Mercedes-Benz: C-Class News
#161
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by goldmemberer
Benz will offer a manual tranny in every (appropriate) model by 2008. Of course you won't see an S-class with a manual tranny, but an SL?
They realize that they've shunned a lot of the market share for cars like the CLK and SL by making em auto-only, and they're smart enough to rectify their mistake.
They realize that they've shunned a lot of the market share for cars like the CLK and SL by making em auto-only, and they're smart enough to rectify their mistake.
Plus lets see how many computers they can shove into this thing and how long they last.
#164
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God Damn, that's a hot as car. It's making me think twice about the next gen G35... may have to look at this seriously. I wonder what the dimesions are. The proportions are very similar to the E. I don't remember where I read it, but I'm under the impression that the next C was going to grow, getting very close to the E. Similarly, the next E (still years away) was going to also get bigger, now that the next S debuting is getting bigger; closer to the last gen car than the current S. Anyone else here that? I'd love to see the C get a bit bigger (the 3 is, why not the C).
#165
Originally Posted by goldmemberer
Benz will offer a manual tranny in every (appropriate) model by 2008. Of course you won't see an S-class with a manual tranny, but an SL?
They realize that they've shunned a lot of the market share for cars like the CLK and SL by making em auto-only, and they're smart enough to rectify their mistake.
They realize that they've shunned a lot of the market share for cars like the CLK and SL by making em auto-only, and they're smart enough to rectify their mistake.
CLK, maybe. But an MT SL will never happen.
#166
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Originally Posted by ClutchPerformer
I'll believe that when I see it.
CLK, maybe. But an MT SL will never happen.
CLK, maybe. But an MT SL will never happen.
#167
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by ClutchPerformer
I'll believe that when I see it.
CLK, maybe. But an MT SL will never happen.
CLK, maybe. But an MT SL will never happen.
#169
Cost Drivers!!!!
2006 Mercedes-Benz C350
3 series is in heap of trouble IMHO. Benz has finally stepped up and the new g35 has already thrown it down. If Lexus releases the is350 you'll have 3 solid alternatives where you loose nothing by choosing the non-bmw.
Let me be the first to say...ding dong the witch is dead............
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ne.promo.2.*#2
Let me be the first to say...ding dong the witch is dead............
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ne.promo.2.*#2
The Trickle-Down Theory
By Kelly Toepke
Date posted: 02-17-2005
When Mercedes-Benz has got a good thing, the German automaker is smart enough to spread it around. Such is the case with the new 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is steadily making its way through the luxury brand's model lineup.
After debuting in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK two-seater, the lightweight engine, which features an aluminum block and cylinder heads, displaced the E-Class sedan's 3.2-liter engine earlier this year. And now it's available in the smaller Mercedes-Benz C350.
Dueling German Horsepower
For 2006, the 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter C320 sedan becomes the latest casualty in the escalating horsepower war Mercedes is waging with its Bavarian rival, BMW. After years of the BMW 330i eating its lunch with its healthier 225 hp, Mercedes has had enough. Just as BMW is about to pull the wraps off its revamped 255-hp 330i sedan, Mercedes is moving in for the kill with the 268-hp, 3.5-liter C350. Sounds like BMW 3 Series drivers better start checking their rearview mirrors.
If the horsepower jump isn't enough to grab you by the short hairs, the increase in torque will. With 258 pound-feet of torque, the Mercedes' V6 destroys BMW's new 3.0-liter inline six, which will be rated at 220 lb-ft, and gives the C350 some serious thrust.
With its smooth revs and throaty new exhaust note, the C350 drives much sportier than the C320. There's plenty of torque to be found throughout the wide power band, making the charge off the line as fun the 50th time as it was the first. As in the C320, it continues to be rear-wheel drive with a 4Matic all-wheel-drive option.
Seven Speeds, No Waiting
Like the pint-sized SLK roadster, the Mercedes C350 comes standard with a six-speed manual, which is a major upgrade over the old six-speed gearbox. The C350's reworked linkage inspires confidence through the shift pattern with buttery-smooth action and a solid feel. The clutch is nicely weighted, not overly heavy or annoying while sitting in traffic.
Aiding hard-driving pursuits while helping take the heat off your gas pump credit card is an optional seven-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using steering wheel-mounted buttons. Serious sport sedan enthusiasts may claim that a manual transmission is necessary to extract maximum entertainment from the driving experience, but Mercedes has made this automatic shift so quickly and efficiently, it's hard to imagine why anyone would want to exercise their clutch foot unnecessarily. In fact, Mercedes states the same 0-62-mph time of 6.4 seconds with both transmissions. The C350 4Matic version retains the old five-speed automatic.
