November 2009 Ford Mustang Sales Figures Released
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class Quality Review

July 24, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

it's easy to find a comfortable driving position
Cars.com

level of serene isolation
ConsumerGuide

The trunk of the new car has swelled to a vast 17 cubic feet
Car and Driver

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers exceptional build quality and a quiet ride, but comfort on longer drives or in the backseat remains an issue.

As the entry-level vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz fold, the C-Class doesn't fail to deliver the typical Mercedes-Benz build quality. Reviewers tend to agree, with ConsumerGuide raving about the "nicely padded surfaces and upscale trim" and Kelley Blue Book mentioning the "tasteful wood inlays" that "surround the cabin." Edmunds judges the interior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to be "beautifully crafted," and overall they feel that the car sports "excellent build quality."

The rear seats of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are a different story, however, as reviews read by TheCarConnection.com find them to be both uncomfortable and cramped. Edmunds feels that, although the interior is larger, it is simply "not very spacious" in back, and Cars.com adds that the "three-place rear seat is on the smallish side, with limited legroom and headroom." The front seats of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class draw praise from reviewers, with ConsumerGuide deeming them "supportive and comfortable" and claiming that "even taller folks should find adequate headroom and legroom." Cars.com agrees, adding "it's easy to find a comfortable driving position," thanks to a front cabin that "doesn't have the cramped feel of the 3 Series sedan."

Storage space, especially in the trunk, is adequate. Edmunds states that "trunk capacity is 12.4 cubic feet, which can be expanded with the optional split-folding rear seats." ConsumerGuide feels that "the trunk is narrow," but the overall "area is quite deep and nicely trimmed." However, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses points for cabin functionality; ConsumerGuide reviewers notice "interior storage is adequate at best with a somewhat skimpy center console, two open console cupholders, and a decent-sized glovebox."

Where the Mercedes-Benz C-Class really exceeds expectations is with its interior quietness. Reviewers praise the "level of serene isolation" that ConsumerGuide feels "few in the class can provide." Edmunds also uses the term, asserting that the C300 Luxury offers a "more serene driving environment" than the Sport version, which is to be expected, given the "quieter exhaust system."

Conclusion

Comfort and space is clearly sacrificed for compactness in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but refinement is not.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:it's easy to find a comfortable driving positionCars.comlevel of serene isolationConsumerGuideThe trunk of the new car has swelled to a vast 17 cubic feetCar and Driver The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers exceptional build quality and a quiet ride, but comfort on longer drives or in the backseat remains an issue. As the entry-level vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz fold, the C-Class doesn't fail to deliver the typical Mercedes-Benz build quality. Reviewers tend to agree, with ConsumerGuide raving about the "nicely padded surfaces and upscale trim" and Kelley Blue Book mentioning the "tasteful wood inlays" that "surround the cabin." Edmunds judges the interior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to be "beautifully crafted," and overall they feel that the car sports "excellent build quality." The rear seats of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are a different story, however, as reviews read by TheCarConnection.com find them to be both uncomfortable and cramped. Edmunds feels that, although the interior is larger, it is simply "not very spacious" in back, and Cars.com adds that the "three-place rear seat is on the smallish side, with limited legroom and headroom." The front seats of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class draw praise from reviewers, with ConsumerGuide deeming them "supportive and comfortable" and claiming that "even taller folks should find adequate headroom and legroom." Cars.com agrees, adding "it's easy to find a comfortable driving position," thanks to a front cabin that "doesn't have the cramped feel of the 3 Series sedan." Storage space, especially in the trunk, is adequate. Edmunds states that "trunk capacity is 12.4 cubic feet, which can be expanded with the optional split-folding rear seats." ConsumerGuide feels that "the trunk is narrow," but the overall "area is quite deep and nicely trimmed." However, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses points for cabin functionality; ConsumerGuide reviewers notice "interior storage is adequate at best with a somewhat skimpy center console, two open console cupholders, and a decent-sized glovebox." Where the Mercedes-Benz C-Class really exceeds expectations is with its interior quietness. Reviewers praise the "level of serene isolation" that ConsumerGuide feels "few in the class can provide." Edmunds also uses the term, asserting that the C300 Luxury offers a "more serene driving environment" than the Sport version, which is to be expected, given the "quieter exhaust system." ConclusionComfort and space is clearly sacrificed for compactness in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but refinement is not. 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.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class near you

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

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy