I had an appointment today to drive the new 2008 C300 Sport version. Here are my impressions:

Exterior: VERY badass... This car had the AMG appearance pkg (AMG bumpers, chrome tips, AMG wheels, etc.) and was a medium silver/gray. In a different color (say Mars Red), it would look incredible.

Interior: Reminded me a lot of my A3 and A4s - lots of soft-touch "grained" plastic, but the aluminum was real. The shifter was decent in appearance and function (auto tranny). I like the disappearing nav, the COMAND was easy to use, and the multi-function wheel was good. It is much roomier than the 2007 C-Class...

Power: ****-poor in the C300. My A3 would beat on this car all day long, no question. A 328i would destroy it. That said, it was fairly responsive, but nothing to write home about. I'm lined up to drive a C350 Sport in a month, so hopefully that has some pop.

Brakes/Handling: The brakes were pretty good - better than A4s, about the same in feel as a 3-series. No comparison to my RS4 obviously. The handling was a real eye-opener, too. It has variable-assist steering, but it felt much more natural and linear than the BMW active steering. At speed, it responded quickly and accurately to my inputs. I was very impressed - this does bode well for the C63.

So to the big question: Would I buy it? The C300 - not a chance. Not when my A3 is an equal or better in almost every aspect. The C350? Maybe if the engine is impressive and it has better overall feel. The C63? HELL YES - I am on their "pending" list right now. They have no word on order dates, delivery, etc. so they'll call me when I need to put in a deposit. If the C63 handles as well as this car did, and you know the engine will be a monster, then it'll be a great car.

Thanks for reading!

 

saw one when my car was getting worked on at the dealer, looked nice.

 

Any Pics?????

 

No - but I will take some when I drive the C350 Sport. It looks a lot "beefier" in person...

 

I just saw one today in person, I thought the exterior looked amazing (it was grey with the AMG appearance package). The interior is nice as well, although the doors and other parts have a lot of plastic. However the C350 may have more leather, i'm not sure. I went to look at it for my wife, but with two kids and her always taking their friends, it was a bit small. I'm going to wait for the new E class which I hope will be here by '09.

 

Anyone is So Cal region, we have a Flint Grey C300 sport in Laguna Niguel Mercedes-Benz. I love the exterior, but the interior quality feels real cheap. I think the steering wheel is to big and skinny. But lots more interior space than the previous model.

 

I really hope the C350 is better inside (and the C63 for that matter).

 

We got one in our dealer as well... and agree 100% about the steering wheel!

Reminds me of womens underwear for some reason...

The thing I don't like is the Roof Mount antenna is not color matched.

 

No real difference in the 350 and 300. on the 63, it just has thicker sport seats

 

Thanks for the info

 

If I get a C63, it shouldn't be too much $$ to get a leather/alcantara interior done. I wouldn't do it if I get the C350 on lease.

 

thank you for the review chris, i am renting a white c350 here in france for my vacation i dont mind getting a c63 for example in 2 to 3 years hopefully.

 

any chance of bluetec diesel being in the lineup?

 

There is a bluetec version, but dont think it will make it to Cali anytime soon unless you find a pre-owned one and pay a premium for it