Key strengths: Quick, fast gear shifts, good looks, great interior, decent mileage, nice all around
Areas for improvement: Could use a more appealing shifter knob
The Mercedes c350 sport has invariably drawn multiple comparisons to the 335i namely in Car and Driver magazine. The C350 "sport," however, is a dressed up Mercedes with a powerful engine, but don't try racing your neighbor at the stop light with an expensive 335i. I couldn't be happier. For a car that has been said to do a 0-60 in 5.5-6.0 seconds, it sure is an economical one. Combined, i've gotten 19.5 mpg with mainly city driving and a little highway, in just under 2000 miles. The engine is the same as all the MB 350's a 3.5 liter pushing out 268 hp and enough torque to scare yourself the first time you put the pedal to the metal. However, as sport as it has gotten, Mercedes has not gone away from their more luxurious side. The ride has considerable improvement over the 2007 model both interior and exterior. For starters, it looks much better than the old version.
The stiffer springs and much more aggressive looks haven't given way to a complete sports feel. The interior is still characterized by the MB touch, albeit very tough seats. The interior is much less crowded than the older version, with a much more functional navigation system than anything seen in previous MB's. MB took the BMW's iDrive system, but made considerable advances over their counterparts, creating a nearly perfect and seemless use for the average consumer. However, they could stand to make it a little less tough to move--you'll notice what i mean when you try to move the disk the first time. The back seat has considerable improvement and space. I could fit 3 medium size adults and myself in the car with relatively no problem.
Long story short, the car is a fun drive but is still luxurious. For my personal in-town driving, it beat out the 335i because it saved my butt from a rough ride, and my pocket from OPEC. Beware to not be too stingy at the dealership--these cars were hard to find two months ago when i was in the market. Bottom line, if you're willing to pay the price, its worth e The running costs for Mercedes C Class C350 are normal
Safety: 81
Equipment: 75
Reliability: 79
Driving: 89
Comfort: 87
Design: 75