So how does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class stack up against the competition

Agent001 submitted on 06/20/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:21 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[122] user comments | category: New Cars

Tags: 2008 Mercedes C-Class

2008 Mercedes C-Class

One of the hardest things to pull out of a car review is how large or small is the car in real life compared to the competition.

The new Mercedes C-Class is larger, but how much larger is it?

001 took these photos today in Portland of the new C-Class next to two of its rivals, the BMW 3-Series and the Lexus IS-Series.

And based on my past experience driving all of them, the new C-Class DEFINITELY feels larger inside the cabin and on the outside.

Hopefully these photos give all of you a better idea of how the new C-Class looks in real life on the street and you can be the judge.

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SupraNeverBack - 6/20/2007 3:32:39 PM

-11 Boost

IS looks better. Now I find that the new C's rear looks very like 2005 Camry.

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AUDIMAN4 - 6/21/2007 11:13:02 PM

-2 Boost

Oh no. The IS makes the list..dead last, just not below the S60.

Will_ - 6/20/2007 3:36:00 PM

+2 Boost

It doesn't look that much bigger than either in my opinion. That grey one looks sportier than the BMW it's parked next to though. You should have parked it next to a 335i.

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vdiv - 6/20/2007 3:42:59 PM

+2 Boost

It does look aggressive. Wonder how it drives. More like the IS or the 3?

Agent001 - 6/20/2007 4:09:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Good luck finding a 335 in downtown Portland! Drove around for an hour just to find the two cars...wanted to also have an A4 comparo but there wasn't even ONE in the downtown core...driving or in any of the parking lots! :(

001

MercBasher - 6/21/2007 11:05:37 PM

0 Boost

Why would you be in Portland trying to find a 3 series?

JUGNU - 6/20/2007 3:49:11 PMView My AgentSpace

-13 Boost

Design:
IS
C Class
335i

Performance:
335i
IS
C Class

Interior:
IS
335i
C Class

Overall:
IS
335i
C Class

JUGNU

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Rupert - 6/20/2007 4:01:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

And you know F all about the interior.
The C class has a better interior than the IS, 3 series and A4.
How do I know?

I did a SIDE BY SIDE comparison at a motorshow, they were all there.
The C class felt the best, but looked plain in black. In beige it looks a lot better.

bulldogz - 6/20/2007 4:33:36 PM

-5 Boost

well then, we can close this post since "Fabian" already decided for us. That is about as accurate as Formula 1's posts i.e. real scientific testing. The C-class is a girl's car at best, should come w/ a bud vase on the dash.

bulldogz - 6/20/2007 4:35:45 PM

-5 Boost

sorry Fabian, I meant "Rupert" aka Car Show Corky, never buys only test drives, then makes de facto statements.

Rupert - 6/20/2007 5:51:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I saw the C with a beige and wood interior (the Elegance model).
And it really is better than those other cars. Girls car or not, is has a very good interior.
Car Show Corky? Did you pull that name out of 1956?

printhan - 6/20/2007 7:27:05 PM

-1 Boost

yo chill!!
dont let u r hopes up

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/21/2007 3:22:03 AM

0 Boost

The C-class' interior if BY FAR the best in class. The Lexus IS cheap interior is nothing against it. Even the E90 doesn't have a chance.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:28:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

By FAR, Sevor? I don't think so. It's above average, but when the class standard is the five-year-old Audi A4, it should've done better. You know how much I like Mercs (especially the S and CL), but the interior of the new C didn't blow me away. It's not as bad as some are claiming, though.

AUDIMAN4 - 6/21/2007 11:14:16 PM

0 Boost

Yeah the IS is a great performer...at putting one to sleep.

AlexTx - 6/20/2007 3:51:13 PM

+4 Boost

Missing the A4 with the S-Line Package.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/21/2007 3:26:25 AM

0 Boost

If the IS220d was included in this test it would DESTROY the competition!

NOT

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EL34 - 6/20/2007 4:05:16 PM

0 Boost

I would take the new C-Class over the Toyota 24/7 and twice on Sunday.

el34
Irvine, Ca

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TauronB2G - 6/20/2007 4:09:33 PM

+3 Boost

The BMW looks bigger but the Benz looks a whole lot better. I see another Benz in the future.
T

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:30:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

LOL, go formula1sucks!

