Quote:
Originally Posted by mbzman
I do believe there was a lot of attention spent on its safety and structure but the biggest problem is its small proportions in relation to other cars on the road. When you are being hit by a larger car, which is going to be the case almost all the time, you will be at a disadvantage. It would be great to see more diesel models brought over here. I bet a diesel C-class would be a popular seller to go against the 3 series diesel. I read somewhere that the 3 series diesel is doing very well and has even outsold its gas counterparts.
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Here's a video of a new C-Class vs a Smart which speaks for itself. On the same page is a link to a W220 vs a Smart which is even more telling as the poor Smart ricochets off like a beachball.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKSPxQjPOm0
As to diesel C-Classes, when I ordered my 2008 C300, I would have added the V-6 Bluetec diesel from the E-Class had MBUSA offered it. Even though they charged a premium price ($1000 in the E) but now after three years plus in the gas car, I'm not so sure it matters. Since MB charges so much for the diesel option and at the same time de-contents the car (think 260E as one example) the buyer ends up spending a bundle adding the equipment MB left off.
Further, in my new copy of Auto motor und Sport from Stuttgart, they publish the fuel economy numbers for the new engines and the new direct injection 3.5 for the 2012 C-350 is just slightly more economical
(.1l/100km, not much) than the V-6 Diesel in the same car, still not offered in the US, looks like.
My 2008 C300, driven conservatively can reach 30mpg highway on 92 octane.