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001 renders the verdict on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Agent001 submitted on 06/22/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:41 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[113] user comments | category: Report Cards

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Tags: 2008 Mercedes C-Class

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001 renders the verdict on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Matthew1 - 6/22/2007 2:11:27 AM

+1 Boost

001,

It is interesting your assessment on the interior. Other publications have praised the new C's interior on the feeling of solidity to the well-damped precision of all the buttons and controls. In their eyes it was a class act.

Now do you really think the interior 'feels' cheap? Or are you just trying to be objective for the sake of it?

I know the interior looks cheap in some of your photos, but I put that down to the harsh day-time light showing up the grain used in the soft-touch textured materials. All interiors look somewhat cheap in such lighting conditions, as every gap, texture, material contrast etc. is highly concentrated.

At least the clock isn't from a 1980's microwave oven.

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Agent001 - 6/22/2007 2:15:07 AMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

I didn't like the quality of the aluminum, the center stack dash buttons and the dash and door plastic texture. The luxury interior looks nicer but no where near the Lexus IS-Series which looks VERY expensive inside.

001

Agent001 - 6/22/2007 2:17:26 AMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

I also think they played it a little too safe on the interior design and material choices.

001

lexusis350 - 6/22/2007 2:23:57 AM

+4 Boost

Yeah, the aluminum doesn't look as expensive as the IS, but there's not a ton of it so it doesn't look too bad.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/22/2007 2:33:53 AM

0 Boost

I totally disagree with 001 on the interior. You have to be in it for a while to fully appreciate it. I agree that on some photos the plastics look a bit cheap but th e Lexus IS and BMW 3 are alot worse. Especially that faux-alumium on the centre console in the Lexus does not look expensive in my opinion.

The interior in the C-class is a highly-engineered place and everything fits together perfectly. It's not the best looking interior out there but it sure looks like a quality build part of the car.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/22/2007 2:38:12 AM

+2 Boost

"I also think they played it a little too safe on the interior design and material choices."

I agree. But there are some very good reasons for that. In Europe this car is extremely popular on the lease market, so it needs to be a bit conservative. They have customers who come back every time and they don't want to be surprised.

Anyway, if you're not happy with the way the interior looks, go visit the designo-division. They will do anything at a price. Full leather? no problem!

lexusis350 - 6/22/2007 2:19:37 AM

+2 Boost

I'm glad that Mercedes has changed their design philosophies. This car is one of the few in the world that can look sporty and classy at the same time. The previous C-Class wasn't anything special.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/22/2007 2:30:31 AM

+4 Boost

"The ugly- No keyless go and traffic nav availability is a no no in our book for any 2008 30k+offering…Even a Prius and a Versa has keyless go these days!"

That's weird, here in Europe we do get real-time traffic updates and keyless go.

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LexSucks - 6/22/2007 10:45:59 AM

0 Boost

As long as it has "Keyless-entry" I'm OK with it. Does it?

Ironman273 - 6/23/2007 10:44:54 AM

+1 Boost

Why are you unlocking a car with the remote, then? Should you be putting the key in the door and turning it? It's much more "not lazy" that way.

Push button start (and the easy entry associated with it) are the next step in the evolution of convenience, not laziness. Once you get used to it, it's like having to put the key in the door after getting used to keyless remote. Talk to me in 5-10 years when every car will have it and no one will want to pull out their key fob unless something is wrong.

Will_ - 6/22/2007 10:10:33 AM

+2 Boost

Since we're on design here, I personally like the simplistic and minimalistic design approach on the IS. Everything starts very elegantly from the front and then gently flows its way to the back.

The new C-Class doesn't flow, and clearly has more going on than even the 3-Series now. There's more body and character lines than necessary, and more layers of metal, especially the hood of the car, which looks like a front-end version of the "Bangle butt." It definitely makes a statement, just not the right statement for me.

