Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A hit
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

The auto manufacturers continue to amaze me as to how they introduce new vehicles to the press. Normally it involves time in the air and lots of food but Mercedes-Benz decided to get down to basics with the new C-Class - plain drive time, albeit on the race track at Willow Springs, near Edwards Airforce Base.

Letting me loose with a selection of high performance vehicles and no speed limit was a perfect holiday present, as is the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The long-awaited 2001 C-Class is now at Mercedes-Benz retailers around the U.S. An all-new sport sedan that promises to continue the impressive success of its predecessor, the sleek new C-Class features a unique interpretation of the familiar elliptical headlight design, resembling overlapping ovals with a figure-eight outline. Inspired by the award-winning S-Class, the sleek, eye-catching body shape is jam-packed with useful, innovative technology, raising the bar yet again in its market segment. With a suggested price of $29,950 for the C240 and $36,950 for the C320, the C-Class line for 2001 comes with such industry-leading standard safety features as dual-force front airbags, head protection curtain airbags and door-mounted side airbags, ESP stability control, Brake Assist, the BabySmart child seat recognition system and the Tele Aid emergency call system.

The C-Class builds upon the dynamic and youthful visual language of the 2000-model S-Class, a coupe-like profile, twin headlamp face, a sculpted hood tracing the headlamp shape, curvaceous C-pillars, triangular taillights, a trim waistline and strong shoulders. Though it seems significantly larger than the predecessor C-Class, it’s longer by less than an inch.

The new instrument cluster has a central LCD display within the speedometer for the standard-equipment stereo adjustments, plus odometer, trip computer and optional COMAND system information. Three analog gauges monitor engine speed, road speed and fuel level, while the multifunction display can call up a variety of other detailed information, including water temperature.

Dual-zone climate control with rear-seat outlets and activated charcoal filtration is standard, as is a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, genuine wood trim and an AM/FM/cassette audio system. On C240 sedans, seat height and backrest adjust electrically. On C320 models, full power memory front seats, Bose premium audio system and five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift are also standard. point seat belts, while outboard rear seats have belt height adjustments and belt force limiters.

The center console echoes the curved contour of the central dash, in genuine wood trim. A redesigned gear selector gate for automatic models requires less space, while six-speed manual C240s receive a one-piece leather shift lever boot. Each programmable SmartKey hold memory information for seat adjustment, steering wheel, rear view mirror and the automatic climate control to the driver’s preferred settings.

The steering wheel provides the driver with large, illuminated rocker buttons for an easy and convenient way to control many of the car’s systems. Two rockers with eight detents control the dash display and adjustment of more than 50 different functions: trip odometers and the trip computer with fuel tank range; audio system (radio station seek, cassette deck operation, volume, CD changer track and seek); fault memory with error messages (for vehicle diagnostics); clock; interior and exterior light dimming; and system language. Within each of the basic menus displayed in the instrument cluster, the driver can scroll forward or back between additional "windows" using the scroll buttons on the left side. These same buttons also provide selection of various functions within each system.

The powerplants for the C240 and C320 are new V6 engines that provide spirited performance, yet with super-low exhaust emissions which enable the C-Class to be categorized with the coveted LEV or Low Emission Vehicle status.

Both of the C-Class V6 engines take advantage of dual-resonance intake manifolds, which help maximize torque at all engine speeds. Below 3,700 rpm, flaps in the intake manifolds remain closed to direct air through a longer intake route, which boosts torque and efficiency at lower engine speeds. At higher speeds, the flaps open, allowing intake air to take a more direct route to the cylinders for high-speed power. The result is the C240’s 2.6-liter engine generating 168 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft. of torque. The C320 sedan uses a 3.2-liter, 215-horsepower V6 that develops 221 lbs.-ft. of torque from 3,000-4,600 rpm, delivering substantial midrange punch. Sequential fuel injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control ensure progressive response to the throttle. The result, in the case of the C320, is very brisk, sports-car-like acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. The C240 sedan accelerates to 60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds.

For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz offers a six-speed manual transmission in the C-Class. Bringing a strong sporty component to the C240, this new transmission offers maximum control, with short gear lever throws for quick shifting.

Standard on the C320 and optional on the C240, an excellent five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift also offers manual gear selection, but without the need to operate a clutch. Touch Shift allows the driver to manually select all five forward speeds by pushing the gear lever slightly left to downshift or right to upshift while in Drive – it isn’t necessary to move the lever to another gate to make manual gear changes. An in-dash gear indicator shows what gear is selected. Though gears can be manually selected, computer control prevents downshifts that would cause the engine to overrev.

When not shifting manually, Mercedes’ acclaimed electronic five-speed automatic transmission not only adapts to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for climbing power and hastening downshifts on descents for engine braking), but also to an individual’s driving style while in fully automatic mode. A driver who requires frequent highway merging will find the transmission holds each gear longer for quicker acceleration. The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency.

All five seating positions in the new C-Class are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, and all the outboard seat belts have an electronically controlled belt tensioner. In a collision, this tensioner takes up the seat belt slack at lightning speed, thereby anchoring the passengers to the seat. Thus, they "take part" in the deceleration of the vehicle earlier and forces are reduced. In milliseconds, a belt force limiter for the driver and front passenger seat limits the restraining action of the belt, reducing the risk of chest and shoulder injuries.

The two-stage front airbags for driver and passenger deploy in two levels, depending on the severity of impact. If sensors detect a minor front-end impact, only one chamber of the gas generator is deployed, so the bag is not filled as fully or as quickly as it is in a severe front impact. In a more severe collision, the second chamber is deployed 5 to 15 milliseconds later.

A sensor mat in the front passenger seat (featured in all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles) determines if someone is in the seat. If the seat is not occupied, the sensor will deactivate the front passenger airbag, side airbag and the seatbelt pretensioner, a measure designed to reduce accident repair costs.

The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, standard on every Mercedes-Benz model, deactivates the passenger-side front airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz retailers).

When activated, an "airbag off" light on the center console confirms whenever a BabySmart seat is installed. In the event of a collision, the child is protected by the restraining abilities of the child seat and the seatbelt system. BabySmart seats are available in three different sizes: Infant (from birth to 20 pounds), Toddler (20 to 40 pounds) and Booster (40 to 100 pounds).

Mercedes-Benz USA projects that primary competition for the new C-Class will include the BMW

3 series, Audi A4, Lexus ES300 and the Volvo S70. The 2001 C-Class is expected to establish a new benchmark for value in its market segment. The prior C-Class enjoyed a seven-year production run of over 1.6 million cars globally and was a market leader among comparable premium sedans.

All 2001 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period, plus free scheduled maintenance. In addition, the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program covers all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year. This peace of mind can include a free jump start, help in mounting a spare tire or providing a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.

Take a long look at this superb car at Silver Star Mercedes-Benz located in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall who have the all-new C-Class in stock and available for test drive. It’s well worth it