CD Article: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300

[CD_Editor]

Today's First Drive:

With its sportier styling, improved handling, standard six-speed manual transmission, and no-charge Sport package, the new C300 is aimed at attracting younger drivers to the Mercedes-Benz stable, reports James Bergeron.
   
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Read the article | View the photos | All The First Drives

[mdxtasy]

Beautiful.  When the car first was shown in pictures, I wasn't too impressed with it.  Now, I'm in awe of the styling.  I will be heading out for a full test drive.  I'm liking the C300 with sports package, 4matic and 7 speed auto tranny. 

[tpl]

I'll go and test one as well     but with the manny tranny

[sailor723]

Great car at a REALLY attractive price!

If only they can crawl out the basement when it comes to quality. Who would have ever thought when MB and Lexus were duking it out for top spot in reliability and quality rankings in the early 90's and Hyundai was JUNK that 15 years on MB would be finishing near the bottom (and well behind Hyundai) on many lists.

[Spheric]

At a $45k CAD price point for the entry level, they might struggle to attract a younger demographic.

Nice car though.

[Julie]

James, congratulations on what I take is your first "First Drive" article as an automative journalist?

This is a veeeeeeeery interesting car........ I wonder how long they'll offer that sport package free... Who cares, free or not later, this sounds like another great competitor to the 3-series. More choice in this segment is  

Will be interested to see how the reliability turns out to be....

[wing]

Thanks Julie, yes it is.

Spheric it is $41,000 for the base price.  Add an automatic is $1500.  That is very competitive in the market at only $42,500.

I corrected the type-o of $41,900.

[Jameel]

Beautiful car, I really love the styling.  Although it looks like it's older sibling the S class, I think it looks better and the proportions just right (at least in the pictures).

I think at $41,000 that is a very competitive price, especially since the sport pack is free and you get a manual.  Perfect.  I think MB will sell a lot.

[safristi]

Vell written Mein Herr.... ....... Luvverly vehicle @ a surprising PRICE POINT.........My Dad loved Mercedes Diesels (yup this ain't one)...but i've always felt
 that having the 3 pointed STAR labelled U as a SNOB....well this could tempt me to buy that Chateau in the Dordognes and drive there... fer a PISS_UP wif da HOMEYS.....BANK MANAGER & TAXMAN be DAMNED....................

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think it fantastic as well.

Looks like a shrunken S-Class, but this time not a cheap knockoff mini S-Class. Rather the real, luxurious, high-cachet deal. Gorgeous fender flairs, advanced/techy body creases, Benz 3-pointed star in the grille is sporty or the traditional grille for stately, appears in the photo the side glass even has the UV coating like the S-Class. On the inside, quite well laid out and very German but more warm than before - everything appears just right, high grade looking leather, LOVE the instrument faces (much like the Volvo S80), and the Sport Pkg's aluminium masculinity.

Very sharp pricing with comprehensive equipment levels. As opposed to the outgoing model, think it'll stand out more on the road as well.

I'm impressed.

[mdxtasy]

I think it fantastic as well.

Looks like a shrunken S-Class, but this time not a cheap knockoff mini S-Class. Rather the real, luxurious, high-cachet deal. Gorgeous fender flairs, body creases, Benz 3-pointed star in the grille, appears in the photo the side glass even has the UV coating like the S-Class. On the inside, quite well laid out and very German but more warm than before - everything appears just right, high grade looking leather, LOVE the instrument faces (much like the Volvo S80), and the Sport Pkg's aluminium masculinity.

Very sharp pricing with comprehensive equipment levels. As opposed to the outgoing model, think it'll stand out more on the road as well.

I'm impressed.

What colour are you getting? 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think it fantastic as well.

Looks like a shrunken S-Class, but this time not a cheap knockoff mini S-Class. Rather the real, luxurious, high-cachet deal. Gorgeous fender flairs, body creases, Benz 3-pointed star in the grille, appears in the photo the side glass even has the UV coating like the S-Class. On the inside, quite well laid out and very German but more warm than before - everything appears just right, high grade looking leather, LOVE the instrument faces (much like the Volvo S80), and the Sport Pkg's aluminium masculinity.

Very sharp pricing with comprehensive equipment levels. As opposed to the outgoing model, think it'll stand out more on the road as well.

I'm impressed.

What colour are you getting? 

Are you asking so you know which one to avoid? 

I haven't seen the wagon yet. I'd get a B-Class instead anyway.

[wing]

No word from Mercedes on the wagon, there may or may not be one.  They were unaware of one coming.

[mdxtasy]

Are you asking so you know which one to avoid? 

I haven't seen the wagon yet. I'd get a B-Class instead anyway.

No....an opinion on what you think would look good.  I'm feeling the white exterior.  Dark grey would also be nice.  A wagon C-class would be great....but will it be here before December?  The MDX may go back and the Porsche won't be a very nice family car in the winter. 

[wing]

The white is HOT especially with the panoramic roof which makes the entire roof black.  The black car looks mean too.  Only had a chance to view white/black and grey.  The car looked good in all colours the white and black were the best.  You know how I feel about white cars.... well most white cars, some look like bad rentals.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

The white is HOT especially with the panoramic roof which makes the entire roof black. 

If black gloss roof is the case, that would be hot.

Just looking at the configurator now, my choices would be between:
- Calcite White over grey/black (not sure of interior, but haven't been into all-black lately). Timeless
- Tanzanite Blue over grey is classy and a little lower key but not bland black
- Fire Opal over black. Think this would look very stunning in person. Can't imagine many would be sold in bright red either... little more unique.
- Cubanite Silver/bronze for understated Berlin/Dubai richness. Could tire of it quickly and probably more geared to non-Sport Elegance buyers. Would need to see.

[mdxtasy]

Just built mine.  $46,575.  So with taxes and delivery, I'm roughly out the door at $50k.  Think there's room to negotiate on it? 

[quadzilla]

Have to (also) say the car looks great and at that price point it should do well.  Always nice to see another player back in the game.

If they bring this as a wagon I'll be thinking real hard.  This or the 328xiT? 

[wing]

MD, you add AWD there?

[initial_D]

Just built mine.  $46,575.  So with taxes and delivery, I'm roughly out the door at $50k.  Think there's room to negotiate on it? 

Doubt it.  Only one Benz dealer in town, and a hot new model.

The new C-class would be a better alternative than the overcrowded 3 series.