I saw the new C classes and new ML at Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach, CA. Mercedes sponsored a private event for the viewing of these vehicles. After driving all the way from L.A.in so much traffic, I have to say the trip was worth it. They had a black C250 and a palladium silver C250 (the same colors that I ordered). Apparently, according to the representative, the sedan and coupe will only vary by $1500, so a coupe is now in my view despite my sedan being built at the factory in just a couple of weeks. The new steering wheel is amazing and the new telematics is incredible! Although its not listed anywhere in the dealer ordering guide, SIRIUS WEATHER IS ON THE C CLASS! It is incredible as well and the whole navigation system is upgraded. The dash materials are improved as well from the 2011's with MBTex on the dash and side panels as well as the center console, which conveniently now holds the iPod integration. The circular air vents were a bit cheaper looking than the ones in my GL. The seats were exactly the same and so were the seat controls, but the wood trim was more of a matte finish than a glossy finish (it felt like computer printed plastic, not real wood, almost like a laminate). The aluminum trim was MUCH better (the coupe had wood, the sedan had the aluminum). Apparently, the C250's they had only HAD ONE EXHAUST PIPE, NOT TWO! I was disappointed because now the back end of my car will look ugly, atleast in the bottom. The C class headlights were very shiny and at certain angles, you could see shades of blue and purple from the side, very sexy. The rear led tail lamps also have little spaces along the side for aerodynamics and air ventilation, also very cool. The rear seat of the car is exactly the same. In the front control panel, the buttons felt solid and was very, very nice in comparison to the plasticky ones on the older C class. The new instrument cluster now has a color display, but it isn't any bigger than the older one. If you have any questions about how the new C class looks or feels, just drop a comment!

I also saw the new ML; much better looking in person and the chrome is very reflective. The rear tail light brake lights are not LED, although advertised as so in the new ML. The head restraints are much more firm and the telematics and center console make the car look bigger.

 

There's one key issue with the new COMAND ONLINE is it's not iPhone compatible. Nor is it compatible with a lot of other phones if you want the internet access so a lot of the new features such as Google Maps integration don't work

(ps. My C250 only has one exhaust pipe which is disappointing but I can live with it).

 

Did they let you test drive the c250? Any pics?

 

Based on his signature where he ordered the car, I'm presuming he test drove it?

Either way if you have any Q's, I've test driven both C250 CGI and CDI

 

If you ordered with AMG sport package, it should come with 2 tips? as pictured in UK website, no?



See here,
http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...Fv3_:15hadrd1u

The second picture's bar from the left.

 

It's not listed as a feature though. From reading the equipment list (at least for AUDM), the AMG Sports Package includes:

AMG Sports Package (950) - Only available with Avantgarde (954) or Standard model
Interior equipment
• 3-spoke leather steering wheel with thumbrests
• Armrest in rear with twin cup holder and stowage compartment
• Sports seats for driver and front passenger
• Steering-wheel gearshift paddles
Interior appointments
• Aluminium-look gearshift lever with leather gaiter
• Black roof liner
• Combination fabric/ARTICO man-made leather upholstery on standard model. Full leather upholstery remains when ordered in conjunction with Avantgarde (954)
model line
• Floor mats in black with AMG lettering
• Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs (inc. foot-operated parking brake)
Exterior equipment
• AMG 18-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels
• Lowered sports suspension
• Perforated front brake discs, brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering
Exterior appointments
• AMG bodystyling comprising front apron, side sills and rear apron
• Tailpipe in polished stainless steel (for C 200 CDI BE)
• Mesh-type air intake

The "twin-pipe exhaust system with polished stainless steel tailpipes" is standard equipment on C300 CGI in addition to C250 CGI & C250 CDI.

Source URL: http://www2.mercedes-benz.com.au/con...%20May2011.pdf

 

Thanks for the good insight. How was the engine noise comparing to the current C300? How do you compare suspension and handling ? Was there a turbo lag in C250 CGI? I agree with you about the single exhaust . I'm planning to order a similar configuration and the exhaust would be a deal breaker for me.

 

Agh, I want a 4-banger coupe very badly....

 

Either way if you have any Q's, I've test driven both C250 CGI and CDI [/quote]
Which one do you prefer?

 

All of the C250s will come with a single exhaust tip.

 

It's weird, on the website the only one listed is the 2012 C300, but supposedly only the C250 or C350 will be offered. What?!

 

Yea I believe they're just bringing out the C250 I4 Turbo and C350 V6. Not sure what's going on with the site.

 

Is it compatible with ANY phone in the US at all? I haven't heard any success story yet.

 

Do you mean "I want a C63 coupe badly"? Aim for the stars, if you fall you'll be on top of the world.

 

Lol I guess you're right. That amg coupe is damn sexy.

 

I saw a new black MY2012 C350 4Matic at the Mississauga dealer today (west of Toronto, Canada). Looks very nice...

 

Blackberry phones which support DUN profile (which is most of them).

I got mine to work with a Nokia E51.

CDI. It felt like it had more 'shove' and pushed you back in the seat with the thrust from the diesel. The CGI felt smoother and more benz-like, but I found it a bit boring.

 

The CDi had less turbo lag than the CGI.