2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class - Styling Review

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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."