Despite the notable increase in performance, Mercedes also says fuel economy is improved by 12 percent over the C320's old V6, largely due to the efficiency of continuously variable valve timing and a two-stage intake manifold.
Familiar Style and Safety
Outside the cabin, the only visible clue to the new power plant tucked under the hood is the simple rear deck badge. Like the C320, the C350 sedan will continue to divide itself into both Luxury and Sport trims; Luxury offering a more traditional leather and wood-trimmed cabin, and the Sport model includes aluminum trim, a three-spoke steering wheel with thumb rests and larger wheels and tires.
In addition to predictable safety features, such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes and three-point seatbelts with tension limiters for all occupants, every C-Class offers stability control and eight airbags that include head-protecting side curtain airbags.
More Bang, Same Buck
Perhaps the most impressive part of the Mercedes-Benz C350's specification sheet is the price. Although pricing hasn't been officially released, and won't be until just before the C350 goes on sale this summer, Mercedes officials report the cost should be comparable to the current C320, which starts at just over $38,000.
Although previously disregarded as a true sport sedan, this new, more powerful Mercedes-Benz C350 should earn a spot on any BMW shopper's short list.
By Kelly Toepke
Date posted: 02-17-2005
When Mercedes-Benz has got a good thing, the German automaker is smart enough to spread it around. Such is the case with the new 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is steadily making its way through the luxury brand's model lineup.
After debuting in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK two-seater, the lightweight engine, which features an aluminum block and cylinder heads, displaced the E-Class sedan's 3.2-liter engine earlier this year. And now it's available in the smaller Mercedes-Benz C350.
Dueling German Horsepower
For 2006, the 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter C320 sedan becomes the latest casualty in the escalating horsepower war Mercedes is waging with its Bavarian rival, BMW. After years of the BMW 330i eating its lunch with its healthier 225 hp, Mercedes has had enough. Just as BMW is about to pull the wraps off its revamped 255-hp 330i sedan, Mercedes is moving in for the kill with the 268-hp, 3.5-liter C350. Sounds like BMW 3 Series drivers better start checking their rearview mirrors.
If the horsepower jump isn't enough to grab you by the short hairs, the increase in torque will. With 258 pound-feet of torque, the Mercedes' V6 destroys BMW's new 3.0-liter inline six, which will be rated at 220 lb-ft, and gives the C350 some serious thrust.
With its smooth revs and throaty new exhaust note, the C350 drives much sportier than the C320. There's plenty of torque to be found throughout the wide power band, making the charge off the line as fun the 50th time as it was the first. As in the C320, it continues to be rear-wheel drive with a 4Matic all-wheel-drive option.
Seven Speeds, No Waiting
Like the pint-sized SLK roadster, the Mercedes C350 comes standard with a six-speed manual, which is a major upgrade over the old six-speed gearbox. The C350's reworked linkage inspires confidence through the shift pattern with buttery-smooth action and a solid feel. The clutch is nicely weighted, not overly heavy or annoying while sitting in traffic.
Aiding hard-driving pursuits while helping take the heat off your gas pump credit card is an optional seven-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using steering wheel-mounted buttons. Serious sport sedan enthusiasts may claim that a manual transmission is necessary to extract maximum entertainment from the driving experience, but Mercedes has made this automatic shift so quickly and efficiently, it's hard to imagine why anyone would want to exercise their clutch foot unnecessarily. In fact, Mercedes states the same 0-62-mph time of 6.4 seconds with both transmissions. The C350 4Matic version retains the old five-speed automatic.
Despite the notable increase in performance, Mercedes also says fuel economy is improved by 12 percent over the C320's old V6, largely due to the efficiency of continuously variable valve timing and a two-stage intake manifold.
Familiar Style and Safety
Outside the cabin, the only visible clue to the new power plant tucked under the hood is the simple rear deck badge. Like the C320, the C350 sedan will continue to divide itself into both Luxury and Sport trims; Luxury offering a more traditional leather and wood-trimmed cabin, and the Sport model includes aluminum trim, a three-spoke steering wheel with thumb rests and larger wheels and tires.
In addition to predictable safety features, such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes and three-point seatbelts with tension limiters for all occupants, every C-Class offers stability control and eight airbags that include head-protecting side curtain airbags.
More Bang, Same Buck
Perhaps the most impressive part of the Mercedes-Benz C350's specification sheet is the price. Although pricing hasn't been officially released, and won't be until just before the C350 goes on sale this summer, Mercedes officials report the cost should be comparable to the current C320, which starts at just over $38,000.
Although previously disregarded as a true sport sedan, this new, more powerful Mercedes-Benz C350 should earn a spot on any BMW shopper's short list.
