EDMUNDS.COM 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2005 MERCEDESBENZ CCLASS new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A variety of body styles and trim levels assure that you''re bound to find something to your liking, but none can match the Audi A4 for interior style or the BMW 3 Series for athleticism.
Pros
State-of-the-art safety and luxury features, three body styles to choose from, pleasing power from top V6 engine.
Cons
More expensive than competitors, ordinary cabin furnishings, small backseat.
What''s New for 2005
The new model year brings freshened exterior styling to the C-Class. A new dash, redesigned seats and tweaked trim pieces help to polish the interior up a bit, as well. A new audio system with six speakers and a CD player is standard across the board. Further updates include an improved short-throw six-speed manual transmission and revised suspension tuning. A DVD-based navigation system is newly available, while the C320 wagon has been discontinued.
Overview
Introduction:
The latest generation of the C-Class, introduced in 2001, replaced the more traditionally styled version (1994-2000), which had in turn succeeded the small, boxy and rather drab 190 Series (1984-1993). Aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series, the C-Class lineup touts the typical Benz virtues of solidity, safety and comfort. With styling cues (such as a low hoodline, arched roofline and triangular taillights) evocative of the flagship S-Class, the baby Benz sedan has no trouble drawing admiring glances. Three different body styles and numerous levels of trim give you plenty of options to consider, but all return satisfying performance and ample luxury. Never one to keep the best safety equipment just for its most expensive models, Mercedes provides the C-Class buyer with a reassuring roster of the latest advances in safety technology. Stability control, BrakeAssist and side curtain airbags are all at the ready to help avoid an accident or protect the occupants in case said accident is imminent. If the C-Class has a fault, it''s high pricing -- the entry-level Benz generally costs more than every other car in its class, including sought-after models like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. This fact, alongside the Benz''s small backseat, rather ordinary interior accommodations (compared to the A4) and modest athleticism (compared to the 3 Series), makes us less enthusiastic about giving it a full recommendation, particularly to people on a budget. What''s more, competition is increasing in this price range, and value leaders like the Acura TSX, Infiniti G35 and Mazda RX-8 offer a high level of performance and luxury for the price paid. Ultimately, though, we do recognize the appeal of the C-Class: Whether you''re a young and active single, a weekend driving enthusiast or a family chauffeur, the C-Class can get you around in relative comfort while providing more than a dash of style, prestige and fun.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
A hatchback duo (the C230 and C320 Sport Coupes), a handful of sedans (C230 and C320 Sport Sedans, and the C240 and C320 Luxury Sedans) and a single wagon (the C240 Luxury Wagon) make up the C-Class. Sporty and affordable, the coupes and the C230 Sport Sedan come with 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, cloth sport seats, dual-zone climate control and a CD stereo. C240 versions are more mild-mannered, offering 16-inch wheels, softer suspension tuning, leather/cloth seating and genuine wood trim, along with V6 power. Step up to the C320 to enjoy a 10-speaker Bose stereo and 10-way power seats with memory. To this, the C320 Sport Sedan adds 17-inch wheels, a firmer suspension and sport seats. The options lists are extensive, allowing buyers to add full leather upholstery, bi-HID headlights, a DVD-based navigation system and, on coupes only, a panoramic sunroof.
Powertrains and Performance:
Three engines see duty in the C-Class lineup. The C230 has a 189-horsepower, 1.8-liter supercharged inline four. The C240 has not a 2.4, but a 2.6-liter V6 with 168 hp. And the C320 employs a 3.2-liter V6 good for 215 hp. Two transmission choices -- a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic -- are available on all Sport models; Luxury models come with the automatic only. All coupes are rear-wheel drive, but sedans and wagons offer a choice between rear-drive and 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Safety:
In addition to expected safety features, such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes and three-point seatbelts with tension limiters for all occupants, every C-Class boasts stability control and eight airbags that include head-protecting side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the C-Class scored four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts and five stars (for the front and rear) for side impacts. The IIHS gave the C-Class a "Good" rating (its highest) for its performance in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test, and named it a "Best Pick" overall.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
In the past, C-Class interiors were nothing special, but this year''s upgrades include new gauges, controls and seats -- finally giving the entry-level Benz the slick look it should have always had. As the cars are compact in size, there isn''t a lot of legroom in the backseat, and adult occupants are apt to complain. With a generous maximum cargo capacity of 63.6 cubic feet, the wagons provide utility in a smart-looking package. And if you flip down the seats in the sport coupes, the hatchback will swallow 38.1 cubes worth of luggage.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
As you would expect, the C-Class is a comfortable car that excels at pampering its occupants. It''s also more sporting than previous small Benzes, and the sport sedans and sport coupes, in particular, are fun to drive, though don''t expect the razor-sharp manners of a BMW 3 Series. Both the 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder and the 3.2-liter V6 deliver solid, refined performance, but the midgrade 2.6-liter V6 is a bit lethargic.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ MERCEDESBENZ Information Index ] [ COUPE/HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON Information Index ]
|
