2009 Mercedes-Benz C300

2009 Mercedes-Benz C300: An AutoWeek Drivers Log

A picture of a side view of a silver Mercedes-Benz C-class
The Mercedes-Benz C-classINTERACTIVE EDITOR DALE JEWETT: We've sung praises for the Mercedes-Benz C-class before, and this example does nothing to change that tune.

The 3.0-liter V6 is powerful and smooth, capable of rocketing away from an intersection or getting you up to speed quickly on the freeway on ramp. The seven-speed auto snaps off crisp shifts, even in the Comfort setting. The chassis is rock solid, a real benefit as nearly every street in my neighborhood seems to be under construction right now.

The power driver's seat and power tilt and telescope for the steering column make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. And the seat heater is strong and soothing on a back that was tired from a weekend of yard work, digging and planting.

This brings me to a note about the C-class trunk--it can hold a bunch of stuff. I filled it with six bags of mulch, two bags of decorative rock, some edging, weed block and a few paving bricks with no hassle.

On the down side, setting the driver's seat for a full-size adult leaves very little leg room for the rear passenger, unless the driver is kind enough to scrunch up a bit.

Also, a curious glitch. I like the availability of the iPod connector in the glove box. But I would be cheesed if I paid $375 for this wire, only to see the message that the system considers my latest-generation iPod Nano to be incompatible--which means it won't charge the iPod. And despite the fancy navigation-screen interface, the only way to select songs from the iPod was via the control buttons on the steering wheel, and then I could only page through the list song-by-song. It's almost more trouble than it's worth.


SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: I'll echo some others' sentiments and say this is a truly comfortable car. It has sturdy underpinnings and didn't strike me as floaty, despite its luxury-liner feel.

The interior is well done, nice materials here with the woodgrain and the dials. The black plastic dash looks sleek, though not totally upscale. I also loved the exterior. The bold grille with horizontal lines is a nice statement for Mercedes and the headlights are striking, too. The lower front fascia with running lights makes this car appear aggressive and fast and gives it a balanced look.

The powerplant is very good. I actually was surprised to see the ratings, thinking there was more horsepower and torque than the specs say. There's some nice pull in this sedan, though the initial launch is a little slow until you really build the revs. Steering is spot-on with good feedback, perfect for directing the car over an angled freeway at night.

The chassis also did a nice job of being stout while shielding me from the bumps and holes that, while minor, really can be a menace in some cars. For what it's worth, the real-world mpg figures are very respectable, and my stint did include some city cruising.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C300

In Fleet: May 22-June 5

As-Tested Price: $45,590

Drivetrain: 3.0-liter V6; RWD, seven-speed automatic

Output: 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 221 lb-ft @ 2,700-5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,560 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/23.6 mpg

Options: Premium II package including Sirius satellite radio, heated front seats, bixenon headlamps, headlamp washers, cornering fog lamps, split folding rear seats, garage-door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power rear-window shade, 10-way power driver's seat with memory, power-adjustable steering column ($3,500); multimedia package including seven-inch power retractable color display, COMAND hard-drive-based navigation system, six-disc CD/DVD changer, Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 discrete multichannel surround sound system, voice control, music register, PCMCIA slot ($2,980); black leather ($1,570); seven-speed automatic transmission ($1,460); panorama sunroof ($1,050); steel grey paint ($720); TeleAid, ($650); iPod integration kit ($375); burl walnut wood trim ($310)