Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007 sedan
Full set
It is difficult for me to imagine a person who may not arrange at least one of many versions of C-class. Especially now, when there are all -wheel drive and sports (perhaps this word can not be put in quotation marks) chain. They do not drive the same, and give different sensations. Well, the fact that the company did not roll out all modifications a year ago is normal, quite in the spirit of Mercedes. Any novelty will certainly warm up interest in the model. And this interest is not weak, judging by the volume of sales in both Europe and in Russia. Having thoroughly gets acquainted with the new versions of the C350 Advanced Agility (that is, with a sports package) and C280 4Matic, I came to the conclusion that there will be demand for them. Thus, the C-class from Mercedes is now fully equipped.White, elegant and aggressive
Let me remind you that the concern made a bold and non-trivial decision, making two versions of the new Classic and Avantgarde Class even outwardly unequal. And I mentioned this because C280 4Matic was in a classic performance, although with a full set of opium, and C350 in the vanguard.
The Mercedes-Benz C350 looked festive like an athlete in a white tuxedo at a reception on his sports victory. This color is very to the face, it emphasizes the style of the machine and the taste of the owner, attracts attention and even makes stubborn dummies give way. And at the same time, the seriousness of the version does not mix at all. However, the snow -white classic is good, especially if a pretty girl is driving. In general, a matter of taste and spring mood.
The feed of the machines is the same. A distinctive feature of all 6-cylinder modifications of the new C-class are two oval peaks of the exhaust system, spaced at the edges of the rear bumper. You can argue about the shape of lanterns, but you can’t refuse originality. In addition, the rear lighting technique carries a functional load. From the barely noticeable slots along the outer edges of the lanterns, air is blown out on the go. That is, this is an additional aerodynamic element that promotes purification. Since the flow of air does not break off suddenly, the turbulence decreases, less dirt settles on the stern, and the lanterns themselves remain almost transparent. Although, of course, no, even the most intricate aerodynamics, can not cope with Moscow mud on a random day.
I want better!
The unity of the form and content of the key question. I set it for myself when emotions lay down from the appearance of C350, and I looked around in the cabin properly. Imagine, I wanted to change something here. For example, a steering wheel. Why is this strange bend in the lower knitting needle of the three -beam trowel, and why are these rays from hard gray plastic, if the rim is sheathed with the skin? And was there really not enough aluminum on the central console, which finished the doors, the instrument shield, and the tunnel between the driver and the front passenger? That is, for my taste, in the decoration of the interior there is some dissonance. I know that functionality does not necessarily mean external dullness. If we were talking about some budget Korean car, I would not pay attention to such things. But these are Mercedes!
But he was fighting, and enough. The steering wheel, in general, is comfortable chubby, suitable diameter, it extends, lowers and rises. So there are no problems with a convenient and proper planting. And the seat is very successfully profiled, regulated as you like, and there are no complaints to ergonomics as a whole. All buttons and control keys of various systems are grouped logically. In addition, the top versions, namely, were tested, equipped with the Command system, which implies the presence of a large color display leaving the upper part of the central console. Navigation in Moscow at your service, setting up musical (very good) and other systems, please, a picture that does not allow you to make a mistake in manipulations, before your eyes. All this computer economy is controlled by a compact joystick located under the right hand, and two keys near it. But on the go to the settings it is better not to be distracted.
I already had to talk about the fact that the C-class has grown, and now it is noticeably more spacious in it. But still I note that the luggageman's volume has been brought to 475 liters, the rear passengers have more legs space, and the recesses in the backs of the front seats allow you to get comfortable even if someone was very large. But 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.
I press the gas
The conversation about the running qualities of the C350 Advanced Agility should be started by mentioning the Sport button on the central console. Click on it, and perhaps you will like how I liked it. What will you like? And the fact that shock absorbers will become tougher, the accelerator pedal is more sensitive, and the steering wheel is heavier. Actually, the steering in any mode pleases with feedback and settings: at low speeds, the steering wheel is light, at large, it is informatively elastic. It is impossible to call the steering wheel too sharp this is not in the traditions of Mercedes, from the edge to the edge of 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 almost inferior to its older brothers. He will iron asphalt at a speed of 160 km/h, and you do not feel any tension. Few cars, I want to notice, are able to give such sensations.
