[Bimmerista]

That's because it is the entry level C class (the 2.8 engine is out). Which means in terms of price MB has to position it to compete with the 323 e90 in Canada (which btw also has similar performance numbers to the C 300).

In terms of content, I agree MB have begun to include more things in their cars than the competition - not just C class but ML class as well-it actually comes pretty well equipped right out of the box. And this is a good thing.

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

That's because it is the entry level C class (the 2.8 engine is out). Which means in terms of price MB has to position it to compete with the 323 e90 in Canada (which btw also has similar performance numbers to the C 300).

In terms of content, I agree MB have begun to include more things in their cars than the competition - not just C class but ML class as well-it actually comes pretty well equipped right out of the box. And this is a good thing.

I'm not sure that it is intended to compete with the 323i... it is priced, in terms of MSRP, EXACTLY THE SAME as the 328i... even the C300 4-matic is the same MSRP start price as the 328i... they even have the same horsepower. Seems to me like the C300 is directly aimed at the 328i.

Rumour has it that, in 2008, we will get the C220 Bluetec with a 170hp, 300 ft-lb clean diesel. That will be a nice ride too!

[Bimmerista]

Yeah, I look forward to the new Bluetech diesels, even though this summer I drove an old-school diesel A4 in Europe and was really not impressed other than in connection with fuel economy.

If it is aimed at the 328 price wise but has the performance of the 323 (0-100 in 7.2), then I am not sure what success it will have other than with people who don't care about performance and will be impressed by the equipment package (which, mind you, is not that overwhelming in favor of MB).

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

Yeah, I look forward to the new Bluetech diesels, even though this summer I drove an old-school diesel A4 in Europe and was really not impressed other than in connection with fuel economy.

If it is aimed at the 328 price wise but has the performance of the 323 (0-100 in 7.2), then I am not sure what success it will have other than with people who don't care about performance and will be impressed by the equipment package (which, mind you, is not that overwhelming in favor of MB).

To be fair, though, the 0-100 time of the Benz is quoted by Mercedes... typically these times are a bit conservative. BMW's quoted times are conservative too...

[achien]

stunned by new C-class...

Yeah, especially how their bumpers crumbled...

http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/01/auto...ex.htm?cnn=yes

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by achien

stunned by new C-class...

Yeah, especially how their bumpers crumbled...

http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/01/auto...ex.htm?cnn=yes

Wow, good find. Thats almost embarrassing.

[TMNT]

Originally Posted by achien

stunned by new C-class...

Yeah, especially how their bumpers crumbled...

http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/01/auto...ex.htm?cnn=yes

Horrible results for Infiniti and Mercedes.........however what year were the vechicles?

The picture of the Mercedes is not that of the new C class....it is a 2007 or lower, not the 2008.

I would suspect that the G35 is the new 2007 which is down right embarrassing for Infiniti!

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by TMNT

Horrible results for Infiniti and Mercedes.........however what year were the vechicles?

The picture of the Mercedes is not that of the new C class....it is a 2007 or lower, not the 2008.

I would suspect that the G35 is the new 2007 which is down right embarrassing for Infiniti!

definately is the old C-class... in any case, all I care about in crash safety is how well the structure absorbs energy so that I don't get hurt.

[HyperM3]

I think the problem here it seems, is that most manufacturers are building in a zone of safety that will protect pedestrians in the case they are struck.

Now, I dont know about you, but if I want to run someone over, Im not looking to do the least amount of damage to them. Guess thats why you bring the right weapon to the war. F150 pickup should do the trick much better and probably have $10 in scratches. Oh well, I solved my own dilemma.