Autoweek: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-class First Drive
03-10-2014, 02:17 PM
#1
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Autoweek: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-class First Drive
Subtitle: How much class could a C-class have if a C-class could have class?
http://www.autoweek.com/article/2014...IEWS/140319999
Compare/contrast with the Automobile Magazine review posted here.
http://www.autoweek.com/article/2014...IEWS/140319999
Compare/contrast with the Automobile Magazine review posted here.
03-10-2014, 08:12 PM
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03-10-2014, 08:24 PM
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The only thing these reviews confirm for me is that they're entirely dependent on the person driving the vehicle and writing the article. That's just how personal taste works so it isn't a criticism but it's hard to say how useful they are. Look at the difference in the impression of the same gas/petro engine - Automobile's take:
versus Autocar's impression of the same engine:
BTW, Autocar UK published two separate reviews of the C-Class, one diesel, one for the gas/petro. They think the gas engine is more refined.
Our C250 boasts the most powerful gasoline engine currently available in Europe, a 208-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder....On paper, it does everything right. In real life, however, you sometimes wish for greater smoothness, better sound quality, and more evenly spaced gears. As it is, the transmission occasionally feels compelled to change down two or even three ratios. In response, the engine then revs to the limiter to deliver the goods, and this driveline stress is at odds with the car's otherwise commendably calm demeanor.
From the outset, the new C-class’s petrol engine, essentially the same as that used by the A and B-class, CLA and GLA-class, but turned 90-degrees to provide it with a longitudinal mounting, feels competent to drive. It accelerates Mercedes-Benz’s classy new saloon with a smooth and willing nature while providing it with commendably hushed and muted qualities at a constant cruise on the motorway.
There is very little drama, and no real need to wring the engine to tap into the performance. Peak torque of 258lb is delivered across a wide range of revs, from just 1200 through to 4000rpm, giving the C250 the sort of in-gear flexibility to satisfy even the most ardent of diesel engine admirers.
There is very little drama, and no real need to wring the engine to tap into the performance. Peak torque of 258lb is delivered across a wide range of revs, from just 1200 through to 4000rpm, giving the C250 the sort of in-gear flexibility to satisfy even the most ardent of diesel engine admirers.
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03-10-2014, 10:57 PM
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+1. Having said that, it seems that all review agree the interior is marvelous (+/- on the nav screen) and that the refinement (overall, not necessarily engine specifically) is quite good. Can't wait to test drive one. =)
03-11-2014, 10:18 PM
#9
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I must admit that this car is Amazing. I dont see how Mercedes can sell the E class alongside this vehicle.
For 2015 I don't see why anyone would buy an E class instead of the W205 C class.
For 2015 I don't see why anyone would buy an E class instead of the W205 C class.
03-11-2014, 10:58 PM
#10
Because a new E class is coming in 2016. Its going to return to a distinctive front fascia, will have the same large screen dash enclosed COMAND and gauge screens as the S class, be a little bigger, and will move to a straight 6 engine.
03-11-2014, 11:23 PM
#11
You have anything to back all that up? I find it hard to believe the E-class would be using an enclosed COMMAND screen when Mercedes is phasing that out in EVERYTHING else, including the upcoming GT AMG, CLS-facelift, and M-class facelift.
03-12-2014, 12:24 AM
#12
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Nah, I am pretty sure he just made all that up. The w213 is not due till 2017, the inline 6 has been mentioned though, but not confirmed.
03-13-2014, 12:25 PM
#13
This is the first time I've ever heard that it's first shipping with air suspension only. How accurate could that be? I've also heard a number of "car sites" refer to the 4 cyl as a turbo, but not the v6 (they neglect to say twin-turbo). There are a lot of discrepancies going on with these "reviews" and "previews".
03-13-2014, 08:46 PM
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This is the first time I've ever heard that it's first shipping with air suspension only. How accurate could that be? I've also heard a number of "car sites" refer to the 4 cyl as a turbo, but not the v6 (they neglect to say twin-turbo). There are a lot of discrepancies going on with these "reviews" and "previews".
