can be compact. Not everyone appreciated this revolutionary step. Baby-Benz did not fit well into the familiar ideas about the brand cars at that time. Almost a quarter of a century later, the situation has changed dramatically. Over the years, C-Class has become a completely self-sufficient model, which is already bought not only for the sight on the hood. And today it is a full member of the Mercedes family, and besides, the world bestseller of the automaker.
The C-Class of the third generation was the successor of the new Mercedes style, tested, in particular, on the luxurious S-Class sedan (W221). The resemblance to the Big Brother Tseshka is given by both the contours of the body as a whole and individual design elements: a highly raised line of windows and stamping on the sidewalls, stretching from the rear lights to pronounced front wheel arches. The same type of false radiator grille and a massive bumper decorate the ANFAS car, the rear lights of the stern. The image of a miniature miniature minister of Dr. Evil from the film about Austin Powers was even drawn in memory. But such a seditious thought was immediately reasonably driven into a corner. Unlike C-Class on an evil dwarf.
Firstly, his dimensions are not at all small. For example, a newcomer from Mercedes is 61 mm longer than his main competitor BMW 3 series (4520 mm). There is no deficiency of free space in the cabin. With a 2760-mmimeter wheelbase, the rear passengers will not rest their knees on the backs of the front seats. As well as to beat your head on the ceiling: the height of the model is 1447 mm.
Secondly, the interior of the car emits exclusively friendliness. High -quality decoration materials, magnificent skin of well -shaped seats and ergonomics of governing organs cause only positive emotions.
And thirdly, what the evil is he? Aggressive one hundred percent. A solid is not discussed. Attractive is unambiguous. Although the nature of the most powerful version of C350 with a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 can perhaps bring to the definition of evil.
The engine is launched by the button. For the time being, he quietly sings his uterine song, almost not heard in the cabin. But the 272-headed herd under the cape recalls itself with a slight change in the timbre with a sharp press on the accelerator. In the entire range of rotation of the crankshaft, up to 6300 revolutions per minute, the motor provides the car with magnificent dynamics. The peak of torque of 350 nm covers a wide range from 2400 to 5000 min-1. Such a shelf guarantees not only excellent pickup from the start, but also sharp acceleration in almost any gear. Standard for the Mercedes C350 7-speed machine with knowledge of the case alternates the steps, without falling into thought even with a brisk start. There is a manual switching mode here. In the version with the AMG styling package (plus 28574379 euros) there is the opportunity to play with steering wheel petals. In the rest, be kind, correct the lever to the right or left. But this is rather for a checkmark. If you conduct a survey, what percentage of drivers often uses a manual mode, the resulting as a result of the figure will surely strive to zero.
The active suspension Agility Control by its own understanding regulates the rigidity of shock absorbers depending on the chosen driving style. You go quieter softer, and vice versa. At high speed, the suspension automatically acquires tangible rigidity. The irregularities of the road are better felt in the cabin, but the likelihood of rolls during maneuvering is reduced to naught. Following the turns, it is interesting to observe how the lower edge of the windshield remains a parallel road. The steering is also adjusted under the manner of movement, which is also included in the Agility Control package. With an increase in speed, the steering wheel is poured with heaviness, and the transmission is switched closer to maximum power revolutions. In a leisurely riding, the box goes to the next step at 25003000 min-1, in sports mode at 45005000 min-1. Manually the settings of the above units will allow the Advanced Agility Package package. He will complement the list of options in the fall. To change the comfortable mode for sports, the owner of this advanced system will be enough only to press the button on the central console.
Electronic security systems are configured for the later inclusion. ESP shackles do not fetter the car in corners and with sharp restructuring. Having hidden, like a predator, awaiting the victim, she patiently waits for the driver to make a more rude mistake in management. But even at such moments, electronics only gently reminds of its existence, gently instructing the car on the true path. The same unobtrusive intervention is demonstrated by ABS. So if you do not know about the presence of electronic assistants, you may have an absurd impression that they are simply not there.
It turns out a car without flaws? Family skeptics, of course, will be able to find flaws. Some of the steering control of the C-Class will not seem accurate enough. Like, the reactions to the turns of the steering wheel is a little, a minuscule, but still inhibited. Others will not like the plastic of the dashboard. Like, the material is not poor in the class. They can be understood: it is still about the premium segment model, where the nit-picking to the little things are explained. But even they are unlikely to argue with the fact that the car turned out to be very attractive.
C-Class in Russia
At first, Mercedes-Benz modifications from 200, C 280 and C 350 will be sold on the Russian market. In September, the lineup will be replenished with C230 sedan and all-wheel drive C280 4MATIC and C350 4MATIC. The appearance of the budget (from 30,500 euros) C180 Kompressor is expected in January next year. The supply of diesel versions to Russia is still not provided for, due to the low quality of Russian fuel. The premiere of the station wagon will be held in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This version will be on sale in 2008. Cars are available in three trim levels: Classic, Elegance, Avangarde. In addition, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is proposed in a special series of special expanded configuration, which includes automatic transmission, metallic, Parktronic, bicixenic headlights.
Love - do not love
Convenient: the control hilt on the armrest allows you to control the radio, navigation or telephone.
Nice: Linguatronic voice control facilitates the choice of radio stations, contacts from an address book, the name of the local and streets.
Usually: traditionally the keys of the electric drives of glasses and mirrors are located on the armrest of the driver's door.
Driving
Confidence behind the wheel does not leave the driver for a minute. C-Class is ideal for both dynamic driving and for calm movements in urban mode.
Salon
There are many places in front and behind. Pretty spacious trunk for its class (475 l).
Comfort
Great sound insulation, comfortable seats with electroregies and ergonomic control of on -board systems.
Safety
In the database of 7 eirbegs, ABS, BAS, ESP and ASR.
Price
For the premium segment model, the price is adequate.
Technical characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz C350
Dimensions, mm 4581/1770/1447
Gasoline engine, 3498 cm3, 272 hp/6000 min-1
Automatic transmission, 7-speed
Dynamics 0-100 km/h, from 6.4
Maximum speed, km/h 250
Competitors BMW 3 series, Audi A4
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Interesting design, powerful economical engines, comfortable suspension, good handling, high level of safety.
It was not possible to identify any significant shortcomings.
Our opinion
Attractive outside and inside, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a high level of comfort and excellent running qualities. Above all praise and equipment by means of security. Given the rich basic configuration, the price of the car seems quite reasonable. A large number of modifications and configurations allows you to choose the most suitable option.
Text: Dmitry Tytyuchenko
Photo: Daimlerchrysler

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [May 2007]