Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class W204 since 2007 sedan

Again 25

Having presented us in the fourth generation, the Mercedes S-Class acts already in the form of a completely spacious family car.
The world is growing, and not only people, but also cars are accelerate in it. 25 years ago, Mercedes 190 was the youngest model with a three-beam star, for which he received a sweet nickname Baby Benz. However, over a quarter of a century, even more compact A and B-classes, as well as almost toy under-and-Mededes Smart, entered the market. Thus, the C-class, the prototype of which was the 190th, had to climb a couple of steps higher, and now, presenting us in the fourth generation, it acts already in the form of a completely roomy family car. With some stretch, he can relate to a business class, and even by the number of Baby-Benz options, many Japanese luxury models confidently are confident. For the surcharge, a PRE-SAFE preventive security system is provided, the active chassis of Agility Control, capable of changing the rigidity of shock absorbers, as well as gas reactions to gas and reactive force on the steering wheel, etc. And it’s better not to remember different skin varieties, an exotic tree, in a word of Mercedes about options for finishing the salon and the choice of motors.
However, the luxury is more for the S-class, the shops are more often bought in fixed trim levels. And here customers are waiting for disappointment. A huge steering wheel is made of simple plastic in diameter, which clearly does not correspond to the status of the machine. It resembles a Mercedes 20-30 years ago, when the power steering was a curiosity. It seems that the designers drew ideas in the representative model, but, having evaluated the budget, they decided to make the steering wheel as simple as possible. The central console also looks inconspicuous that it is borrowed from Opel Astra and repeats it in shape and quality of plastic.
In the basic version, the C-class is equipped to the limit for a simplified version of the Command interface system. The display hidden behind the lid in the center of the front panel reflects only the operation of the audio system, the control buttons are duplicated on the consoles. And only in expensive 6-cylinder models the display has a more impressive size and resembles a full-fledged Command system, known for senior models.
The noise insulation of the Mercedes is still good. The only thing that breaks into the salon, the hum from the road and the noise of the motor after 4500 rpm. Despite the sharp edges of the body and huge mirrors, the driver and C-class passengers are absolutely protected from aerodynamic noise. Even when the speed exceeds 200 km/h, it is quite possible to communicate in the cabin without straining voices.
Outwardly, the proportions of the new chain resemble the classic 190s. But the rapid sidewalls of the body are sent to the BMW three-lancet, and the rounded C-class feed resembles a CL reduced on scale, which is somewhat contrasting with an acute-angle front hand. A ingenious ventilation system is built into the rear lights, which creates a clamping force and allows the sedan to do without a spoiler, and also reduces the pollution of the lamps. It’s just interesting what will happen when narrow ventilation holes are clogged with dirt mixed with Luzhkov cocktail.
C-class is offered with two options for designing the front line. The classic version is equipped with a traditional radiator grill and a star a sweat on the hood. Drivers who prefer an active style are addressed to the Avangarde version with an aggressive grill and a big star in the style of Mercedes compartment. At the same time, there are no technical differences between the assemblies. After conferring with colleagues-journalists, which versions are better, we never came to a common opinion. Outwardly, Avangarde looks better, but, being in the cabin, it is more pleasant to watch a classic three-pointed star on the hood without it, it seems like not a Mercedes. You will probably have to agree to a clock-linked collective farm-tuning and decorate the car with two stars
Despite the controversial design and a simple interior decoration, Mercedes took a significant step forward in terms of controllability. An extended track and a more rigid body positively affected stability in corners. More rigid shock absorbers eliminate the buildup in vihi, which the previous C-class suffered. In general, driving a machine is now much more interesting, according to this parameter, Mercedes has become reminiscent of BMW, walking the treshka even more rigid and acute in its reactions.
I managed to ride in cars with three different engines. The 185-horsepower compressor engine of the C200 K version, as before, is characterized by good thrust in the entire speed range and in combination with a 5-speed automatic is a very optimal choice. C280 with a 3.0-liter V6 engine is already a very dynamic car that can compete with most cars on the road. But the most powerful of the C350 available in the Russian market was disappointed. No, the engine honestly gives out the declared 272 hp, and the acceleration is accompanied by a pleasant bass soundtrack. But the suspension of the top version turned out to be standard, and it can hardly cope with a heavy engine and a 7-speed automatic. As a result, C350 cannot boast of anything but accelerated dynamics, and in terms of handling it is inferior to more modest versions. It is still better to drive lovers to turn to BMW dealers or be patient and wait for autumn when Mercedes will appear in Russia with an adaptive suspension of Agility Control.
After the end of the test, I managed to ride at the C-class of the recently discontinued generation. This is a real Mercedes! The quality of finishing materials and the design of the salon is more interesting and better. Sound insulation is also excellent. Yes, it is not controlled so dynamically, more heated in corners, not so unambiguous at high speed, but it has more gloss and impressiveness, which Mercedes appreciate so much. And even despite all my driver ambitions, if I had now in my pocket of the extra 30-35 thousand euros, I would no doubt give them for the old C-class, since the dealers still have final models at very attractive prices. Such a chain confidently bypasses BMW and Audi in style and comfort, and at least a couple of years will delight with its rapid lines and germ-shaped headlights.
Text and photo: Leonid Pavlov.
 
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Controllability
Comfort
 
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Salon finish
Spectacular design
 
The price of the tested car is 1 197 500 rubles

Complete the test of the tested car
Frontary airbags
Side airbags
Inflatable curtains
Abs
Anti -boom system
The system of dynamic stabilization
Steering amplifier
Automatic transmission
Multifunctional steering wheel
Adjustable steering column in height
Adjustable steering column by departure
Steering wheel decoration with leather
Electric heating of the front seats
Rear -view mirror
Remote Central Castle
Air conditioner
Climate control is two-zone
Electric drive and heating of external mirrors
Electr -glass lifts are front
Rear electric windows
Luke for long -meters
CD-audio system
Light sensor
Rain sensor
Trip computer
Parctronics
Fog lights
headlight washer
Alloy wheels
Coloring metallic
Electroregulation of the driver's seat
Electroregulation of the front seats
Cruise control
Xenon headlights

Specifications
Body
Body type 4-door sedan
The number of places 5
Trunk volume, l 475
Equipped mass, kg 1485
Complete mass, kg 1970
Length, mm 4581
Width, mm 1770
Height, mm 1447
Wheel base, mm 2760
Road clearance, mm 150
Engine
Basin type with compressor
Front location, longitudinally
Location and number of cylinders R4
Working volume, cm 1796
Cylinder diameter/piston stroke, mm 82/85
The degree of compression is 8.5
The number of valves per cylinder 4
Maximum power, L.S./rpm 185/5500
Maximum torque, Nm/rpm 250/2800-5000
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed, automatic
The rear drive
The front suspension is double -leaf
The rear suspension is independent, multi -link with a reptile stabilizer
Front brakes Disco ventilated
The rear brakes are disk
Tires 185/65 R14
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 235
Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, from 8.6
Fuel consumption, l/100 km
city cycle 11.3
country cycle 6.3
mixed cycle 8
Fuel tank capacity, l 66
Fuel AI-95 gasoline
 
 
   
   
 
 
 

 

Source: Carclub.ru