2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS Review

Overview

Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a five-passenger luxury sedan that comes in a lineup of luxury and performance-oriented models. This ace performance sedan comes with a good responsive steering, stable handling, smooth ride quality, impressive Multimedia package, intuitive COMAND controller and excellent build quality. All C-Class models come with great steering and quick-on-the-uptake brakes. Engine choices remain the same for 2010 and the prime competitors include the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Infiniti G37. Mainly a carryover model from 2009, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an entry-level luxury sedan available in four trim levels: two versions of the C300, one C350 and one C63 AMG.

Powertrain And Performance

The C300 is powered by a 228-hp 3.0-liter V-6, while the C350 packs a 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6. The C63 AMG performance sedan is driven by a 451-hp 6.2-liter V-8. The C300 is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and it can run on E85 ethanol. The C350 and C63 AMG get rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The optional Dynamic Handling Package on rear-wheel-drive sport sedans (C300 and C350) includes active damping suspension and speed-sensitive steering. The trunk measures 12.4 cubic feet.

Build And Styling

The C300 is powered by a 228-hp 3.0-liter V-6, while the C350 packs a 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6. The C63 AMG performance sedan is driven by a 451-hp 6.2-liter V-8. The C300 is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and it can run on E85 ethanol. The C350 and C63 AMG get rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The optional Dynamic Handling Package on rear-wheel-drive sport sedans (C300 and C350) includes active damping suspension and speed-sensitive steering. The trunk measures 12.4 cubic feet. Body and styling The C300 Luxury and C300 Sport have a common engine, but vary in exterior styling elements, interior trim, front seat design, suspension tune and standard transmission. The standard equipment includes a sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, MB-Tex cloth upholstery, eight-way power front seats, the COMAND control interface with a pop-up display screen, Bluetooth connectivity and an audio system with single-CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The C300 4Matic Luxury and C300 4Matic Sport models have the same features but add all-wheel drive. The C350 Sport is basically a C300 Sport with the Premium I Package and black bird's eye maple wood interior trim, while the C63 AMG has all the standard features of the C350 Sport and gets a firmer suspension, bigger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, special AMG exterior and interior styling cues, unique AMG seats with aggressive side bolsters, split-folding rear seats and aluminum shift paddles. A Premium I Package adds rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats, satellite radio and driver side memory with power steering column and tilt-down reverse passenger mirror to all C300s. The Premium II Package with LED tail lamps, corner-illuminating fog lights, split-folding rear seats (Except for the C63 AMG, since these come standard), a power rear window sunshade and bi-xenon headlamps is optional. The Multimedia Package adds a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls and a premium Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system that adds an in-dash six-CD changer. An optional AMG Seating Package adds premium leather upholstery, driver and passenger memory seats and a four-way power-adjustable steering column to the C63 AMG. The AMG Performance Package adds a compound braking system with cross-drilled rotors, a limited-slip rear differential, a more aggressively tuned suspension and an increased top speed of 174 mph. Leather upholstery, a panorama sunroof, TeleAid satellite communications, 18-inch wheels, an iPod integration kit and the in-dash CD changer are among the stand-alone options.

Safety Features

Standard safety features of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class include side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, front seat pelvic airbags, active front head restraints, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability system.