STUTTGART, Germany Mercedes-Benz has thrown down the gauntlet to the BMW 3 Series with its new C-Class cars, which were introduced at the Daimler-Benz Museum here in a flurry of excitement that included a live streaming Internet feed.
The third-generation C-Class has been fully revised with an up-to-date, sleek look. A remarkable 1.4 million-plus units of the outgoing model were sold, so Mercedes' high-profile introduction of the new model is logical.
The new model still has a little of the look of a shrunken S-Class, but definitely has a confident character all its own. It looks purposeful, individual and striking especially in AMG livery.
The engine range offers increased power and reduced fuel consumption. When the cars come out in Europe in March, engine choices will be: C180 Kompressor with 156 horsepower (previously 143 hp), C200 Kompressor with 184 hp (up 20 hp); three six-cylinder units with unchanged horsepower numbers at 204, 231 and 272 hp; and a new C200 CDi with a four-cylinder, common-rail diesel engine, capable of 170 hp.
The top-of-the-range V6-powered C350 comes with a seven-speed automatic, and all other models feature six-speed manual and auto gearbox choices.
It wouldn't be a Mercedes-Benz launch without new technology. In this case, it is called Agility Control, a damping control system that adapts suspension settings depending on driving conditions. The new C-Class also gets the PreSafe safety system, optional COMAND driver's interface and optional Thermotronic automatic air-conditioning.
Later this year will come the AMG-tuned, V8-powered C63, and a wagon version is also not far behind.
[Insideline]
the rest, i like the look but they lack balls
