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The C-Class has lagged behind some new players in terms of value, no doubt about it.
Standards to me has little do with equipment level. An E-Class had better have some with more equipment as it costs nearly double. However, in terms of engineering, quality, reliability, and other MB core values, the C-Class is not inferior to other MB products.
The Japanese have come on strong with exceptional products, all with high levels of reliability, build quality, and they've stacked some goodies on top for good measure, playing the "value" card. Is the C240 Elegance good value? Not at all! It's down on power, has many of the competitor's standard features as optional and is priced high in the segment. However, is it inferior to the E320? Guess what! The E320 is not a strong value player in it's segment! It faces many of the same challenges that the C does in it's market. It's priced near the top, is not a leader in the HP wars, and has many options that are standard on the competition.
Our C-Class had less equipment than our E-Class had. It's smaller inside and outside. However, as far as the "old-style" MB core values go (longevity, reliability, build quality, long legs) the C was easy the equal to the E.
What does the C-Class lack? The "prestige" of the larger more expensive models. Ironically, my neighbour couldn't really tell the difference in our E and C cars, and in fact thought the "old style" MB headlamps and grille on the W202 were more "stately" than the round headlamps on our E300. 99% of people had no idea that our E-Class cost that much more than our C.
I wish MB would stop playing the game and go back to charting their own course. Bring us a C270 diesel for $37,000 with Tex seats, no traction control, and steel wheels. No Comand, no integrated phone, no TeleAid. Maybe I'd be the only one buying one. That's the market for ya!
Last edited by blackmercedes; 02-18-2004 at 05:16 PM.
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