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montyz81 - 6/20/2007 4:29:43 PM

-1 Boost

Not one comment about the G35 or other same class competitors. My opinion is the interior does not look that nice. Not nearly as nice as the 07 G/lexus or even the TL. Hell, they have a 2003 G35 popup nav screen, talk about going backwards.

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justbrown - 6/20/2007 4:42:56 PM

+4 Boost

Monty: I wouldn't exactly call the A8 pop-up nav screen going backwards. Aston Martin, and to an extent, Rolls Royce also has a version of a hidden navigation similar to this although I wouldn't exactly say they are comparable.

Will_ - 6/20/2007 4:48:49 PM

-4 Boost

Yes, but all those cars were designed and engineered before the C-Class!

justbrown - 6/20/2007 4:56:10 PM

+3 Boost

Will, care to take bets that the next generation A8 will have a pop-up navigation. I can almost guarantee that they will go with the idea that if it works seamlessly, why change it. "If it ain't broke...."

Will_ - 6/20/2007 5:14:09 PM

+6 Boost

I don't care that it has pop-up navigation really. I think the A8 interior is one of the best interiors in a car, ever.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:31:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I agree, Will.

But the A8, SC, Phantom, etc. don't really have "pop-up" systems. They're hidden behind wood trim and they swivel into the open, but a pop-up is what you would find in an XC90, X3, last-gen G35: when it literally goes upwards.

Htay7500 - 6/21/2007 7:53:38 PM

+1 Boost

and also on most volvos too,

Porschinator - 6/20/2007 5:25:21 PM

+3 Boost

Hilarious how people are already rating the New C performance, interior, etc before even seeing on...lol. I leave the real comparos to the experts and biased yahoos on websites then test drive them myself to see what is best for ME.

We all have our preferences and there is nothing wrong with that. With that and just ging by the pics I would say the IS is more sporty and the C Class more luxo-sport. I personally like the look better than the IS..preference. The interior of the new IS is good and platform is solid. This goes for the BMW 3 series, with 3 series with a better driving feel.

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Porschinator - 6/20/2007 5:27:07 PM

+1 Boost

Whoops I meant..."I leave the real comparos to the experts and NOT TO biased yahoos on websites then test drive them myself to see what is best for ME."

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Lexus - 6/20/2007 5:33:23 PM

-4 Boost

The Lexus IS350, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series look way better than this new MB C-Class.

This new C-Class front look very similar to Scion TC and the rear light remind me of the last Toyota Camry.

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w209w114 - 6/20/2007 9:10:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Hater. Just because you will never afford one doesnt mean your Toyota is better. You radicals will state claims you know are wrong and stick to them hoping other will believe you. You remind me of our president.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:33:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Oh, come on! How does this look like a tC at ALL?! You're just bullshitting!

JUGNU - 6/20/2007 5:40:10 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Information:
In Middle East C Class outsells nearer rival 3 Series by 2 to 1.

Not only C but every MB here outsells it's rival by a big margin.

Fabian and Rupert

C Class is already on sale here in UAE for more than 3 months now.

Many local as well as AutoCar Middle East and Car Middle East have tested and compared the C class to 3 Series and IS.

MB C350
V6 3.5
0-100 in 6.3sec

BMW 335i
I6 3.0
0-100 in 5.2sec

Lexus IS300
V6 3.0
0-100 in 7.4 sec

And in every magazine 335i came first and in one IS (Remember Middle East gets the 228BHP IS300) took the second spot and in one New C Class came in second.

Nearly every mag said that IS's only weak point is the 228 BHP 3.0l V6 and the 0-100 dash in 7.4 seconds.

On other hand this is the first time Middle East Reviewers are not impressed that much from a MB as before.

Nearly everybody criticized the interior and some even complained that while driving sometimes it feel heavy.

JUGNU

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Rupert - 6/20/2007 5:56:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The C is underpowered compared to it's larger engined rivals, but it's not slow.
I'm sure the 350 CGI (direct injection) will come in, that has 295 or something hp.