#170
That's hot.
#173
Now is it new new or just the same C-Class sedan with a revamped motor?
#175
Lola
Originally Posted by phile
Now is it new new or just the same C-Class sedan with a revamped motor?
#177
fap fap fap
Originally Posted by phile
Now is it new new or just the same C-Class sedan with a revamped motor?
and the saab 9-3 is getting a 2.8 turbocharged engine w/250hp soon
#180
goldmemberererer
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I used to think every C-class except the AMG models were crap but MB has earned my respect for the C350.
What's scary is... MB is now equipping their cars with MTs that are smooth as butter. Once their upper class AMG models get manuals, who is going to want a 760i over an S55 or worse yet for BMW, an S65?
What's scary is... MB is now equipping their cars with MTs that are smooth as butter. Once their upper class AMG models get manuals, who is going to want a 760i over an S55 or worse yet for BMW, an S65?
#181
Cost Drivers!!!!
Originally Posted by biker
C350 w/6MT would be pretty sweet. Like in the mid-sized sedan segment, lots of good choices in the entry level field.
welp the price isn't exactly entry level at 38k but i see what yer saying.
#182
I miss my 03 CL-S :(
38k yikes
Still it sounds like a great car on paper at least. The price puts it with the new 3 series but I mean the TSX is like 10k less. The TL is what, 5k less with navi and other stuff? Hmmm. I'm not sure the TSX even competes with this new C class.
Still it sounds like a great car on paper at least. The price puts it with the new 3 series but I mean the TSX is like 10k less. The TL is what, 5k less with navi and other stuff? Hmmm. I'm not sure the TSX even competes with this new C class.
#184
Burn some dust here
Originally Posted by goldmemberer
I used to think every C-class except the AMG models were crap but MB has earned my respect for the C350.
What's scary is... MB is now equipping their cars with MTs that are smooth as butter. Once their upper class AMG models get manuals, who is going to want a 760i over an S55 or worse yet for BMW, an S65?
What's scary is... MB is now equipping their cars with MTs that are smooth as butter. Once their upper class AMG models get manuals, who is going to want a 760i over an S55 or worse yet for BMW, an S65?
#185
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Originally Posted by cob3683
You wont see an AMG with a manual for awhile. The only ones that might get them sooner is the next C55 or SLK. The E55 would be a longshot to get one but I doubt we will ever see a manual in the SL, CL, CLS, or S class. They have said a few times that they have no interest in putting a manual into their top of line models.
I doubt we'll see manual trannies for any AMG models sold in America. Those are limited production models and very very few want manuals on them.
#186
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Originally Posted by cTLgo
so does this mean we will be expecting a C35 AMG?!
#188
Photography Nerd
I don't know why this is being compared to the TSX?
$38,000 > $26,000
Sure they're the same size but I can't see anyone really cross shopping the two when the C350 is almost 50% more expensive.
Mind you, if Acura wants to bring out a 250hp AWD TSX to compete, I'm cool with it.
$38,000 > $26,000
Sure they're the same size but I can't see anyone really cross shopping the two when the C350 is almost 50% more expensive.
Mind you, if Acura wants to bring out a 250hp AWD TSX to compete, I'm cool with it.
#191
I see tons of them up here. Must be the affordable price. If they bring their A-Class here, they’ll sell well in Canada.
Originally Posted by Chaptorial
Think they'll keep the C230 coupe?
#193
Burn some dust here
Originally Posted by biker
IS350>G35>C350=330>CTS all RWD sedans w/6MT
I am most anxious to see how the top of the line models are going to go. BMW is going to make the 4-door M3 again with over 400hp, MB is going to up the C55 to 408hp, and the CTS-V has 400hp. For Infiniti and Lexus to keep progressing they have to come out with a performance line, otherwise they will be holding on for dear life.
#194
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
I don't know why this is being compared to the TSX?
$38,000 > $26,000
Sure they're the same size but I can't see anyone really cross shopping the two when the C350 is almost 50% more expensive.
Mind you, if Acura wants to bring out a 250hp AWD TSX to compete, I'm cool with it.
$38,000 > $26,000
Sure they're the same size but I can't see anyone really cross shopping the two when the C350 is almost 50% more expensive.
Mind you, if Acura wants to bring out a 250hp AWD TSX to compete, I'm cool with it.
#198
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Yeah, great camo. The way the beltline sweeps up so severly towards the rear, is all to fool us. There's no way of telling what it'll look like. Intersting, it looks a bit bigger generally, which I'm happy to see. Just like with the 1 and 3 Series, maybe the B-Class under the C is allowing the C to get a bit larger (current version to small for my tastes). Hope my eyes aren't playing tricks on me.