The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranks 6 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and analysis of reliability and safety data. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available with some new features and option packages. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes with the world's best entry-level luxury sedans in every category, but doesn't clearly win any of them. An optional Dynamic Handling Package, new for 2010, may bring it more in line with the BMW 3-Series in terms of performance -- but the automotive press hasn't tested it yet, so the jury is still out on whether Mercedes can catch the BMW at last. Four models continue in this lineup. The C300 Luxury and C300 Sport have a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The C350 Sport has a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The C63 AMG is tuned by Mercedes' performance division and has a 451-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. C300 Sport is available with manual or automatic transmission. All other C-Class cars use a 7-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models. The C300 is also available with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive. All C300 models can run on ethanol-blended E85 fuel. Sport models have a sport suspension and unique interior and exterior styling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front- and rear-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Newly standard are front hip-protecting side airbags. Available features include a navigation system which includes a hard drive for storing digital-music files, bi-xenon headlamps, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Newly available on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are keyless
entry/engine start and rearview camera. Also available on rear-drive Sport models is a Dynamic Handling Package, which includes active suspension, specific 18-inch wheels, and steering-wheel shift paddles on cars with the automatic transmission. An optional AMG P31 Development Package for the C63 includes a 174-mph top-speed limiter and 30 additional horsepower, bringing the total to 481. The limited-slip differential that was previously included in the P31 package is now a standalone option. The C-Class offers head-turning, muscular looks and the cachet of the Mercedes badge at an entry-level price. Its safety scores are strong, and it retains its value well over time. Those are the primary reasons to buy one. But the C-Class, since its 2008 redesign, has continued to miss the high-performance bar set by the true canyon-carvers of its class. It's no slouch, particularly with the more powerful engine found in the C350 model. But those for him performance is the main concern might find it a bit of a disappointment
Picture gallery of 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
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