And Jugnu, I'm not trying to be rude, but it's quite an Arabic thing to like the glitzier things in life, no? The C's interior does look plain, I will admit that, I think it needs more, and this lack of glitz could be what is putting of these Arabic reviewers.
But like you say, Merc outsells everyone in the Middle East, so why should they care?

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:35:22 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Are you sure the C350 got 0-62 in 6.3 seconds? Because that just doesn't look right to me... I have a feeling it's more like 5.8 seconds.

farabira1 - 6/20/2007 5:42:59 PM

+1 Boost

IF you say anything against the german brands, then all the bloggers get deboosted. This site is totally pro german. But anyway, I'll post the comment that i feel is right and don't care about this prejudice. The IS looks the best by miles, then the BMW, and then the Mercedes. The C class looks to have degenerated hunch in the back and the rear lights look cheap and exclusively bland and ugly. Although I must say Mercedes seems to have improved the quality of the C class by using some vulgar grilles and lots of chromes. The C class looks like an outdated rubbish standing next to the IS. Doesn't matter if Lexus is not the most prestigious of the brands, this new IS is just a revolution in car design. Utterly beautiful.

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answer - 6/20/2007 7:02:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Hey man, if the rest of us can't use the "F" word, neither can you!

Will_ - 6/20/2007 7:27:02 PM

+3 Boost

Fabian can't read apparently...

trd1 - 6/20/2007 6:00:42 PM

-2 Boost

JUGNU, why didn't they use the is350 instead of the is300, huh?

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JUGNU - 6/20/2007 6:20:07 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

Have u read my comment above?

I have clearly written that in Middle East we don't get the IS350 or IS250.Only IS300 with 228BHP.

One more thing this is the first time Middle East is getting the Lexus IS Series. We didn't got previous generation IS.

Anything more u want to ask u can.

MB gives all the models here. Starting from C180, C200 Kompressor, C230, C280, C350 and after it's release C63 AMG too.

MB is just so much here. It’s so much respected.

But this is the first time new C has not got great reviews.

JUGNU

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EL34 - 6/20/2007 6:23:04 PM

-3 Boost

MB is #1
BMW is #2
Audi is #3
Lexus is #5

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Rupert - 6/20/2007 6:46:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+11 Boost

The El34 school of Maths is now in its second term, although nobody quite knows how it survived the first one.

EL34 - 6/20/2007 8:32:17 PM

0 Boost

4 is an unlucky number for cars and so Lexus is #5 :)

EL34 - 6/21/2007 12:47:10 PM

-2 Boost

I'm full blown Feng Shui.

Talk to the hand!

answer - 6/20/2007 7:10:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+10 Boost

Blah, blah, prestige, blah, middle-east, blah, blah, performance, blah, blah, blah, sucks, blah, blah.....

This is the true ranking:

MB is # 1 (if that's what you think)
Lexus is # 1 (if that's what you think)
BMW is # 1 (if that's what you think)
Audi is # 1 (if that's what you think)

There is no "right" car for everyone.

Sometimes I think there could be a 100+ post debate on boxers vs. briefs here. People love to argue!

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:37:15 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

No, that comment is BIASED!!! Infiniti is #1!

cckw - 6/20/2007 8:02:55 PM

+2 Boost

This site is full of Sucxus..err...Lexus trolls!

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Agent63 - 6/20/2007 10:09:27 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It really depends on what you're looking for in a car. If you want the sportiness of a Japanese compact sedan with some cool looking styling cues on the inside the Lexus is for you. If you want a trusted name in the business for handling and overall ride quality then the BMW 3 series is the benchmark. If you want a well put together, solid feeling car that is understated then get an Audi A4. If you want a nice contemporary look with a well put together interior and a great exterior look (compared to the previous gen) then get this new C-Class.

I personally think the C-Class that Agent 001 drove was very nice. It's bigger, more solid, and more attractive. It's not the quickest in the segment but it really caters to those who want style but not necessarily all that power. If they wanted performance in a C then the C63 would be the model to get.

