2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class Review

July 24, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

longer wheelbase and body give the car a substantial road presence
Kelley Blue Book

a look that says Mercedes in any language
Car and Driver

Bigger than the model it replaces in nearly every dimension
ForbesAutos

Cabin can come off as a little austere and a bit bland
Edmunds

Handsome on the outside, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is less universally pleasing inside.

Overall, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a resounding stylistic success. Perhaps the biggest affirmation of this sentiment comes from Car and Driver, where reviewers feel that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class maintains "a look that says Mercedes in any language, conferring undeniable status on its owner." Cars.com finds the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a "cleaner, more jagged appearance," one that "looks much like the redesigned S-Class." Kelley Blue Book describes the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as "eye-catching" and "cutting edge," while noting "the longer wheelbase and body give the car a substantial road presence."

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class features two distinct styles; the Luxury and Sport models cater to different types of C-Class buyers. The two models can be distinguished from afar, especially head-on, due to their very different front-end treatments. ForbesAutos reports that the distinctions between the two include "slightly racier exterior styling" on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport, "as well as a big, three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star in the grille, in place of the traditional, stand-up hood ornament." Aside from the wholly different front ends, MotherProof points out "more subtle differences in styling include unique side molding and wheels for each model."

Inside, the Sport's trim is composed of either matte-aluminum or maple wood, while the Luxury features chrome and burl walnut wood. However, the plastics used in the base Sport look somewhat drab. Edmunds finds that the interior is "well-crafted," but it can "come off as a little austere and a bit bland." Kelley Blue Book lodges minor criticisms, remarking that "a few oddities stand out, namely the awkward placement of the manual lumbar control," along with somewhat confusing, "less-than-intuitive steering-wheel controls." On the positive side, reviewers at Cars.com love the "simple, purposeful and uncluttered" cabin design, which is complemented by either wood or aluminum accents, "both of which enhance the interior."

Conclusion

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shoppers have a choice between Sport and Luxury; both are great, but the interior needs more attention.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:longer wheelbase and body give the car a substantial road presenceKelley Blue Booka look that says Mercedes in any languageCar and DriverBigger than the model it replaces in nearly every dimensionForbesAutosCabin can come off as a little austere and a bit blandEdmunds Handsome on the outside, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is less universally pleasing inside. Overall, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a resounding stylistic success. Perhaps the biggest affirmation of this sentiment comes from Car and Driver, where reviewers feel that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class maintains "a look that says Mercedes in any language, conferring undeniable status on its owner." Cars.com finds the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a "cleaner, more jagged appearance," one that "looks much like the redesigned S-Class." Kelley Blue Book describes the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as "eye-catching" and "cutting edge," while noting "the longer wheelbase and body give the car a substantial road presence." The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class features two distinct styles; the Luxury and Sport models cater to different types of C-Class buyers. The two models can be distinguished from afar, especially head-on, due to their very different front-end treatments. ForbesAutos reports that the distinctions between the two include "slightly racier exterior styling" on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport, "as well as a big, three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star in the grille, in place of the traditional, stand-up hood ornament." Aside from the wholly different front ends, MotherProof points out "more subtle differences in styling include unique side molding and wheels for each model." Inside, the Sport's trim is composed of either matte-aluminum or maple wood, while the Luxury features chrome and burl walnut wood. However, the plastics used in the base Sport look somewhat drab. Edmunds finds that the interior is "well-crafted," but it can "come off as a little austere and a bit bland." Kelley Blue Book lodges minor criticisms, remarking that "a few oddities stand out, namely the awkward placement of the manual lumbar control," along with somewhat confusing, "less-than-intuitive steering-wheel controls." On the positive side, reviewers at Cars.com love the "simple, purposeful and uncluttered" cabin design, which is complemented by either wood or aluminum accents, "both of which enhance the interior." Conclusion2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shoppers have a choice between Sport and Luxury; both are great, but the interior needs more attention. 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "longer wheelbase and body give the car a substantial road presence" Car and Driver: "a look that says Mercedes in any language" ForbesAutos: "Bigger than the model it replaces in nearly every dimension" Edmunds: ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Because of the two distinct models, the Sport and the Luxury, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class appeals to two types of buyers. The Luxury model, with its expanded list of standard conveniences, trumps the base Lexus IS model with a better, more balanced driving experience and a quiet interior that allows more generous front seating. The Sport takes a more pronounced turn toward edgier performance-oriented rivals like the 3-Series and G35 without forgetting its luxury base. The Sport provides handling prowess that's nearly as satisfying as the 3-Series and G35, although its steering isn't as sharp as the Infiniti's. The Audi A4 offers an especially frugal yet peppy base engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder in its 2.0T model, and the new 2009 A4 provides a sportier driving experience than before.

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See the Mercedes-Benz C Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Caterina #1, Posted: 7/29/2009

    Great car! Wish I would have been this lucky guy who got it for only $8000 at www.dubli.com and to be able to rule the highway with it:
    http://us.dubli.com/Car-Surprise-Auction__3e_1709

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