In The Leather-Lined Trenches Of The Midluxury Wars - Road Test - Mercedes Benz C280

Best of all, all this goodness comes standard in the S version for a relatively low $31,995 base price. With an optional Bose sound system (including a six-disc CD changer, $1200) and a few other minor options, the as-tested price amounted to only $33,760, making it one of the best values of the test.

Mercedes-Benz C280
Since its '93 debut, Mercedes-Benz' entry-level C-Class has been a solid success story for the prestigious German marque, accounting for almost as many U.S. sales in '94 as the larger, bread-and-butter E-Class. The lower-level C220 carries a base price of $30,950, but comes with a 2.2-liter/148-horse inline-four engine and forgoes the dual power seats, premium Bose sound system, and leather option of its larger sibling. The C280 is more competitive with the rest of our group in both performance and content, although its $36,300 base and $39,332 test price top the field. On the option list of our test car were metallic paint ($580), an anti-theft system ($590), and a $1760 Value Package with leather, sunroof, and retractable rear headrests.

The rear-drive C280 adheres to its Mercedes lineage with conservative styling that's both handsome and enduring, as well as a feeling of tautness and solidity that permeates the car. The stately interior is warmed by a generous helping of Zebrano wood trim and dash controls that are large and easy to access. The seats are firm and supportive, and the C280 offers excellent isolation from road, wind, and engine noise. A thoughtful touch in the rear: The trunk-lid hinges are enclosed in trim panels, sacrificing a bit of cargo capacity but ensuring that luggage isn't smashed when the lid is closed.

The C280 is motivated by an efficient 2.8-liter 24-valve DOHC inline-six that's surprisingly quick for its midpack output specs of 194 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Despite its industrial-strength build quality, the C280 weighs in with the third lightest poundage, helping it achieve the second-fastest 0-60-mph time: 7.9 seconds, only 0.2 second behind the I30 t. Its 126-foot 60-0-mph braking distance was second only to the 325i's 124-foot mark, and it weaved through the slalom in a quick 63.2 mph, beaten by only the Millenia S (65.8) and 3.2TL (63.3).

From behind the wheel, the C280 is a stealthy car. It comes across as a rock-solid highway cruiser, not as a nimble, sport-minded sedan. Yet the more aggressive the driving, the more the driver discovers how broad its performance envelope is. The Merc's suspension offers an excellent balance between compliance and control; it's never floaty or harsh, though the ride may be a little too firm for some.

The Mercedes marque has a certain cachet, for which many buyers are willing to pay a premium. Whether midluxury shoppers will ante up $3000-$5000 more for the C280 over these other models is the question-but don't even consider an answer until after you've taken your C280 test drive.