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The ultra-modern skyline of Frankfurt fades into the mist. Exiting the Autobahn, we wend our way down tight and twisty roads leading us through ancient villages where the homes are hundreds of years old, and life is still lived according to traditions even older.
It would seem an appropriate route for us to test-drive the newly redesigned, 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Stuttgart automaker has had an almost hidebound adherence to its own traditions, even when they fly in the face of changing automotive trends. It took years, for example, to convince Mercedes engineers to add the tilt/telescope feature to their steering wheels because tradition dictated they place the wheel in the position they knew was best for the customer.
The original 190 "Baby Benz," was itself a reluctant addition to the Mercedes lineup. Company executives worried it wouldn’t fit the rigid image they had defined for their brand. But after 17 years, there’s no way to argue with the success of what is now called the C-Class. In many markets, including the U.S., it is the automaker’s biggest seller, offering an array of upscale features — and the vaunted Mercedes tri-star — at a reasonably affordable price.
In recent years, Mercedes has attempted to shed, or at least bend, tradition, a response to the increasingly competitive nature of the luxury car market. As demonstrated by the latest S-Class incarnation, its products have become more stylish and innovative. So we were especially eager to see where Mercedes would go with the third-generation C-Class.
Teutonic temperamentIt didn’t take long behind the wheel to recognize that the 2001 redesign is not only sleeker and roomier, but it’s also a lot more fun to drive. With the optional six-speed stick and sport package offered on the C240 — one of two models coming to the U.S. — buyers will get a car that delivers the Teutonic luxury you anticipate from Mercedes, but the ride and handling you’d more likely expect of BMW.