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enthusiastx11 - 6/22/2007 10:55:34 AM

-1 Boost

"The C class can't even touch it"

well, the c-class has outsold every version of the IS. and it's a safe bet that this one will do the same. so, apparently, it's the IS that can't touch the C in sales. (2 million of the last generation were sold worldwide)

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Will_ - 6/22/2007 11:16:12 AM

+2 Boost

^^^This coming from people who say Lexus sales in North America mean nothing, and that "better sales doesn't mean better car."

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Rupert - 6/22/2007 9:06:23 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

This is far better than anything that has come out of the US in a long time, especially from Jeep.

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enthusiastx11 - 6/22/2007 10:58:48 AM

-2 Boost

buck:

fyi, daimler has sold off control of chrysler. read the business section of a paper sometime. that ill-advised short marriage is now over.

http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/dccom/0-5-7145-1-858191-1-0-0-0-0-0-11979-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

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sewingmachine - 6/22/2007 4:00:45 AM

0 Boost

agent 001 is a baller and a mackdaddy, always taking pics of pretty ladies, nice.

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xj13 - 6/22/2007 4:44:23 AM

+3 Boost

A friend of mine got sucked in and bought a i crap s lexus, he said it’s ok, but wished he waited for the c class, can't say I blame him..

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Agent001 - 6/22/2007 9:20:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

My issue is that I think there is too much aluminum and in combo with the dash materials it just looks cheap to me.

Subjective, yes...but my opinion.

Remember, my final grade for the C is an A- which is pretty darn good!

001

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Will_ - 6/22/2007 9:46:53 AM

+1 Boost

You state over and over again that the IS's interior is "overrated." Specifically who's overrating it?

Also, clearly metallic and polished silver-like plastic is more eye-pleasing and upscale than just your average black plastic. If you're going to use plastic, then at least attempt to make it look upscale.

This is why I don't understand how one reaches the conclusion that it is 'overrated.' In my book, Lexus deserves extra credit for not using black plastic and at least trying to offer something more upscale.

I seriously don't doubt that the interior is well-made, and I don't think anyone else specifically does either. The point is that it doesn't look as upscale as its rivals, as even you alluded to partially.



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Will_ - 6/22/2007 7:05:49 AM

+5 Boost

Agent001 gave his unbiased thoughts after spending a considerable amount of time with this car. He provided plenty of photos and the corresponding commentary to support his claims.

I think it says something that all of those opposed to his thoughts on the interior keep trying to compare it to the Lexus interior, claiming the Lexus interior is really the worst of the group. You compare it to the Lexus interior because it is among the best in its class.

We also have these same people trying to blame the quality of the interior we see in the photos on the lighting conditions under which the photos were taken, only to post links of the Lexus IS and Mercedes C interiors from press outlets, when we all know that the cars never look as good in real life like they do in a press photo.

The thing is, is that both interiors have plastic adorned in them. Apparently, from several sources now, the Lexus interior does a better job of fooling you that there's not plastic in it, while the C-Class does not.

Those of you who have also spent some quality time with the car, why don't you take some photos of the car's interior under the appropriate "lighting conditions" instead of posting links to press photos?

With this new C-Class I've warmed up to the bold and sporty exterior design, but clearly there's a few questions raised when it comes to the interior, which is a big concern for many people. And Keyless Go has been around for ages now, why doesn't the C-Class get it?

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FENDI - 6/22/2007 7:41:29 AM

+1 Boost

I'm interested in buying this car, but no Keyless Go and that interior are possible deal-breakers for me. I see no reason to buy a C350 over a 335i or even an IS350.

-underpowered
-so-so interior
-expensive
-lacks up-to-date tech features


At least with the 335i I know I'm getting the best-handling performance sedan, and at least witht the IS350 I know I'll be comfortable on the inside on a daily basis.

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M35MT - 6/22/2007 7:57:03 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I'm going to miss the out-going C Class, always hated on, but I think it has timeless style. The benz eliptical headlights will be CLASSIC in 20 years.

I'm going to make a move into a new car this month, and it's either going to be an IS250 w/ the x package (because I must have 6spd manual, not offered on the IS350, plus less dough)

OR I MIGHT, MIGHT get a C230 sport, 2007, when and IF they discount them when the new C arrives.

