Pros :
- Upscale Mercedes Benz image.
- Usable rear seat.
- Stable at high speeds.
- Smooth V6 power combined with a six-speed gearbox.
- Many upscale S-Class options.
Cons :
- Heavy for such a small car.
- Pricey for such a small car.
- Rear visibility at a premium.
- Not sporty enough compared to some cheaper competitors.
- Low horsepower-per-dollar ratio.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
The introduction of the C-Class sports coupe marked Mercedes Benz's attempt at breaking ground with younger buyers, with a sporty design and the lowest price tag in its entire lineup. Offering a manual transmission and unique options such as a panoramic glass roof, it did have a minor impact in a market dominated by high-strung sporty cars like Toyota's Celica GT-S and Acura's RSX Type-S, or even VW's GTI models. Merc learned from the mistakes BMW made in marketing the 3-Series Compact in the States a few years ago and went with calling its hatchback a "sports coupe." To further enhanced its youthful image, Merc is now offering its "sports coupe" with the corporate 3.2L V6 engine while still retaining the six-speed manual gearbox, in a move to attract the import racing crowd, or even well-off import racing wannabes.
The Mercedes Benz C320 Sports Coupe comes with the usual array of standard equipment. The interior features buttons on the steering wheel to control audio, optional navigation, trip computer and more. The ergonomic interior is covered in high-quality materials, with sports seats and aluminum dashboard trim. The $995 optional glass roof can open up to provide a convertible-like experience, while other options include an automatic transmission for $1300, electric seats for $1225, Bose audio system for $610, the COMAND navigation system for $2080 and many more. Safety features include eight airbags and smart seat belts. Amazingly enough, the rear seats provide adequate room for most adults to sit fairly comfortably.
The 3.2L naturally aspirated engine is one of the smoothest in the industry, with more torque than horsepower, and peak torque being available from 3000 to 4600 rpm. This provides for good acceleration for this very heavy coupe, especially when mated to the close-ratio six-speed manual. No doubt the sports-car-like 0.29 cd drag co-efficient helps it to cut through the atmosphere. The driver-adaptive five-speed automatic with TouchShift is also capable in its own right - Mercedes Benz being at the forefront of automatic tranny technology. The stiffer-than-standard four-wheel independent suspension, rear-wheel-drive chassis, 17 inch wheels, high-performance tires and ESP stability control give the coupe a very stable feel through corners and in high-speed highway jaunts, but this car is far from an autocross warrior like, say, the Acura RSX Type-S or even the BMW 3-Series.
ModernRacer.com
Found on every Mercedes product and tailored to each specific model, ESP uses a steering angle sensor, speed sensors at each wheel, sensors for lateral acceleration and vehicle yaw to calculate the path being asked by the driver (through the steering) versus the vehicle's actual path. If there is a discernable difference, ESP activates to reduce the chances of understeer and oversteer, thereby improving the safety of the vehicle. Traction control and ABS with brake assist are also standard equipment.
If the C-Class does get into an accident, there are plenty of other new measures to keep occupants safe. The body structure itself features new reinforcements in the body floor, doors and roof pillars to improve impact absorption. Tele Aid, Mercedes' cellular-based emergency call system, is standard in both models. Inside the cabin, all five seating positions in the new C-Class are fitted with three-point belts with electronically controlled pre-tensioners. Front passengers get dual-stage front airbags and door-mounted side airbags. Rear outboard passengers also get side airbags, and curtain airbags deploy from the headliner to offer head protection to all outboard passengers. Like before, the C-Class has BabySmart, a system that uses transponders to detect the presence of a BabySmart-compatible child seat to automatically deactivate the front passenger-side airbag.
Edmunds.com
We really enjoyed using the Touch Shift automatic, which shifts instantly up or down with a single sideways flick of the shifter and, if held in the downshift position for more than one second, computer-selects the best gear for the driving situation, shifting down as many as three gears before you know it. It's adaptive, which means, if you drive it gently, it will upshift more quickly and reward you with excellent mileage; if you're constantly on the throttle, it will learn that you like to drive quickly and will hold itself in each gear for quicker acceleration performance.
The substantial weight of the C230 Sports Coupe shows up in the handling, where it feels a little bit heavy on its feet, compared to a BMW, but certainly better than almost anything domestic. The rack-and-pinion power steering, the sports seats, and the beefy steering wheel make you feel like you're in command, and if you start to lose your command of the situation, the standard ESP stability control system will put things right in a trice. The standard tilt and telescope steering column provides an extra measure of adjustability that some cars in this class don't even offer.
Mercedes-Benz puts as much effort into its braking systems as some makers put into their whole cars, and it shows immediately in the driving. The coupe uses large 11.8-inch front disc brakes and 11-inch rear brakes with electronic brake force distribution that senses when you are having a panic attack, provides extra braking, and then switches automatically into ABS mode if conditions warrant. The brakes are progressive in pedal feel, and enormously powerful in bad situations.
Nctd.com
History:
2002-2003 Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
2,295 cc / 192 hp / 200 lb-ft / 3305-3340 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.5 sec.
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