Only several fairly minor changes took place in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Sport sedans got a new instrument cluster design. All C-Class models are now equipped with seat-mounted front pelvic airbags. The C350 gets driver side memory settings with a power steering column and a tilt-down reverse passenger mirror. And the optional hard-drive-based navigation system is larger (40GB) and now has 6GB reserved for music.
The more significant changes took place last year in the 2008 model. While the car's size, suspension design and engines were primarily the same, the 2008 C-Class received an improved interior with higher-quality materials, an optional hard-drive-based navigation and multimedia system, and an easier-to-use COMAND interface. Both the Luxury and Sport models also were further differentiated with styling, suspension tuning and interior design changes.
And later in the model year, the all-new performance-oriented sedan, the C63 AMG, was released with its 6.3 liter, 451 horsepower V8 engine.
For 2009, there are four trim levels for Mercedes' entry-level luxury sedan: C300 Sport, C300 Luxury, C350 and the C63 AMG.
Both C300 models are powered by a 3.0 liter V6 engine that produces 228 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The C300 Luxury has a standard seven-speed automatic transmission (optional on the Sport). The C300 Sport comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and Mercedes estimates it goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds.
The two C300's have differentiating exterior styling elements, interior trims, front seat designs, and suspension tunings. Standard equipment on both include 17 inch alloy wheels, sunroof, eight-way power front seats, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, MB-Tex cloth upholstery, the COMAND control interface with a pop-up display screen, Bluetooth connectivity and an audio system with a single-CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
Gas mileage for an automatic rear-drive C300 is 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The same features can also be found in the C300 4Matic Luxury and C300 4Matic Sport models. The only difference is that they are all-wheel drive.
The C350 Sport is essentially a C300 Sport with the Premium I Package and a black bird's eye maple wood interior trim. It's equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 that producess 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the only choice, and has been clocked from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Mercedes estimates C350 gas mileage at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The Premium I Package adds heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, satellite radio, and driver side memory with power steering column and tilt-down reverse passenger mirror.
The C63 AMG is equipped with the same standard features as the C350 Sport and adds larger brakes, a firmer suspension, 18 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, special AMG exterior and interior styling, unique AMG seats, split-folding rear seats and aluminum shift paddles.
The rear-wheel-drive C63 AMG's V8 is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The driver can select from three different shift modes that adjust shift speeds for comfort, sporty or high-performance driving preferences. Tests have clocked the C63 AMG going from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Gas mileage for the C63 is 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, although drivers interested in this vehicle are likely more interested in performance as opposed to fuel economy.
An optional AMG Seating Package is available for the C63 and adds premium leather upholstery, driver and passenger memory seats and a four-way power-adjustable steering column.
There's also an AMG Performance Package that adds a limited-slip rear differential, a compound braking system with cross-drilled rotors, a more aggressively tuned suspension and an increased top speed of 174 mph.
The Premium II Package is an option available on all C-Class trims and includes corner-illuminating foglights, LED taillamps, split-folding rear seats (already standard on the C63 AMG), a power rear window sunshade and bi-xenon headlamps.
The Multimedia Package includes a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system that includes an in-dash six-CD changer.
Stand-alone options include a panorama sunroof, leather upholstery, TeleAid satellite communications, 18 inch wheels, an iPod integration kit and an in-dash CD changer.
Standard safety features on the C-Class includes front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted pelvic airbags, active front head restraints, traction control, stability control, and adaptive antilock brakes featuring brake assist, brake drying, pre-pressure and hill-start assist.
Also, For 'Used' C-Class Buyers ...
Those of you in the market for a used C-Class may want to check out this Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective buying method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels.
And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them at no cost in your own area.
