2010 Mercedes Benz c Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class had been a really big hit with younger Mercedes-Benz buyers (some in the late-20s to early 30s age range) since its debut in 1993, after the 190E got the axe a year before, and you know what they say: “The hits just keep on coming.” The C-Class had been completely redesigned in 2008, so you may say that the C had not had any changes within the two-year gap. On a sidenote, the previous generation C-Class from 2001 to 2007, it had been noticed as a “baby Benz” due to the miniature size of its big brother, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class from the 2000-2006 model year.
The redesigned [2010] C-Class has a more subtle look due to its more square-ish body, with a lower front air dam, and sporty side skirts. The 2010 C-Class comes in four different trim levels: the C300 Luxury sedan which comes with a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 228 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque along with wood inserts and MB-Tex trim (sort of like an upgraded version of vinyl). The C300 Sport sedan comes with a 4-wheel multi-link sports suspension, and firmer coil springs and shock absorbers to give the car a firmer ride and handling. The C350 comes with an upgraded 3.5 liter V6 which produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. Similar to the C300 Sport, the C350 also comes with the same suspension along with Electronic Stability Program, and staggered 18-inch wheels. The big monster, the C63 AMG has a 100% hand-built 6.2 liter V8 with 450 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque making this the fastest yet most powerful C-Class ever built.
A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the C300, but a 7-speed automatic is optional for the C300 and standard on the C350 Sport (I don’t know why Mercedes-Benz did not make the C350 have a manual, but that’s a different story). Performance for all C-Class models is pretty descent as far as acceleration numbers. The C300 goes from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds, while the C350 is quicker by just one second. The C63 AMG, like I said, has the most powerful engine in its class (it can beat the BMW M3 by a margin in a straight-line) with a 4.1 second 0-60 run.
Remember that commercial that Mercedes-Benz used for the new 2008 C-Class? “Why does it take 7 years to built the all-new C-Class? Because we promise you a Mercedes-Benz. That is why.” Well, let me tell you this: If Mercedes-Benz can put safety in their cars, they sure can put it in a C-Class. All C-Class models come with 4-wheel ABS brakes with Brake Assist, along with TPMS, an AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which is pretty similar to the S-Class’s Active Body Control (ABC), and the Electronic Stablility Program (ESP).
One of the greatest features that Mercedes-Benz had put in for the C-Class include Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination, which allows the headlights to turn in the same direction as the driver turn the steering wheel to the left or the right when driving at night. An upgraded COMAND navigation system with Bluetooth, voice-activation, iPod compatibility, and Real-Time traffic can be added with the Multimedia Package. 10-way power seats with 4-way power lumbar support can also be added with the P1 package, which also includes a complementary 1-year subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Unlike BMW’s 3-Series which only gives you roadside assistance complimentary with the complementary 4-year/50k mile factory maintenance, Mercedes-Benz customers can get roadside assistance for as long as they own their car; if their car is leased, then they get roadside assistance during the length of the lease).
I would take a [pre-owned] C-Class if I could get a good price for it, because I think that it is a good buy for the money; however, the BMW 3-Series can interfere because of the 4-year/50k mile factory maintenance. This is a good example of opportunity cost. The C-Class is great because Mercedes-Benz can give you complimentary roadside assistance for as long as you own the car; however, the BMW 3-Series is great because of sharper handling, and looks. Go ahead and pick your weapon.
