2001 Mercedes-Benz C320

Traditional, exclusive, and uninspiring are words that historically have been used to describe the entry-level Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But after our first drive in a '01 European-model C320 "Avantgarde," a dead ringer for the U.S.-spec "Sport" model, we found ourselves using words like contemporary, accessible, fun, and stylish. Could this really be happening? You bet, and if MBUSA sets prices of its '01 C-Class as it's been hinting, several players in the entry-level luxury market will have something to think about. Said the always-quotable DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management member, Professor Jrgen Hubbert, "Suddenly, everything is different."

The Lineup
We've already given you an overall C-Class "First Look" in our June 2000 issue. Much of what we surmised then has come true, plus a couple new things have been revealed. Gone, at least in the U.S., is the supercharged I-4 C230 Kompressor, which, despite decent sales and adequate performance, was deemed unnecessary and contrary to the twin-plug three-valve/cylinder 90 V-6 line of modular engines, which are more efficient, more powerful, and cleaner-running.

The interior of the C is far more sexy and complements the overall "suddenly, everything is different" theme of the new car. We particularly like the organic shape of the dashboard top incorporating the HVAC vents and the parking proximity pod atop the center speaker. However, on a functional level, we still have a difficult time accessing/manipulating COMAND system data through the multifunction steering wheel. Also, one of the former C-Class gripes has been only slightly addressed: that of rear seat legroomn which has grown only 0.2 in. A shame, really.

The base model will, indeed, be the C240 with a 2.6L/168-hp V-6 (yes, the model designation and engine size don't coincide-please don't ask). It'll be offered with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The now-pervasive five-speed manu-matic with Touch Shift will be a low-cost option

The next step up is the model we like most, the C320 with a 3.2L/215-hp V-6. While Mercedes claims it hustles to 60 mph in 7.8 sec, it's with a fair degree of certainty we can say that estimate is conservative-it feels much faster.

Because the 3.2L engine is derived from other M-B products (CLK, E, and ML), the software that enables the engine to be on speaking terms with the transmission had to be remapped, and they nailed it. Wow. From a dead stop, the C320 launches like a V-8, has 221 lb-ft of torque that pulls like a V-8, and it even sounds like a V-8. In fact, if you were to simply add two more cylinders, it would be the company's 4.3L V-8. Despite being able to be shifted "manually" with Touch Shift, the driver-adaptive, intelligent automatic transmission shifts transparently under all types of demands-from light- to heavy-right-footed drivers-and is usually most effective when left to its own shift logic. If this is what "only" 215 hp feels like, we can't wait for the Kompressor AMG version

Driving is believing
Just looking at the new C-Class, it's hard to believe it's grown only fractionally in dimension +1.0-in. wheelbase, +0.8-in. overall length, +0.3in. width). Because its new elegant curves make it look larger than it is, like a diminutive S-Class, you'd expect it to drive larger. Not so-it feels absolutely tight and tidy on the fun roads, and sedan-steady on the dull ones. Our C320 tester and photo subject was equipped with the Sport package suspension settings and even more aggressive AMG-spec 245/40ZR17 Pirelli performance tires (Sport package tires are 225/50ZR16). With the low-profile rubber, we expected the ride to be taut and harsh, but found it to be downright pleasurable-offering a good feel of the road, less-than-minimal bodyroll, yet isolated and compliant on straight highway blasts. How'd they do that?