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Models, Pricing & Equipment
For those of you considering the purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, be prepared to make a few choices, from the engine you want to the drivetrain and, of course, your selection of options. Starting things out is the rear-drive C300 Sport, priced from $32,475 (all prices include an $875 destination charge) and boasting standard features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary input jack, eight-way power front seats, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Sport models also feature a unique grille and aggressive lower body work. Safety comes courtesy of front-side and side-curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, and a tire pressure monitor. If you desire a bit more content, Mercedes-Benz offers an Entertainment Package with a 450-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system, a choice of Premium Packages that add goodies such as Sirius satellite radio and a split rear seat, and stand-alone options like an iPod integration kit, 18-inch alloys, and the TeleAid communications system. For $34,175, you can get into the 2009 C300 Luxury with its leather upholstery, Burl Walnut interior trim, and added chrome accents. Bump up to $35,615 and you’re into the all-wheel-drive C300 4MATIC Sport; the C300 4MATIC Luxury will run you $35,975.
At the top of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class mountain is the rear-drive C350 Sport, priced from $37,675. In exchange for the extra cash, buyers get heated front seats, Sirius satellite radio, a universal garage door opener, Black Birdseye Maple interior trim, and upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels.
Aside from comfort and convenience features, the 2009 C-Class lineup is differentiated by engines, transmissions, and chassis components. The C300 variants are motivated by a 3.0-liter V-6 that’s good for 228 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. The C350 Sport houses a 3.5-liter V-6 pumping out 268 horses and 258 lb.-ft. of torque working with the seven-speed automatic transmission. Premium fuel is required for all C-Class models.
Under the skin are a MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear setup, with firmer tuning and a lower ride height for the Sport models, and a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering unit. Disc brakes are standard fare, though the C350’s rotors are larger than those on other C-Class models. All-wheel-drive variants feature the full-time 4MATIC system, which adds 145 pounds to the overall curb weight.
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Read the Test Drive: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport
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