2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 27 C-Class reviews and test drives.
Mercedes-Benz C Class - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class ranks 10 out of 16 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz C Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The redesigned Mercedes Benz C-Class offers superior handling, updated style and good safety features, but it still trails competitors like the BMW 3-Series in performance and overall appeal.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has an updated exterior and interior, a sportier suspension and streamlined trim options. The result is a sedan that reviews say can compete in its class, even if it doesn't always come out on top. The 2008 redesign, by all accounts, improves an already competent sedan, prompting Motor Trend to say "this new C should easily hold its own against its formidable sport-sedan competition."
The C Class is available as the 300 or 350 sedan, and each has a luxury or sport trim.
- "Overall, I've got no complaints. In fact, I think this is an excellent automobile and a credit to its breed. The C-class feels precisely like what you would hope, as if Mercedes had invented a shrinking ray and turned it on an S-class." -- Los Angeles Times
- "It wasn't always so, but the least expensive Mercedes-Benz now is, in some ways, the most desirable. … It offers the practicality of a sedan combined with the light-on-its-feet agility of a sporty coupe." -- Newsday
- "But did Benz go far enough? We're not sure, especially with BMW's 335i, the top-tier Audi A4 and Lexus's coming IS-F all poised to ambush the new car." -- Motor Trend
- "While the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is still not in the same performance league as the BMW 3 Series, the Sport models close the gap a bit, while the Luxury version softens the car up for the benefit of motorists who prefer a comfort-oriented driving experience." -- Forbes
- "If you're interested in a C because you are looking for a low-cost Mercedes, you won't be disappointed -- the C offers the stately manner and solid feel for which Mercedes is famous." -- About.com
- The 2008 C Class is "an entry-level sedan to invite people into the luxury segment who Mercedes hopes will stay when they can afford something at $50,000 or more." -- Chicago Tribune
C-Class Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is considered a formidable performer, especially thanks to its sportier suspension. Motor Trend states that Mercedes "has put a massive amount of work into sharpening up its fourth-generation model, and it shows." After a few comparatively poor years, Mercedes is trying to climb back into the arena with the BMW 3 Series. To see how much progress they're making, continue with our full Performance Review. continue
C-Class Exterior - 8.9 (Very Good)
The C-Class's redesigned exterior has a modern and edgy appearance that a majority of reviews say make it look like a miniature S-Class, though a few disagree. Even with the debate over what the C-Class looks like, its exterior styling gets mostly positive reviews, with the Washington Post calling it "stunningly beautiful." Read our full Exterior Review to see the differences in the luxury and sport trims, or check out our 2008 Mercedes Benz C-Class Photo Gallery to decide for yourself. continue
C-Class Interior - 7.6 (Good)
Generally, the changes made to the five-seat 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class' interior are regarded as for the better, but once again Mercedes finds this space crowded with other new contenders, like the Lexus IS. Mother Proof says the interior made "me feel like a rock star -- specifically a safe, comfortable rock star." Many reviews say the C Class' COMAND system is better than BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI, and that interior fit and finish is excellent. To learn more about COMMAND system and other interior features, read our full Interior Review, or check out our 2008 Mercedes Benz C-Class Pictures to see the luxurious interior. continue
C-Class Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
Reviews are mainly positive about the 2008 Mercedes Benz C-Class' safety features. Motor Trend says "safety is always a big concern for the Daimler boys," and most reviewers agree. To learn about the advanced braking system on the C Class, continue with our full Safety Review. continue
C-Class Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The C-Class is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. Many reviews note that, as a brand, Mercedes-Benz has had significant reliability issues in the past few years. However, many of the same reviews say that the C-Class appears to address those issues well. To learn more about the C-Class and Mercedes-Benz's reliability, continue with our full Reliability Review. continue