2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is largely unchanged following its 2008 redesign. Four models are offered. The C300 Luxury and C300 Sport have a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6. The C350 Sport has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. The C63 AMG is tuned by Mercedes' performance division and has a 451-hp 6.2-liter V8. C300 Sport is available with manual or automatic transmission. All other C-Class cars use a 7-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models. The C300 is available with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Rear-drive C300s with the automatic transmission can run on ethanol-blended E85 fuel. Sport models have a sport suspension and unique interior and exterior styling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Available features include a navigation system which includes a hard drive for storing digital music files, bi-xenon headlamps, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.
COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX, Audi A3, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura TSX and Audi A4.