This car definetly fits in with the new Benz lineup, its beautiful. But at 23 yrs old, I feel as though the IS 'fits' me better.



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Will_ - 6/22/2007 9:56:16 AM

+3 Boost

^^^I've been saying that for years cawimmer430.
What good is BMW's superior handling to most sitting in traffic and using these cars to and from work on the freeway in everyday driving?

From that realistic perspective, of all the compact sports sedans I'd take the IS350 and the C350 before the 335i anyday. It's not like the 3-Series is the only one that knows how to take a corner, for both the IS and new C have been noted for having very good driving dynamics.

Will_ - 6/22/2007 9:57:54 AM

+2 Boost

Whoops this was the wrong reply...

Will_ - 6/22/2007 10:16:58 AM

+3 Boost

Agreed.

It's perfectly fine to choose to buy the 3-Series for its magnificent handling, just as it is equally fine to choose to buy an IS350 for its power. But under both circumstances, most buyers will never unlock the full potential of either.

I meant to include in my previous statement that I would choose the IS350 and C350 over the 335i because you get more comfort out of their interiors, which makes them more ideal for most drivers who don't buy these cars to take them to the track everyday.

bagwell - 6/22/2007 8:51:00 AM

+1 Boost

my main question is.....why would they build this beautiful car then stick the old 268hp motor in it?

everyone in the world is sticking 305 or 306hp engines, so before the car is even released its NOT a class leader or even equal.

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kpaxx - 6/22/2007 9:13:11 AM

+1 Boost

It is not always about peak horsepower...area under the torque curve means more.. this is what Ward Engineers look at when they are deciding the top 10 engines...

make any engine spin fast enough and it will give lots of horse power but also get you nowhere fast..

lewissalem - 6/22/2007 10:01:31 AM

+4 Boost

Agent 001, I agree completely with your assessment. The interior needs some sort of color variation. I know, this is the "sport" interior, but all black plastic is rather dour. I do love the styling.

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chuck717 - 6/22/2007 10:01:58 AM

+1 Boost

MBZ had to make the new C class with lets say a more subdude look . They can't let this car get away from them in terms of pulling to many sales off the E class. A knock out interior would have done just that . They played it right, a nice cabin but so nice after all this car is not going to sell for 60k they did the right thing.
BTW the same birds eye dark maple of the C230 sport i see? All in all very nice combo of luxury and sport, not a world atention getter as to inovation but just enough size and sportiness to qualify a real hard look next time you are in the market for a 3 series or IS or Acura TL.

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BMW_DRVR - 6/22/2007 10:12:01 AM

+3 Boost

001,
Where do you think this falls in the competition with the 3, A4 and IS. Is this the best? If it is not the best what is your favourite overall of the four?

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LexSucks - 6/22/2007 10:38:24 AM

-7 Boost

I wouldn't say that they are "picking" the New IS over the 3 series, A4 and C class. The IS is just another choice. When the IS starts to sell as many units anywhere as either the “C” or the BMW then get back to me.



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EL34 - 6/22/2007 10:22:03 AM

+1 Boost

This guy Johnny Smith from Fith Gear says the interior is quite good and a lot if attention to detail was done by Benz.

But, I know some of you still like switch gear when pushed feels like your raising a draw bridge, it's OK to still act like a little boy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQxz5yqAhcs

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LexSucks - 6/22/2007 10:44:31 AM

-6 Boost

I saw the car in person (AMG model) and it was a stunner. The interior is another matter all together. Like I said before the interior plastics and materials seems to be a touch down in quality from a Honda Accord. Look at the door panels. There isn’t any stitched leather like the BMW and Other. This car better be the least expensive in the class or at least be priced at the Infiniti G37 level. I see nothing on the new “c“ that warrants BMW pricing IMO.

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Willis - 6/22/2007 10:56:58 AM

-1 Boost

I saw the new C class in person at my dealer two days ago and I think it looks very nice inside and out.

If you think BMW makes class leading interiors, guess again. The BMW 3er has a very cheap interior if you ask me. Part of the reason I didn't fall for a 325i was the plasticky interior. There's nothing wrong with a plasticky interior, even on a premium car, but what turned me off was that the plastic felt so "breakable".