Automobile Mag just published a separate review of the C400 to go along with their C250 review from earlier this week. The C400 review is critical of the combination of Airmatic and AWD. Here's the quote:
Airmatic air suspension, standard on the C400 and optional on the C300, makes the car feel more like an athlete who's arrived at training camp out of shape. It leans heavily into turns and jounces in reaction to fast lane changes. In sharp turns, it wants to plow straight past the turn-in point, although the strong brakes and grippy Continental tires prevent it from doing so. Chief engineer Christian Früh blames the all-wheel-drive componentry, which adds some 150 pounds, nearly all of it over the front axle. Then there's the mass of a 3.0-liter V-6 compared with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the C250.
Indeed, the C250 we drove for comparison feels like a different car. It's nimble and balanced, and it enjoys being pushed in corners....So, those who want a Mercedes sport sedan should wait for next spring, when the rear-wheel-drive C300 -- essentially a more powerful version of the C250 -- arrives at Benz's U.S. dealerships.
Indeed, the C250 we drove for comparison feels like a different car. It's nimble and balanced, and it enjoys being pushed in corners....So, those who want a Mercedes sport sedan should wait for next spring, when the rear-wheel-drive C300 -- essentially a more powerful version of the C250 -- arrives at Benz's U.S. dealerships.
Last edited by ddarko; 03-14-2014 at 12:15 AM.
03-13-2014, 11:18 PM
#15
Current issue of Automobile magazine has a short article on the W213. The S certainly isn't losing the enclosed screens.
03-14-2014, 12:08 AM
#16
Yeah, I think Autoweek got their notes mixed up. Almost every other publication has explicitly said air suspension is optional on the C300 and they all attended the same media events in Germany or France as Autoweek. Odds are the 9 out of 10 journalists that are reporting Mercedes said Airmatic is standard on C400 and optional on C300 are the ones that heard it correctly.
Automobile Mag just published a separate review of the C400 to go along with their C250 review from earlier this week. The C400 review is critical of the combination of Airmatic and AWD. Here's the quote:
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...4matic-review/
Automobile Mag just published a separate review of the C400 to go along with their C250 review from earlier this week. The C400 review is critical of the combination of Airmatic and AWD. Here's the quote:
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...4matic-review/
03-14-2014, 12:30 AM
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I dunno now, maybe Mercedes will make Airmatic standard for the launch cars. They seem more keen on pushing the higher price points first in the USA than in other territories where the cheaper models are the ones launching first.As for the price difference, the 4matic is a $2,000 option on the 2014 CLA 250 but doubt Mercedes will offer it as an option on the RWD C300 (it's not an option on the W204 C250). There's a $3,600 gap between the W204 C250 and C300 4matic. Automobile's C400 review says they expect USA prices to start around $40,000 but it's unclear from the way it's written whether they're talking about prices for the initial AWD models or if they mean even the RWD C300 will be $40,000 base.
Last edited by ddarko; 03-14-2014 at 01:03 AM.
03-14-2014, 08:23 PM
#19
Whoops, I changed my comment after you quoted it! I dunno now, maybe Mercedes will make Airmatic standard for the launch cars. They seem more keen on pushing the higher price points first in the USA than in other territories where the cheaper models are the ones launching first.
As for the price difference, the 4matic is a $2,000 option on the 2014 CLA 250 but doubt Mercedes will offer it as an option on the RWD C300 (it's not an option on the W204 C250). There's a $3,600 gap between the W204 C250 and C300 4matic. Automobile's C400 review says they expect USA prices to start around $40,000 but it's unclear from the way it's written whether they're talking about prices for the initial AWD models or if they mean even the RWD C300 will be $40,000 base.
I dunno now, maybe Mercedes will make Airmatic standard for the launch cars. They seem more keen on pushing the higher price points first in the USA than in other territories where the cheaper models are the ones launching first.As for the price difference, the 4matic is a $2,000 option on the 2014 CLA 250 but doubt Mercedes will offer it as an option on the RWD C300 (it's not an option on the W204 C250). There's a $3,600 gap between the W204 C250 and C300 4matic. Automobile's C400 review says they expect USA prices to start around $40,000 but it's unclear from the way it's written whether they're talking about prices for the initial AWD models or if they mean even the RWD C300 will be $40,000 base.
The fact that the c300 will start with 4matic, air suspension, etc. is a little annoying.
I want a 2015 c300, RWD, standard suspension from the get go. It seems like this configuration will be a bit of a wait.
03-14-2014, 08:42 PM
#20
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I'm pleased with Autocar's comments. From experience they always reflect South African taste in driving moreso than others. We will have RWD from day one. About 6 weeks away.
