i was set on getting the acura cl-s or tl-s until i seen this new benz hatchback. any ideas? comparisons? besides the hp, cause im not the type to drive too fast anyway so that wouldnt really play a part in my decision. thanks

 

Well, I won't buy that benzy, cuz I think the build quality aint' that good. Althought the Acura is kinda cheap ass in terms of build quality as well, but at least you get more of what you paid for. With the Benzy, you are getting a bottom of the line MB, which doesn't really justify the fact that you are paying for the brand name....

JMHO

 

I think you're referring to the new C-Coupe. Being a huge Benz fan, I love most M-B, however, Mercedes did a ****ty job on creating this car. It's too plastic-y in the back and the interior isn't worth the price tag. Plus, you're paying for the name and not a great automobile -- in terms of the C-Coupe. Spend the same amount of money and get an Acura, I promise you'll be impressed.

 

I have a friend that was a Valet for 6 years at a nice restaurant. in LA He says that Acura's and BMW's are different from other "luxury" cars in that you feel like they built the car around the driver, but with the other big "luxury" cars, it felt like they built a car and then put the driver in it.

Now I love Mercedes and absolutly hate BMW (except the M5 & Z-8), but I like the above comments on the "bottom of the line" Mercedes aint gonna be what you see in the S & E class.

Just my 2 cents.

amtt

 

I know what you mean with BMW's. I used to love them. Now I would only get one if I could afford the 5 serries. I think BMW went from a high end car manufacturer to an everyday type car maker when they brought out the 318 ti in the mid 90's. For those of you who don't remember the 318ti was the short lived 3 series hatch back. Ever since, regular 3 series cars can be seen several times a day. There are probably more 3 series than TL on the road today.

 

just to let you know.......C-class Mercedes are TRASH ......they don't even qualify as a Mercedes-Benz; the E320 barely qualifies as a Mercedes. Take it from someone who's driven a '97 SL500, '97 E420 AMG, '00 E320 4Matic, and a '00 S500 (I have rich family members and friends). 3-Series BMW are way better than the C-Class M-B.....but if you don't like BMW, go for the TL-S. I've driven my cuz's stock '00 CL and it doesn't nearly feel as nimble as my TL. But the CL-S probably handles differently from the regular CL. So, I'd recommend an Acura over a C-Class anyday. (Sorry about the rant, but I simply cannot stand the C from M-B)

 

I would definitely advise against purchasing that new MB C-class coupe (hatchback).

From a performance aspect, if suffers greatly against its competition. Numerous reviews have given a 0-60 time ranging from mid to high 7s... this being with the six-speed manual even. I don't think any REAL Benz owner would be caught dead with a 4 cyl powering their car, even if it is supercharged. The new coupe lacks the refinement that you would get with an Acura. Road testers agree that shifting is harsh in this car. Yes I know the base SLK shares the same engine, but remember, that is a car several hundred pounds lighter than the one in question (even that runs low-mid 7s).

We can assume build quality will suck. Cheap plasics are sure to be abundant. People who know even one iota about cars will not be fooled by the tri-pronged star on your hood. It means nothing in this case. I'm sure many people will be doped into paying an exorbant price for an underperforming, low-value car, simply because they want to have the status of being a "Benz" owner.
This is pathetic

The C-class to me conjures up images of BMW's 318 of old. How many people hopped on to that bandwagon, only to be shunned by the rest of the auto world? Putting a 4-banger in the bay of a cheaply made vehicle, and adorning with a high-profile badge means nothing. You are only deluding yourself. If you have a 318... you're not really a Bimmer owner. If you buy the new C-class couple, you're far from being a true Benz owner.

MB simply wants to capture a lucrative part of the market, that up to this point, they have been missing out on. Keep in mind, that this 25k range is in Acura RSX-S territory. If anything, you should be comaparing those two, not the CL/TL-S.

 

I agree with my2sense on the 318 concept - too small, looks kind of cheap for a premium brand. The Porsche 914 suffered the same "inferiority complex" - some Porsche clubs won't let you in if you own a 914 - they consider it a VW.

I stopped by the MB dealer earlier to oogle the E430 they just got in and noticed the new "baby benz" sitting off to the side - you'd think they would put it up front, but that's where the E430 and the M55 were.

IMHO, the TL(S) gives you alot more car for your $$ in this price range - more size, more power, more comfort. Want to compare the 430 to the RL? MB wins every time.

 

Eww the benz is NA-A-A-A-A-A-STY! How many men you ever saw driving the 318ti hatchback that BMW made?
Ed

 

I've seen several 318ti's in the last week. In fact, a guy who lives accross my stree has done some mods to his. Looks good without being too ricey.

 

IMO, if you plan on buying a Mercede's then get the real deal. I don't consider the C class Mercedes models the true ones since Mercedes put them out under the "affordable" umbrella.

It's like the 318 back in the day with BMW. WTF? A 1.8 liter engine for "The ultimate driving machine" isn't exactly a show stopper when you consider the average car out there would probably beat it.

If your planning to buy a Mercedes, save up for a true model...CLK, E classes. Or go all the way with an S class!


Just my 2 cents....

 

I think a $25,000 Mercedes-Benz is more of an oxymoran than a $27,000 Acura.........

That hatchback is awful and a !# shame to have the 3-pointed star. The 318 hatchback did awful here and this will too....

mercedes and manual do not go together.....leave that to BMW.

Why is EVERYONE trying to make a sporty car (cause many car manufactuers are not very good at it). Sales do not prove sporty.

Even Caddy trying to be sporty.

WHY CAN'T SOMEONE JUST MAKE A COMFY LUXERY CAR AND BE HAPPY?????

Some people still like those kinda cars.....

If I drove a $100,000 S 500 I would be pissed.....

 

I would definitely not get the C-Class hatchback over the TL-S or CL-S. NO WAY! Being that I used to have a 99 C280 Sport, I can definitely say the TL is waaaaaaayyyyyy better!

In terms of features, ride comfort, power, and price. If those aren't things you are looking for in a car, then go ahead and get the MB. It's only a name, and I found out the hard way. See I only had it for a week and I hated it, so I got the TL. Now I'm in love wit the TL.

 

HELL NO!
I agree with what everybody is saying about the C-Class hatchback. It is definitely not worth having the Mercedes logo on it.