Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class w203 2000-2004 sedan

Mercedes on ice

4Matic system is able to turn a driver into a master of figure skating

I repent: at heart, until recently, I believed that luxurious cars from Stuttgart are still not for me, a lover of true Drivers Car. After a tight acquaintance with Mercedes-Benz C240 \u200b\u200b4Matic, I was forced to admit to myself that I was mistaken. Because he experienced a true delight from driving this all -wheel drive car: it is fast, reliable, and, of course, amazingly comfortable.

After a cosmetic operation

Generally speaking, before the facelifting, which the C-class was subjected to at the end of the last year, its appearance, I would say, did not raise doubts. Although now, with a slightly lowered down and a more massive front bumper, he gained aggressiveness. The anterior lighting technique has also changed. The form of headlights itself remained the same, but under the plastic cap, separate rounds of near and high light appeared, as well as the turning indicator. The front end began to resemble a reduced version of the updated S-class. Which, in itself, is not at all bad, and points only to the corporate identity.

The parallels with the flagship of the company come to mind, and when you get inside C240 \u200b\u200b4Matic. Here I want to settle for a long time. Luxury has always been a hallmark of cars with a three -beam star on the hood. But in C240 \u200b\u200bit is harmoniously connected to the sports style. Black leather chairs have enviable lateral support. The seats provide low landing. On the right is a wide platform with an automatic gear handle, which, in addition to the usual Sport and Winter modes, is an armrest under which two small boxes are hidden (one of them is great for a mobile phone). The driver’s legs are in a long tunnel, involuntarily resembling the ergonomics of sports cars. The steering wheel is straight, without the slightest inclination. In addition, the seat and the steering column can be adjusted using electric drives in a wide range. And in fact, there is a feeling that you are in a huge sedan like a S-class, the internal space is so successfully arranged. The rear passengers, by the way, are also enough space.

One thing can embarrass a person who first drives behind the wheel of this Mercedes a huge number of buttons, from which at first it is full of eyes. I managed to find only a couple of round switches of the volume level of the audio system and the climate control unit. All other systems are controlled using buttons: one folds side mirrors, the other turns on the seats, the third lowers the rear head restraints, the fourth activates the parking sensors, and so on.

Two words about the Bose audio system. It sounds great, and has a CD changer for 6 disks. Moreover, for convenience, Chainer is not in the trunk, but in a glove box. And since the box itself is an unusual shape and is quite spacious, it is certainly possible to put not only gloves, but still every little thing.

Trust the electronics

There was an evening of the weekend, when you most want to relax in your favorite chair after the test and filming. Snow was falling outside the window, and the New Year mood has not yet disappeared. Alas, we only dream of peace. And the phone rang, and we must urgently rush to the other end of the city ...

The reader can imagine the Moscow Ring Road during snowfall, and even Saturday evening, when road services will not even occur to go into business. These are they in a chair by the TV, and I am in Mercedes on ice. Worse, I’m not alone here, there are plenty of cars, and most of them crawl, of course, trying to occupy the left row according to the Russian tradition. To drive from there the already frightened by the weather, the business is unpromising. And since the time, as always, in a cut, will have to maneuver.

Fortunately, there is an all -wheel drive car under me. If it was a classic layout, about a speed of 120-140 km/h on the snow with ice could be forgotten, despite all the cunning stabilization systems. C240 4MATIC confidently gaining speed. I don’t let go of the steering wheel to the left, then to the right of the gas pedal, and it smoothly and obediently travels around cars, whose drivers did not even have time to notice what it was.

At some point, all this reminded me of a computer game in the car racing. No, with a feedback on the steering wheel, the brake and gas pedals are all right. You just do not notice either speed or disgusting porridge under the wheels. You do not even need to worry about possible skins, slipping and the like. And no noise, as if lumps of snow and ice are not flying out from under the wheels. The pendants work quietly and clearly. There are no vibrations, the body in corners and does not think to roll. It seems that during the next rebuilding of the food, I intend to go into the skid and did not think to react. Why worry when smart electronics still cope faster, transferring exactly the necessary part of the power to the front wheels. After all, the transmission receives signals from the ESP stabilization system, and that, in turn, has already posted the course and movement mode, based on the angle of rotation of the steering wheel and speed. The fact that the on -board computer has intervened can only be recognized by a light bulb blocked several times on the instrument panel. I think this is the upper class of no speed loss, the electronic driver corrected my actions on time, and, it seems, without any tension.

Just in case, I’ll make a reservation: ESP and all -wheel drive will certainly help out in a difficult situation, but this does not save the driver from the need to feel the car and be aware of the actions. In the world, automobile pilot systems have not yet been created, which would completely do without a person. If there are full -wheel drive car skills, then C240 \u200b\u200b4MATIC will instill a feeling of additional confidence and tranquility. You can drive a thousand kilometers even on this car even along our roads, and do not get tired at all.

Of course, I could not help but try to turn off the ESP and go through a couple of turns sideways. I must admit: I received no pleasure. Full -wheel drive is in such a way that it is difficult to wait for bright sensations, its main task is to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. And it is not to the face of such a car to scare the unexpected maneuvers of other participants in the movement. But when it is necessary on a snowy MKAD, or on a winding path, it will behave in the best way, you just have to trust the electronics.

Safety is not cheap

Prices for C240 \u200b\u200b4MATIC begin at 45 thousand euros. Of course, the level of equipment is fully consistent with both the brand and the price. In addition to C240, the all -wheel drive system can be equipped with C320, as well as some modifications of E and C of classes. Let these versions are more expensive, but is it worth it to say how well they approach our conditions. In addition, the 4Matic system does not deprive Mercedes of all other branded features, for example, the ability to turn around in such a small area where the car is not easy to do below the car.

As for competitors, a real rival is perhaps one BMW with all -wheel drive versions of 325ix and 330 IX. Nevertheless, these are completely different cars, each is focused on their own circle of customers. Someone prefers a great degree of sports, someone is a greater degree of comfort and security. The choice is already good.

Brief technical characteristics of Mercedes-Benz C240 \u200b\u200b4Matic
Engine volume, cubic meter. See: 2597
Number of valves per cylinder: 3
Power, l. With. at about./min.: 170/5500
Max. Torque, Nm/at about. min.: 240/4500
Acceleration to 100 km/h, p.: 10.0
Maximum speed, km/h: 228

Average fuel consumption l./100 km.: 11.2
Fuel tank volume, l.: 62
Dimensions, mm.: 4525x1730x1430
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 1-2 (26), 2003]