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MrGunFun - 6/20/2007 11:27:31 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

well said, however have to disagree on A4. It is a nice car but not as solid as people expect. It gets too many minor problems in terms of reliability. Therefore, I say you should go with the new C, not lousy audi A4.

Agent63 - 6/21/2007 12:56:46 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

fair enough, however one that that I witnessed about the A4 is it's safety. I don't care what people say or what people read in magazines or whatever. I saw an A4 rear ending a Matrix on a wet day. The A4 literally did an endo. The rear lifted up after impact and the two made it out alive. The car was going well over 60mph.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:39:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

MrGunFun, why don't you close the Consumer Reports and drive an A4 2.0T S-Line? When he says "solid," he means it's how the car is built. It feels very well-made, with the beautifully finished interior, the "thunk" of the doors closing, the no-wear leather seats, etc...

lexusis350 - 6/21/2007 12:08:29 AM

+2 Boost

The C-Class is definitely better looking than the 3-Series, but it looks to different from the IS to tell which one is better looking. This IS has a more sleek look to it and the C-Class has a more classy look to it. Too different to tell.

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w209w114 - 6/21/2007 11:48:47 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Agreed. 2 different philosophies. Nobody wants to be like anybody here. Lexus cars are always more "futuristic" looking and tend to be "mold breakers". Mercedes-Benz cars have historically been more conservative while still being elegant.

xj13 - 6/21/2007 1:15:09 AM

+1 Boost

The lexus is pure crap I'm sorry but it is. It should not be on the same level as a 120 year pedigree car like BENZ. The C Class is entry level and it's stunning in every way.
When lexus/camry started to build their cars, they used Benz as the yardstick,its easy to copy, but only true champions lead, so all you lexus losers go home and compete with your honda's and nissans and leave the big boys alone.

All euro cars are champions with heritage, even the Saab.

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:41:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Heritage doesn't matter. This is coming from a Jaguar-lover, am I wrong? Then I can see why you'd think so. But Jaguar is about to step into the twenty-first century (they practically have already with the XK), and you should, too. Cars are for TODAY.

And yes, I am a German car fan.

lexusis350 - 6/22/2007 2:01:54 AM

+1 Boost

What?! Yeah, sure Lexus used Mercedes as their goal. But now, they have their own style. You can tell their Japanese because they have a more advanced/futuristic look to them. The Mercedes doesn't. Mercedes sticks to the elegant look. Lexus doesn't copy the Germans anymore. And like S4 said, heritage doesn't matter. Most cars with a lot of history to them can't even come close to the quality of a Lexus (like Saab).

Lexus - 6/21/2007 2:08:40 AM

-6 Boost

w209, I'm only wrong went I bad mouth Japanese cars but when I bad mouth German car they are very accurate my friend. And their whole list of magazine out there to back my claim that Lexus has the best quality and interior.

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w209w114 - 6/21/2007 11:51:46 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Lexus

Please mention a few. Id like to read those magazine comparos

Agent63 - 6/21/2007 5:37:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

are you sure you read those magazines or just look at the pictures?

Lexus - 6/21/2007 2:11:21 AM

-6 Boost

Lexus super advance technology and it luxury interior is being compare a private jet of the rich and wealthy. I don't remember seeing anything the German made being compare to the jet. Now that is something you want to own and drive.

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Matthew1 - 6/21/2007 2:56:55 AM

+3 Boost

When the interior is compared to a jet, does that mean a pleathora of buttons and switches on the dashboard? Does it mean quality only in certain places? ie. nice leather seats but cheap plastic used for the overhead lockers and tray tables?

Apparently my electric toothbrush has been compared to an F16 figher jet, offering a 'new level of performance'. Is that good or what?

And I think my toothbrush is German.

Willis - 6/21/2007 3:30:32 AM

+4 Boost

If you ask me, the new C class looks very dynamic. I like it, quite.

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xj13 - 6/21/2007 3:43:22 AM

0 Boost

It blows my mind that a lexus(camry with leather) is even spoken on the same level as a Benz, Carl Benz would be turning in his grave........please stop.
The Germans build the best cars in the world full stop, get over it..........In 1957 they made the gullwing merc, what was lexus doing then..please respect the heritage and pedigree.

