2006 Mercedes-Benz C350 Intake, Transmission & Specifications

The intake also is varied according to speed and load. At higher engine speeds, flaps in the manifolds open, giving the air a shorter route to the cylinders for increased power output. At lower speeds, the flaps are closed, adding length to the manifolds, creating resonance that increases airflow and improves torque.

Backing the technology-laden six are three transmissions. The short-throw six-speed manual is a pleasure to row, especially on twisty roads that beg for shifting. The 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic swaps ratios on a dime, sometimes skipping two or three gears at a time to stay in sync with the engine. Communication with the V-6 is so good that 35-to-75-mph times are cut in half over the manual-equipped model--a manufacturer-provided time of 12 seconds drops to 6.1 with the 7G-TRONIC. All-wheel-drive models come with a five-speed automatic.

The C350's potent blend of power, transmission response, and excellent rack-and-pinion steering give it the habits of a sports car, with styling and seating capacity that allow it to fit right in at the office. Available in Luxury and Sport models, the faster, sportier C-Class is now open for business.