If you like the look of the big S-Class sedan, but the $100K plus price tag is just a hair out of your price range, you might want to consider looking at something a bit smaller, but every bit as handsome. Its the C320 sedan, a near carbon copy of the stunning S, only greatly reduced in size and price. There are a number of C-Class models to choose from, but if you really want to enjoy the pleasure of driving a Mercedes-Benz the way in which it was intended, the C320 Sport is the way to go.
The Sport takes all that is right with the base C-Class sedan and adds in an extra measure of handling and appearance that falls just short of the stellar C32 AMG high-performance sedan. The Sport package adds a stiffer suspension, 17-inch alloy rims with performance tires and lower body moldings. Inside, youll find thicker bolsters on the sport seats, rubber-studded stainless steel pedals, special aluminum trim on the dash and console, and a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
As sports sedans go, the C320 is pretty much on par with its rivals from Audi, BMW and Lexus. Interior room is fine for those up front, but a bit snug in the rear, especially in the area of legroom. The large trunk can easily accommodate two golf bags or a couple pieces of hard luggage.
But you dont buy the Sport edition C320 based on its people-hauling ability; you buy it because it just plain hauls. The 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine is an absolute dream to play with. It responds willingly to the slightest throttle input, calling upon the engines ample low-end torque to shoot you across busy intersections or overtake slower moving traffic. The specially tuned sport exhaust makes a nice low burbling sound that can be heard just enough to be cool without becoming obnoxious. Stopping power is provided by a set of four-piston calipers attached to cross-drilled rotors up front and vented discs at the rear.
Slip the six-speed transmission into first, pop the clutch and feel the g-forces build. Upon entering your first curve, youll feel the heavily-weighted speed sensitive steering firm up just a bit. As you move into the turn, youll feel the low-slung C320 body hug the ground, your own body pressing against the seat bolster and your hands firmly clutching the steering wheel. As the road changes directions, a quick spin of the wheel repeats the entire process, leaving you just enough time to get in a quick down shift before returning both hands to the wheel. In a perfect world, you could play this game all day and never grow tired; but in the real world, youd either run out of road or gas or both.
The C320 definitely feels tighter and more in touch with the road than its luxury counterparts. Yes, the ride is a bit firmer and can even be rough over broken pavement and untended to expansion joints, but its a small price to pay for the benefits that taut suspension yields. The C320s six-speed manual is not as precise as that found on the BMW 3 Series, but it is a manual and that is a huge step in the right direction for Mercedes-Benz.
When youre not out pushing the C320 to its limits, you can take a few moments to enjoy the more luxurious appointments that surround you. The C320s interior is handsomely laid out, combining wood, leather and aluminum accents to create a sophisticated, inviting interior. The dash features the traditional Mercedes-Benz gauge cluster housed in a hooded pod. The half-moon shaped speedometer places the speed indicator needle on the outer edge and fills the center sections with an LED information screen that displays the trip computers various functions. Steering wheel mounted audio controls make it easy to adjust the volume or station setting as well as operate the hands-free phone. Two things did frustrate us a bit during our test drive. One is the odd placement of the cruise control stalk, placed within inches of the turn signal and often mistaken for it. The other is the climate control panel that can appear a bit cryptic at times, especially when it came to shutting off the dual zone climate controls. Of course, a few minutes with the instruction manual and all was resolved.
In all, youll find the C320 Sport to be a great handling car with a powerful engine and long list of standard and optional equipment. Whether or not it is better than the 330i or G35 is a matter of opinion, but if youre shopping either of the latter cars, you owe it to yourself to take the C320 Sport for a good long test drive.