Well, what about the sports regime? All the same, only happens faster and is perceived more acutely. You can enjoy aggressive riding, not particularly paying attention even to the ESP electronic collar. By tradition, the stabilization system on Mercedes-Benz cars does not turn off, but allows driver's liberties. With a sharp start from the place, the rear drive wheels begin to slip. On slippery coating, feed can easily go into a skid. Of course, when the turning angle is too large, or the body begins to slide with all four wheels out of the turn, ESP will be included in the work. However, the threshold of its operation in Sport mode is significantly shifted. Suppose you wanted to enter the turn with the demolition of the stern, there is no problem, a light turn of the steering wheel, more gas, and get what you achieved. The main thing here is to catch the car in time. Knat how to dare. In a word, the Advanced Agility package really significantly changes the character of the machine, and will surely appeal to those who like active driving and accustomed to handling a powerful rear -wheel drive car.
It is time, however, to talk about a complete drive.
The mechanic is based
The 4Matic all-wheel drive system is installed only on the 6-cylinder C-class modifications. That personally I am especially pleased with Mercedes does not follow the path of some competitors, and does not bet on electronics, which, in accordance with the computer program, distributes the moment between the axes and between the wheels. Of course, there is a computer, but the 4Matic all -wheel drive system is based on the central differential of the planetary type and the angular gearbox. All this is built directly in the 7-speed automatic transmission, which ensures the compactness of the design and its clear work. As a result, 45% of the torque is supplied to the front wheels, 55%, respectively,, respectively. Before, I note, this ratio was 40:60.
Another differential is established in the front axle, which is responsible for the distribution of the moment between the wheels. But the most remarkable is that neither mechanical nor electronic does not have any locks. Instead, a 4TS system is installed, which is an integral ESP component. It is automatically activated in case of slipping of one or more wheels. Here are examples. If one of the rear wheels begins to scroll, 4ets will immediately slow down it. Moreover, the moment directed to the wheel with the best clutch with the roadbed is equivalent to the braking power of the boxing wheel. In other words, this is an electronic imitation of the rear differential lock. The same principle is used on the front axle. In the case of slipping of all four 4TS wheels, he begins to gently brake everything, achieving proper adhesion to the road and fighting for the stability of the car as a whole. I will say more, the operation of the system also depends on the speed of movement. For example, at low speeds, all the wheels can be braked, which is equivalent to blocking three differentials of the rear, front and interdosseous. At high speeds, the braking of the rear wheels occurs synchronously, even if only one wheel axes. As a result, again, the maximum possible stability of the body is ensured, albeit to the detriment of dynamics. That is, the main principle of 4TS and the entire all -wheel drive system 4matic safety.
I will not hide, I have repeatedly tried to turn off the ESP system (this is possible only at a speed of up to 50 km/h), and tried to tear the car into slipping or force it to drive sideways. But even on the slippery coating, which prevailed during the test, all my efforts were in vain. With the slightest slip, or, moreover, drift, the yellow light on the instrument panel began to blink, signaling that electronics intervened. This happened even at a speed of 20-30 km/h.
Such settings, of course, can upset fans of extreme driving. So, after all, there are other models for them. And C280 4Matic is, first of all, security in summer and winter. At the same time, what has been said does not mean at all that the nature of the all-wheel drive C-class is bored of anything like that! If you do not demand from this car the impossible on slippery coating, then you can go very quickly and very fun, using the fact that most of the moment is nevertheless transmitted back.
Two words about prices
C350 in the basic configuration costs 1,720 800 rubles. The Advanced Agility system will increase the price by another 1424 euros. And if you install it on a car, already equipped with an AMG packet, then 925 euros.
C280 4MATIC is slightly cheaper than 1,537,200 rubles.
Andrey Osipov
Photo Mercedes-Benz
Video test drives Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007
Video crash tests Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007
Test drives Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007
Crash Test Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007
Krassh Test: Detailed Information36%
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32%
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