LexSucks - 6/22/2007 11:15:45 AM

-4 Boost

The IS’s interior isn’t anything special. The only thing I like about the IS’s interior are the door panels and the gauges.

The radio looks like a darker shaded Totota Camry Radio. The area above the Glove box in front of the passenger compartment is the largest area of unobstructed plastic that I’ve seen this side of a Nissan 350Z. No trim no nothing, looks like wasted space. The IS’s Digital Clock on the bottom center console is the cheap LED type that you can get at a Dollar store. Remember the first LED watches? That’s what the digital clock on the IS looks like. The IS a nice car but not at the germans level. The Lexus ISXXX is nothing more than a RWD Acura TL.

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Will_ - 6/22/2007 11:19:02 AM

+5 Boost

More people find more faults with the new C-Class interior.

By the way, people keep making a big deal about the LED clock display in the Lexus. Have you people sat in an SL? It still uses an LED clock at the very top of the dashboard.

EnnNorak - 6/22/2007 11:33:37 AM

+3 Boost

Keyless GO and NAV are silly accessories I would never buy so I am super-glad they are not available. I look at the C-Class as an affordable smaller high-quality vehicle but would only buy it if I could get it in the Vision C220 vesion with the frugal Bluetec diesel. I would also get it in a cheap green color to emphasize CHEAP which is how people generally perceive me. At the age of 70 later this year, it will probably be my last car as I expect the diesel to last me fo the rest of my life. My first car was a green 1947 Fleetwood and I want my last car to be green also. I never owned any other green cars.

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answer - 6/22/2007 11:44:37 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I know some people don't like it, but I really like the front grille.

The steering wheel looks a little tacky, but otherwise the interior looks OK.

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supermoto - 6/22/2007 12:28:28 PM

+3 Boost

Keyless go is too funny. I read of a guy who got in his car in the garage and drove 60 miles. Got out of his car and realized his keys were at home 60 miles away!

Anyway, the interior should be nicer. It's a Mercedes! Love the exterior, and with a mid-cycle refresh this could be an outstanding car. Right now it seems hit and miss.

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bagwell - 6/22/2007 1:24:09 PM

0 Boost

must be a pretty stupid person! most keyless will beep/chime forever and flash a key symbol (no key detected)on the dash.

07mcs - 6/22/2007 1:09:22 PM

+1 Boost

another car that looked sporty yet classy was the 190E 2.3-16

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Bill - 6/22/2007 1:19:42 PM

-2 Boost

There are a lot of Lexus fanboys active on this site. It's evident by the deboosting of some of the more honest posts here.

This site has gone down the toilet a long time ago.

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Will_ - 6/22/2007 1:25:54 PM

0 Boost

Mercedes is always right, and Lexus is always wrong does not equal "more honest." And stop associating every negative thing about this site with Lexus, after all, you're still an active member here.

Bill - 6/22/2007 1:37:44 PM

+2 Boost

Looks like Will had to log out and in to deboost me. Hilarious!

Just look at the conversation between Buck, Will and Carwimmer. Carwimmer's posts, which looked perfectly objective and honest to me, were deboosted just because he thinks the Lexus IS interior is overrated or because he stated a fact that the IS sells poorly in Europe compared to its German rivals.

The bias and fanboys on this site are so pathetic. Seriously, I hardly post here anyway so I may as well say it:

Autospies totally sucks. Everywhere else, this site is known as AutoLIES. Now I see why. The people who post here are full of crap. When a few honest people or open minded people post here, their opinion doesn't count because "they're insulting the favorite brands of the fanboys".

"Mercedes is older than Lexus." <- I'd be at a -45 right now for writing this. And it's the truth. Once again, this site has completely gotten out of control.

You can all kiss my ass. I am out of here for good.

chuck717 - 6/22/2007 1:19:53 PM

+1 Boost

bulldogz> as a x dealer the last thing you want to explain to a client is why the C class has a better looking interior then the E class? Yes my friend i have been to many MGF plants and they do discuss what can hurt them in their line believe it or not.
MBZ wasn't going to shoot the works on a entry level to make you thrilled about it, most are just fine with the a Benz name in their garage. Another leseon for you they had enough trouble with many thinking a C class was a E class when walking the lots unless it was a side angle. People aren't so learned like you when it comes to cars???

