Mercedes-Benz C-Class - 2008 Review

The new Mercedes C-class is a looker.. there is no denying it. I got the second one in karachi, Pakistan. Turns heads wherever you go. Makes the older C-class look like a rip off. The model that I have custody of is a C200 Kompressor Avantgarde, and before I move on, buy the avantgarde package, that grill is worth it. Because everyday when its parked next to the Elegance model in the office, I thank myself for making the decision of buying the avantgarde, it changes the way you look at the car, the avantgarde in short would be something like Uma Thurman while the Elegance looks like an everyday pretty news reporter. 

Moving on to other aspects of the car, Mercedes have done a great job with the interior, its actually exciting unlike the older model where you couldn't tell whether all the money you paid actually went into the car or to some drug lord in germany. The Sound system is amazing, almost makes you want to sit in your garage and listen to your music instead of in your lounge or your ipod for that matter. The 13 speakers really do a fine job. The blue-tooth system is another new feature to look out for. Mercedes went out of their way and decided that the system should be able to hook up with 15 different cell phones. While the car can really only fit 5 people. A bit ambitious, but theres nothing to lose here. Once the system has recognized your phone, keep the blue-tooth functioning in your car and your phone and just after 10 seconds of turning your car on, your phone will automatically connect with the car, business at the push of a button. The memory seats option is the same as in the older models, and the onboard computer still does everything it did before, in short, Mercedes have made no compromise on the inside of the car, everything is better.

Coming to the Drive, the one aspect that BMW have always done better, well... BMW are still better. But this time its more like two horses running a race, not a horse and an ass. The kompressor actually out does its equivalent 320i in terms of power. The kompressor boasts 186 hp while the 320i  has a mere 171 hp. But despite this power difference the 320i will shoot you to 60 mph in just 8.1 seconds while the kompressor will do it in a rather disappointing 8.8 seconds. Around the corners the Mercedes feels more comfortable than its previous model did, but the 3 still has the edge, with the Merc it all feels like too much of an effort while in the 3 series it feels like the car was built to do this. But then again the Merc only feels like that when you compare it to the 3 series. The ride is comforting, great for long journeys, specially with the generous legroom in the rear. The suspension definitely feels at home on the highway even at a120 mph (192 kph).

At the end of it all, the new C-class really is a great car, but theres something missing. doesnt have the magic to make at least me fall in love with it. Its looks good, performs well, its practical, updated with all the new toys that mercedes have to offer. But still when you walk away from the car, it leaves you thinking and wondering about whats missing.... But then again thats my opinion on the car.