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:42:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

It's "Karl Benz."

AUDIMAN4 - 6/21/2007 11:16:33 PM

+1 Boost

Internationally MB is seen as the serious contender, and Lexus won't be on that level for some time. Heritage DOES matter, outside the US atleast.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:44:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Wow, you really just added a lot to the forum. A completely factual comment with no opinions, no biases, and no unnecessary bashing! Good job!

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notagearhead - 6/26/2007 2:07:07 AM

+1 Boost

<b>BUCKFUSHdotcom:</b><i>The design of the IS grows on you. You acctually like it more after 6 month then you did in the beggining.</i>

That is hilarious, I know somebody with an IS350 sport + nav + mark levinson, etc... He wants to sell it for a Mazda 3 and has had it 1 year. He talks about how awesome it is but doesn't want it. I would buy it from him buy now it just looks like an expensive Camry.

I like the new 2008 C-Class and I'm buying one, my first luxury car. Test drove Acura, Lexus and BMW and have to say for some reason the Mercedes just felt better to me. Drove like a dream and that was the 2007. Can't wait to test a 2008 the next couple weeks when they come in.

I haven't seen pricing online but the dealer is going to send me options pricing soon. I'll post info when I get it. Ordered a 2008 C300 with Premium 2, Multimedia and 18" wheels. The only thing that will make me back out is the price.

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notagearhead - 7/6/2007 1:00:08 AM

+1 Boost

Preliminary pricing from an MB dealer, not written in stone but consistent with what I've seen online:
2008 C300 Sport, Premium 2, 7 Speed Auto, Multimedia, Panaroma roof, 18" AMG wheels = 38k.

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xj13 - 6/21/2007 4:14:38 AM

+2 Boost

BUCKFUSHdotcom,
The difference between your crap cadillac from the 50's and the Gullwing is one is worth 50K and the other is worth 500K thats the diffrence.
Lexus used Benz as their yardstick to start building their fantastic plastic crap machine,full stop.

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w209w114 - 6/21/2007 11:59:54 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Ill take a Gullwing over any Cadillac.

Who knows what an El Dorado is? and if its been to "pimp my ride". The Gullwing screams elegance and prestige. MUCH more than any cadillac every will.

My view of cadillacs? Oddly pieced together luxury cars that tasteless people and rappers drive. Why ruin a perfect stock vintage original car and customize it? To each its own.

M53R - 6/21/2007 6:01:50 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

My rating based on looks is

Front:
BMW 3er
Mercedes C
Lexus IS

Rear:
Lexus IS
Mercedes C
BMW 3er

Side:
BMW 3er/Mercedes C
Lexus IS

Interior:
Lexus IS ( if you ignore the 1 million buttons )
BMW 3er
Mercedes C

They are written in order based on LOOKS alone.

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lexusis350 - 6/22/2007 2:13:00 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus does have a simple interior. Most of the controls are controlled using the navigation screen which makes it a lot less cluttered because you can control several different things using the same general area of the car.

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 12:45:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Wow! Again, setting the standard for factual comments! So unpredictable!

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/21/2007 11:51:27 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I like it, too, but your comments are incredibly annoying. They're also very predictable. I don't need to hear "The Lexus is #1" over and over again, because not everyone on this forum agrees with you.

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lexusis350 - 6/22/2007 2:10:18 AM

+1 Boost

S4 doesn't do that...anymore. I remember about a year ago, him and I would always argue back and forth about Lexus and Audi being the best. After a while, it just gets old and you learn to appreciate a car for more than it's reliability.

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DiamondJim - 6/21/2007 11:37:38 AM

+2 Boost

when i first saw the CL coupe in pictures, i thought it was a porker a disappointment. then i saw 2 on the road one in black and one in white on the same day and omg they were both beautiful, though the white with sport package was WAY SEXY.

admit it, most of you hate how you appear in pictures.

withhold your judgments on this new C until you SEE IT IN PERSON, i think you'll be pleasantly surprised if not truly amazed at how sexy it turned out.

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w209w114 - 6

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