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2009 Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC |
by J.T.
Hills
SGN Contributing
Writer
Top
- All-wheel-drive handling
- Optional panoramic sunroof
- Fuel-efficient 3.0-liter 228hp V-6
Bottom
- Competitive base price, popular options add up
quickly
- Bluetooth is overly complicated to connect to
The C-Class is Mercedes Benz's entry-level sedan. Completely
redesigned for 2008, the C-Class is offered in three trim levels: Luxury,
Sport, and AMG-inspired Sport. The C-Class was first introduced in 1993 as a
1994 model to replace the 190 Sedan. For the 2009 model year, Mercedes Benz
optional upgrades include available integrated compass in the rear-view mirror
and optional navigation system with a larger 40-gigabyte hard drive with more
space reserved for music and Zagat Restaurant Survey. A total of eight airbags
are standard including new pelvic airbags for front-seat occupants. After
spending a week with the 2009 GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Crew Cab I've assimilated,
corrugated, encapsulated, conjugated, and insinuated my own observations. Here
they are:
The
Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC
I happen to be on the tall side, and when you're over six
feet tall, finding a car that fits you is a real problem. Compact and mid-size
cars just don't seem to fit. What I love about German cars - and Mercedes Benz
in particular - is that you don't have to buy a full-size sedan to get a car
that you can actually be comfortable in.
The entry-level Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC comes with a
228-hp 3.0-liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 with 221 lb-ft of torque @
2,700-5,000 rpms, and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The
C300 has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway - not
bad for an all-wheel-drive sedan. The test car came with the optional Sport
Package which includes a body styling kit, 17 wheels, and sport-tuned
suspension. The bigger wheels and suspension can provide for a stiffer, harsher
ride, especially noticeable on Seattle's potholed streets, but the stiffer ride
is well worth it when it comes to handling out on the interstate.
The interior of the C300 was typical German minimalism, though
for an entry-level sedan, it didn't lack in the luxury department. Again, I
loved how much room there was up front, although I did feel sorry for anyone
who had to sit behind me. Trunk space in the C300 also seemed spacious for a
car of its size. I also really loved the new available panoramic sunroof, and
the power retractable 7 color display. Connecting your mobile phone to the
Bluetooth system seemed to be a bit harder than it should be, though. There was
little not to like about the C300 4MATIC. You can definitely pick and choose
how much or how little luxury you want - just be prepared to pay for it.
Okay,
for an MSRP of $46,710, what do you get?
The 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC comes well equipped
with a base MSRP of $35,400, as well it should. Popular luxury option add up
quickly. Here's a look at some of my favorites:
Technical
Features:
- 228-hp 3.0-liter dual overhead cam 24V V6
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- Front suspension: Three-link independent strut-type
with stabilizer bar
- Rear suspension: Multi-link independent with stabilizer
bar
- Dual exhaust with two chrome outlets
- 4Matic all-wheel-drive system
Safety
Features
- Dual stage front airbags
- Side airbags mounted in front-seat backrests
- Head protection curtain
- Dual front pelvic airbag
- Four-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist system
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Smart key with panic button
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Comfort
and Convenience
- Power sunroof
- Dual-zone climate control
- Single disc CD/MP3/AM/FM Weatherband radio
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone use
- Central controller with 5 display
- Leather multi-function steering wheel
- Automatic headlamps with twilight sensor and
locator lighting
- Trip computer
Optional
Features
- Black leather ($1,570)
- iPod integration kit ($375)
- Tele Aid ($650)
- Panorama sunroof ($1,050)
- Burl walnut wood trim ($310)
- Premium II package: SIRIUS satellite radio,
heated front seats, Bi-Xenon headlamps with headlamp washers and cornering
fog lamps, split-folding rear seats, garage door opener, auto-dimming
mirrors, rain sensing wipers, power rear-window sunshade, 10-way power
driver's seat with memory and power-adjusting steering column ($3,500)
- Multi-media package: 7 power retractable color
display, COMAND hard-drive based Navigation System, six-disc CD/DVD
changer, Harman/Kardon LOGIG discrete multi-channel surround system, voice
control, music register, PCMCIA slot ($2,980)
- Sport Sedan: Sport body styling, Mercedes Benz
star in grille, 17 staggered-width alloy wheels with all-season tires, sport
suspension and braking system, sport interior, aluminum trim (N/C)
·
Destination and delivery
($875)
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