2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240

Mercedes engineers have masterfully distilled the lauded S-Class essence into a more affordable, compact sedan with the latest C-Class line. It may be smaller, less powerful, and less damaging to your checking account than the S, but it feels every bit as premium that the Tri-Star-adorned flagship.

Entry into the C-Class begins at just a hair under $30K with the C240, though a lower-priced sporty "coupe" model will be offered for 2002. One would expect this marketing-friendly figure to be affixed to a stripped-down car reminiscent of the plebian taxis scuttling about European airports and cities. Not the case at all.

The C240 manages to possess engineering excellence and a generous list of upscale features for $30K. Standard items include such pleasantries as automatic climate control, leather and wood trim, AM/FM/WB/cassette stereo, integrated garage door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, and express up/down windows. Even the safety laundry list includes front and rear side airbags, head protection curtain, anti-theft alarm, electronic stability program, Tele Aid emergency call system, four-wheel ABS, BabySmart child seat recognition system... shall I continue?

All of these features could elevate a mediocre car to intriguing, but with the Mercedes C240, the equipment is more the icing on a delectable cake. The real tasty stuff here is the solid, refined car beneath the electro-goodies. A new independent front suspension geometry and a significantly revised five-link rear setup provide good road-holding manners and tempered feedback appropriate for a sporting sedan. Through the thick wheel, steering is firmish but elicits swift response. Despite a heavy, solid feel to the car, it reacts quickly and predictably to input.