Glyn M Ruck

Benz wasted time trying to make the C Class a 3 Series & BMW softened the 3 to be more like a Benz. Both mistakes & a dilution of Brand.

Benz has returned to it's roots & DNA ~ building luxury motorcars. That is their brand positioning. The fact that they allow the level of configuration is a bonus.

AMG is the performance brand.

Sol01

That is true. C class should stop trying to beat 3 series in its own game. it should have its own identity and offer something different to what 3 series offers. however I do also think that as more technologies are bundled into cars, this might suit Mercedes a bit more than BMW since Beemers are losing their driving purity somewhat and that is where most complaints seems to be originating as their cars are getting heavier and bigger and all these electronic aids somehow interfere with a pure driving experience.

vic viper

Why lock up on one path when you could have both? I think the agility select system is great and will let you choose the type of ride you want with the flick of a switch.

Mark's M

Exactly. I was very impressed with the distinct difference in ride/performance that agility select allowed when I toggled through the various settings. In some other cars with similar systems you'd be hard pressed to notice any changes.

As far as luxury vs performance goes, I think Mercedes has struck a bit of a sweet spot with the C (equipped as I drove it) and there's nothing wrong with that IMO. For the money that I'll be spending this coming year I'm expecting nothing less than competence under almost any condition that I'll throw at the car which for me will include at least 1 HPDE event/year at Watkins Glen.

Now that requirement might be a bit of a stretch but I participate in these to sharpen my driving skills and learn the limits of my cars, not to "race". There are lots of participants with the same goals in mind and there's no requirement that you have to drive an AMG or an M car (although it helps lol). But I think that you at least have to have a car that's highly competent and won't scare the day lights out of you when pushed well beyond our daily driving requirements. Based on my extended driving impression of the C400, I think it'd work out just fine. And it would get you to the track and back home again in pretty fine style and comfort. The C450 might up the ante slightly so that'd be my bonus.

DBOC205

I wish more people would think like you. Honestly, they should make that type of experience mandatory for young drivers especially who are yet to learn what you can get away with in a vehicle. No amounts of high tech wizardry will save you from the experience of loosing car control in a safe environment.

Glyn M Ruck

+1^ ~ even at my age I redo my advanced driver training every 2 years. Track, skidpan & all. It's fun & keeps you sharp.

floridadriver

After reading your post Glyn I re-completed my advanced driver training from 10 years ago. Thanks for a good reminder.

Glyn M Ruck

Oh wow! good for you. I'm afraid SA has shocking death toll statistics on our roads. I try to protect myself & others by trying to remain as competent as possible & practice defensive driving. When I lived in Dallas & later the Bay Area, Marin County ~ I always found US drivers more relaxed than mad, aggressive South Africans. Road rage is all too common here.