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chuck717 - 6/22/2007 1:24:00 PM

-1 Boost

What looks cheaper then a Boxster cabin, rest my case?

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bagwell - 6/22/2007 1:27:03 PM

+3 Boost

I had a 01 C320 Sedan and now have a 06 IS350. I like the looks of the AMG pkg cars ONLY. Looks really good. hate the pop-up COMAND (NAV) - notice its right in the sun in the pic!

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Bill - 6/22/2007 1:34:02 PM

-2 Boost

The car looks fantastic. I think it will be a hit. The last generation C Class sold quite well and that car wasn't that great. With this car, it looks like they have a winner.

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SupraNeverBack - 6/22/2007 1:44:47 PM

+2 Boost

"The bad-350 engine no match for the new BMW 335 twin-turbo motor…but then again, nothing is. Sport interior looked and felt cheap to us"

No match for Lexus IS350, G35 either. But thanks for being honest with us on its interior.

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MercBasher - 6/22/2007 1:51:02 PM

+2 Boost

MB cars typically don't offer the options that I expect and enjoy with BMW and Lexus. The funny thing is that if MB did then we should be worried because MB can't make electronics reliable, so last thing they should do is add more.

Options I consider important include but not limited to:
Decent Navigation with real time traffic guidance
iPod connectivity integrated with car stereo
Reversing camera

Options I think are a waste of money
AMG appearance packages and sport wheels
Designo editions

These are of course personal opinions.




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Will_ - 6/22/2007 1:56:23 PM

+1 Boost

The reply button isn't working, so:

Bill,

It's about time. Anyone who expresses such disdain for this site has no business to continue to post here. For the last time I did not "log in and out" to deboost you.

Your problem is that your bias gets the best of your emotions. The boost system, according to the owners of this site, is in place so that we all can get a sense of the general consensus of opinion here. Just because a Mercedes fan has a "0" or "-1" beside it that must mean there's a Lexus "fanboy" nearby right? WRONG.

You along with a number of you share that flaw as well. Everything bad MUST be the doing of "Lexus." You all keep saying that "there's no conspiracy against Lexus." I guess that's true, the conspiracy lies with you all thinking that everything is the doing of a Lexus fanboy.

But whatever, we all know you'll be back, if not under the username "Bill" then just another new moniker.

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Bill - 6/22/2007 2:01:54 PM

-2 Boost

I was wondering why it took you so long to reply. Had trouble signing in after deboosting me with some fake usernames?

I've never posted much on this pathetic site anyway, and I really couldn't care less about the discussions that go on here. The reality outside of Autolies is different. What is said on these pathetic messageboards are the opinions of 12-year old kids who know nothing about cars or who's daddy drives a _____ and they therefore think it's the best car in the world. Pathetic. This goes for both European and Asian fanboys.

Don't bother replying because I'm leaving for good.

M35MT - 6/22/2007 1:57:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

BUCKFISH.COM -

Re-read my post. I said the eliptical headlights would be classic, which are outgoing on every Merc model, not the car itself.

Also, the fact that you think because you're from Europe you "know" more about MB is stupidest comment ever posted on this site.

And guess what? The C-class is a mercedes. That makes it a mercedes, end of story.

A Saab 97-x and 92-x are not Saabs. They are a GM and Subura, respectively.

Lastly, in terms of "handling", the G35 should be mentioned here. It is the closest thing to a 3 series in terms of driving dynamics. (In testing, it beats it in some aspects). It also has as much power as the IS350, and was the power king in its first GEN. It is often left out of comparison's due to lack of brand prestiege, and, because most of the posters on this thread seems to european.

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Will_ - 6/22/2007 2:15:43 PM

+1 Boost

Yep. Fabian, Bill, and Willis like 3 peas in a pod.

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FENDI - 6/22/2007 2:26:46 PM

+1 Boost