2007 Mercedes-Benz C Class Exterior Review [ 2008 ]
Mercedes-Benz C Class Exterior Review
Exterior - 7.1 (Good)
The majority are generally pleased with the C-Class's exterior, though some writers find it bland and somewhat dated. Kelley Blue Book says "The C-Class is a Mercedes-Benz product through and through. With overtones of E- and S-Class clearly visible in the design, the C-Class fits right into the Mercedes family and should more than satisfy any entry-level buyer."
The C-Class is often called the "baby Benz" because it's the smallest of the Mercedes four-door sedans. However, the 2007 C-Class is larger than its predecessor. Car and Driver reports it's "also bigger than 3-Series [BMW] four-ports in length and height, riding on an identical 108.7-inch wheelbase." BusinessWeek points out specifics, noting "The C350 is 178.4 inches long, same as the BMW 330xi all-wheel drive, but the Mercedes is only 68 inches wide, 3.5 inches narrower than the BMW. Put another way, the C350 has the same width and is 2 inches shorter than a Chevy Cobalt compact, which makes it pretty darn small."
Despite a sportier redesign in 2005, BusinessWeek thinks "the C350's bland styling is probably going to look dated in a year or two. That's because it looks a lot like a scaled-down version of Mercedes big S-Class luxury sedans, which have just gotten a sleek new redesign." However, others feel the styling stands out. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says, "With styling cues (such as a low hood line, arced roof line and triangular taillights) evocative of the larger E-Class, this Mercedes-Benz has no trouble drawing admiring glances. Of course, having the three-pointed star on the hood doesn't hurt, either."
Exterior Trims
Sport Sedans
The C320 and C350 Sport Sedans feature an AMG-designed trunk spoiler, dual chrome AMG exhaust tips, AMG-designed lower body work, 17-inch staggered-width six-spoke alloy wheels, a black grille with chrome ribs and surround, a hood-mounted star, color-keyed door handles, dual power mirrors, an electrically heated rear window, variable-focus halogen headlamps, and halogen front fog lamps.
Luxury Sedans
The C280 and C350 Luxury Sedans feature 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, an Atlas Grey grille with three chrome ribs and chrome surround, color-keyed door handles with chrome trim, neutral-tinted glass, dual power mirrors, an electrically heated rear window, variable-focus halogen headlamps, and halogen front fog lamps.
