Completely redesigned in 2008, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a looker. If you like what you see in the C, you’ll love what you see in the C350 Sport with its AMG-styled body armor and unique grille treatment. Looks are just the beginning of this story.
Now in its fourth generation, the C-Class continues to be the primary vehicle for first-time Mercedes-Benz owners. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned loyalist, the “appetizer” role for the C-Class means it showcases the advanced engineering, design, luxury amenities and safety features for which the brand is known. For example, you’ll find a killer infotainment system with intuitive console controller and high-quality seven-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth connectivity, 12-button multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, eight-way power front seats and more. In other words, you get a lot for your money in the C-Class.
This is especially so with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport, powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 teamed with an amazing seven-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift, the M-B paddleshifting setup. Gas mileage is 17 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. Given the major changes of last year, the C350 Sport carries over with just a few tweaks. Changes include two additional pelvic airbags integrated into the front seats on all C-Class models while the C350 gets a standard power steering column and driver's side memory function.
The Sport model is the C-Class performance machine with its big tires, tauter suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, dual exhausts and rear, trunk-mounted spoiler. The C350 Sport benefits from the new C-Class body, a stiff steel shell (20 percent is the ultra high-strength variety) designed for safety and the rigidity required for performance handling. To save weight, the doors, front safety structure, front fenders and parcel shelf are made of aluminum. The new C-Class body is much stronger than the previous one, yet weighs 17 pounds less.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the new C-Class comes pretty close to the ideal with a 52/48 static weight balance. The stiffer body adds to the exemplary ride comfort.
Handling is further improved by new chassis subframes that locate new lightweight suspension components for quicker response and more precise control. New shocks feature multi-valve internals that quickly firm up damping rates when a wheel moves beyond the first centimeter of suspension travel, a simple mechanical solution to deliver a compliant ride with firm control. In addition, the engine is mounted lower in the C-Class for improved handling.
While they were at it, Mercedes-Benz engineers took measures to improve the precision and feel of the C350's steering. The steering ratio is a quicker, rigidly mounted, aluminum rack-and-pinion unit that conveys useful road-feel to the driver through the steering wheel. “The new C-Class is altogether sharper, more precise and quicker in terms of handling and steering. The ride is more controlled and sporty and less plush, all of which we liked,” observed Automotive.com. The brakes are extremely powerful and the pedal is nicely progressive.
Safety features include driver and passenger front airbags. two side bags, two side-curtain airbags and a knee bag for the driver. The standard head restraints operate on the Neck Pro system to help reduce whiplash injuries in the event of a crash.
The active safety systems include antilock brakes, traction control, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and an electronic stability program.
Our descriptions are simply not adequate to convey the thrilling qualities of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport. This is an entry-level luxury car that will make you question how much better luxury could be above “entry-level.” This is a sport sedan that instantly makes you a sport driver thanks to some of the very best Mercedes-Benz power and suspension technologies. The C350 Sport also has a difficult-to-describe, but utterly real ability to raise your spirits the instant you slip behind the wheel. As we said, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport is a special automobile, one you must see and experience to fully appreciate.
