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

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.

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 2:11:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 2:19:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

"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.

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 2:30:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

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.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:10:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

"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)

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:55:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

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

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 11:16:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 9:06:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:58:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

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

— sewingmachine (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 4:00:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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..

— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 4:44:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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

— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 9:20:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

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.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 9:46:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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?

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 7:05:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

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.

— FENDI (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 7:41:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 7:57:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— bagwell (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 8:51:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— lewissalem (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:01:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

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.

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:01:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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?

— BMW_DRVR (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:12:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:38:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

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

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:22:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:44:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

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.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 11:15:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

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.

— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 11:33:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 11:44:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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.

— supermoto (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 12:28:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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

— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:09:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:19:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

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???

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:19:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:24:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

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!

— bagwell (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:27:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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.

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:34:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

"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.

— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:44:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:51:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:56:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 1:57:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

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

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 2:15:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Why so much fuss and hostility in this thread? The new C-Class doesn't have a good engine choice and an interior worth appraisal over any of its competition. That's the discussion.

What's with all this Lexus "fanboy" nonsense anyway? They may be annoying to you but what's even more annoying are the responses and complaints about all of them. It's like watching Bill O'Reilly. Sure, extreme left-wing people are crazy and ridiculous, but what's even more crazy and ridiculous is you choosing to only complain about them, and rag on them with every opportunity you get. It only makes O'Reilly look stupid himself.

I bet if you didn't give them so much attention, they'd go away...

— FENDI (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 2:26:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Toyotaman I can only feel sorry for you if you think Lexus means luxury. Mercedes is the true world class luxury maker and the fact that their cars are used as taxis in Europe is even a bigger proof of quality. Like I said before, any car used as a Taxi is a car that has to be reliable and has low cost of maintenance. Mercedes took that to another dimension by offering all that plus unmatched luxury and people responded by recognizing this brand as the top luxury car maker in the world. The retarded Lexus fanbois will never change that reality. De-boost me all you want cheap skate Toyota wannabes, as this is all you have. Your piece of s**t car brand will always be the choice of the poor bastard without class or money.

Your are truly a wise man

— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 12:53:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

wow!

Here is what I have to say, don't even f***ing bring up a word "Lexus" or "Toyota" on german car articles. period.

Lexus is now trying to enter performance car market with their all-new IS-F and most importantly this is gonna be their first try. So all we can do is wait and how it performs up aganist true german sportcars. Then we shall decide.

— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 1:20:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Hey I live close to PGE park about 45 miles away,I'm in Salem..

— 2JZSoarer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 1:35:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Guys, remember that part of the strategy behind releasing a new model is looking at sales now and in the next several years...so, MBZ decided to continue using current engine choices so they have upgrades available in the next few years to draw new buyers in, same for the interior, they know they will sell a boatload with the current 'nice' interior as the exterior is great, but will draw loads more when they have their major refresh in 3 to 4 years. Same with keyless go...that will probably be part of next years addition...Mercedes can afford to do this as they are confident in their sales projections for the first model year...I think they know they have a real winner on their hands and are working it...

— markusck (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 9:12:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Since the reply-button isn't working properly:

BuckFushdotcom wrote:

"I'm from europe and I know a lot of Mercedes fanatics. I used to be one too before Lexus came along

But I don't know anyone who likes the C class. Sorry. It's just never been considered by most to be on the same level quality wise etc as say the E class.

I grew up in europe so I know what i'm talking about"


Ohw please don't give me that bullshit! You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about!

The C-class has always been considered a true Merc!

Other than that, I COMPLETELY AGREE with cawimmer430! He knows what he's talking about and so do I, because I too have sat in an C220 CDI at the dealer and the interior is very good. Nothing feels cheap AT ALL!
Agent001, I agree with everything else you mentioned in that verdict of yours but I can't get over the fact that you find the interior cheap! C'mon Lexus still uses fake-wood and fake-aluminium! What do Americans know about interiors anyway? Show me one American car that has a nice interior... EVER MADE!

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 5:56:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

You clearly do not know too much more about interiors than us Americans. Lexus has never used fake wood, and the fake aluminum you speak of is a welcome alternative to the basic black plastic found in this C-Class.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2007 1:44:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

imo, its not bad but its not actually the icing of the cake, i believe for 5 years that it has taken them to develop this c class they should've offered more... i dont like those 3-rings surrounded by ugly silver in the dash (it doesnt suit it at all) i also dont like the structure of the arm rest and where they put the multimedia knob. ibelieve what they probably lack is some bmw's style and a bit of audi's interior to make a perfect combo

— Audi4Life (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2007 6:40:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

A good car, no doubt, but it looks too much like a generic Asian car, for my tastes. I think it's sad that M-B is losing it's visual distinction, and looking more and more like a Lexus. Oh well.

— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 6/28/2007 5:21:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1