Consider
the term Mercedes-Benz folks use for their updated C class
for '05. It's "fresh, contemporary." Not that
the C Class was stodgy before. It wasn't. But the German
auto maker is adding more goodies to its stable of entry-lux
sports autos, particulalry in form of engine power. More
on that in a minute. First, changes combine exterior styling
and interior upgrades, plus driving and creature comfort
enhancements.
A
new dash, gauges, sporty three-spoke steering wheel and
redesigned seats equal a spiffier interior. Aluminum and
wood touch upscale versions. There are "sports"
and "comfort" suspension settings, depending on
preference. New are 17-inch spoke wheels on the sports sedan;
aggressive "staggered width" ones on the coupe.
Shifting (with a manual mode on "up" models) adapts
to road changes and driving style.
There's
a rear-drive C class for almost every taste: C230 and C320
sport coupes and sedans; lux sedans and wagons; one that
brings back the V-8. (Prices move up from a high '20s base.)
A C Class, as tested, had M-B's performance-boosting Kompressor
that also reduces high altitude lag. In short, no gasping
for air.
Powerplants
include flex fuel 2.6-liter and 3.2-liter versions that
can burn ethanol. And Mercedes-Benz shoehorns a gigantic
5.4 liter, seven-gear V-8 into its performance monster C55
AMG. When you get to that level, it probably takes it out
of entry level. But who's arguing.
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