2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport: Introduction

I like it. It definitely will be interesting seeing the lower level tested out, as most of the time it seems we only hear about the top level luxury cars. With all the options you guys got $39,000 isn't as bad as I was expecting. I look forward to seeing updates on this one.

I'm excited they actually bought this one... but how come no detail on the buying experience at the dealership like you guys used to do?

Okay, so you guys spent $39K on a last place entry luxury performance sedan WITHOUT the stick, WITHOUT the big V6 but with the giant glass roof and the upgraded audio system. Nice. Maybe it's time to go easy on Lexus once a while?
 
That being said, I am looking forward to read the updates on this one.

I am really excited about this test. I am glad you guys chose to go with the C-Class, maybe after a year you will realize it did not deserve to finish 5th. I concede that it is not the best "sport" sedan in its class, but I would argue that it is the best sedan in its class and certainly the best all around at offering luxury and sport together. I may be a little biased, though, I have consistently had at least one Mercedes in my garage for the past fifteen years.
 
Oh and that comment about Mercedes reliablity as of late. Your R-Class was extremely reliable so maybe its time you cut them a little slack. The company hit a rough patch, but its quickly getting back on track.

@mercedesfan:
 
I love Benz (proud S320 owner), but let's be honest here: CR and TrueDelta's reliability predictions for nearly all of the MB products are poor.
 
You either buy the extended warranty and suck it up, or find something more reliable (I feel the same way about most of the BMW models). My Benz didn't show too many problems in the first year (and by that I mean about 4), but it was years 3-8 that were the worst. At this point, I've learned to live with the annoyances of an otherwise great car.

Per the LT intro article, I too was shocked that you guys got the C300 but didn't get the manual tranny. I would have pegged the best combos as either a C350 Sport with the required auto or the C300 Sport with the manual. For shame! Anyways, looking forward to reading about this one.

Sweet! Just saw one of these in person the other day and thought it looked even more fabulous in the flesh than in photos. Can't wait to hear if it drives as hot as it looks.

Ive never been a huge Mercedes fan but I do admire they way they build thier cars as few can match the overall solidity and quality of construction. To this day Im amazed how the Germans (Audi/BMW/Mercedes) can offer that classic timeless styling while still looking modern and fresh.

Im surprised you didn't get a Cadillac CTS.

I, too, am looking forward to this long-termer. I especially like the no-nonsense sensibility of this new C300. I really hope that MB's quality and reliability have bounced back.
 
Oh, and good job sticking to your guns regarding the auto tranny! If I were shopping this car, I would definitely be interested in the 7-spd.

Cool color, cool car, cool purchase.
 
The grill of the Sport model reminds me of the old SL's.
 
And than you MB for keeping the hood ornament on the Luxury model. (Boo at Jaguar.)
 
The only bad thing I see so far is the Darth Vader black interior. Good thing it doesn't have tinted windows because it would be like stepping into a black hole.

dragonflight, I agree that the 2000-2006 generation cars were poor but the new ones are fantastic. The S-Class was the highest rated car in JD Power and Associates 2007 survey, beating the Lexus LS. I can attest to that as the proud owner of a 2006 S550 which has thus far been completely problem free. I also own a 1968 280SE Cabriolet with 300,000 miles on it and 2005 SL600, both of which have never given me a spot of trouble. I really baby my cars though, that undoubtedly has something to do with it. I hope this C300 can prove what Europeans are already discovering, the new C-Class is built darn well.

mercedesfan - how do you know that the new ones are fantastic? Were you briefed on their quality control improvements? Perhaps they consulted you on their real-world rigor testing? The fact is you don't...and the burden of evidence suggests that you are very wrong (your $100,000+ personal examples notwithstanding). Testing mercedes' supposed quality improvements is a very laudable goal for Edmunds to take on - but one does question if 12 months is really and extensive enough.

sddoc07, that was an excellent point. I am wonder if Edmunds is willing to keep the C300 past the warranty period, that could be an excellent excellent real world long term test. While they are at it, throw in the 3-series and Audi A4 as well...

Frankly, I'm just happy to see more and more cars in your fleet (as opposed to SUVs and crossovers). Now, I'm not going to deny that I expect a lot of reliability problems in your future. I do hope, however, that Mercedesman is correct, though. I do find that entry models do have more issues than high end ones.

I'm definitely interested to see how this one goes, if only because my friend owns almost the exact same car - same color and an almost identical feature list. My friend is absolutely enamored with his, so I'm interested to hear the opinions that come out here.

I commend Edmunds on the addition of this car to their fleet. This new C-Class is Mercedes real chance to win back the hearts and minds of young professionals who want germanic sport and class. The new S class and the current SL class have already won alot of respect (and money) but the C-Class is where Mercedes wins converts (or conquests, in marketing parlance).
 
I, personally, would have loved to hear about the 6-spd C300. But let's face it, much like Lexus with the RWD IS250....Mercedes has "given up" on manual transmission. I think the choice of the 7-speed automatic, one of Mercedes selling points, is a good one. I can't wait to read about this.
 
I don't think you'll see much reliability issues....Mercedes is not in the same boat as Land Rover/Jaguar. And they've improved, internally. They are one of the mfrs that has come out and said "our quality dipped below where it should have been, and we have/are addressing that". This is a first year model, so I do expect to see some first-year model quirks (a rattle or something not fitting as well as it should).
 
That being said, I also expect to see 4 edmunds staffers sitting on each of the doors to show how each one can support 200 pounds. While coming to a stop from 80-0 in 4 seconds....after driving 500,000 miles :)
 
I hope this is a portent of Edmund's future models. I'm happy to read about the Accord, G35, Fit, Aura, and a few others....but the SUVs and crossovers leave me wanting.
 
Any thoughts about adding a Sport Wagon? A Subaru Outback XT, Saab 9-3 or 9-5, or even the Volvo C30 or something similar?
 
Joe

Does anyone see any resemblance to the 2008 Accord? Call me crazy, but I see some similarities in the rear 3/4 photos. Especially in the beltline and in the trunk and rear light styling.
http://66.160.188.111/roadtests/Comments/1683#cm

06scooby, you can read Phil Reed's experience of purchasing the car on Edmunds' Strategies for Smart Car Buyers blog.
 
http://66.160.188.111/strategies/404
 
How's the Leggy running over there in CO (if I remember correctly)? Has there been much snowfall? Please disregard if I have you confused with someone else. :o)