To be able to discuss this thread with any degree of credibility (in my opinion), certain factors must be in place. One: You must know first hand the models you are comparing; Two: You must know what makes a Mercedes Benz a cut above the rest.
Is the C-class deserving of the Mercedes Benz star? You bet it is. Is it the equivilent of the S-class, hell no; the E-class of course not....but it is its own class. The C-class is the entry-level in the US....(in the UK and other Euro markets there is the A-class), but at the mid $30s it isn't totally inexpensive. I look at it this way....if someone puts his or her's hard-earned money toward a C-class Mercedes rather than a "top-end" lesser car I believe they deserve more respect if for nothing else than economic "smarts". Other makers such as BMW have the exact same model structure, ie: the 325, 525 725, etc. Is the 325 not a true BMW...ask the owners and you will get a resounding "OF COURSE IT IS".
Now, what actually constitutes a Mercedes Benz? Is it the Power-everything aspect? If so,then a LOT of other makes/models would qualify. Is it the wood/leather interiors? Sheeesh....it may have 30 years ago, but others have imitated it (but not with the same quality, I must add!) and so many have it; Is it things like super sound systems and cup holders and blinking mirrors and on and on? No. So....what is it that makes a car deserving of displaying that star on the hood? In a few words, superior engineering, material quality, build quality and safety beyond compare.
The W124 chassis E-class is a car that I would define as one with Spartan luxury. It has leather, wood trim and a few other minor amenities, but it falls way short of "gadget-luxury" cars most notably like Cadillac. But, it sold for prices in the mid-$40's up to 18 years ago.....and is still holing its value. Cadillacs of the same era are not even on the road (in the same numbers as percentages) because they are simply common vehicles.

When you move on to S-class Mercedes you are entering an area of automotive excellence that simply doesn't have a rival. The BMW 700 series and Lexus 400 series are great cars in their own right, but they don't compare to the S-class in engineering and (in most cases) build quality.

Admitedly, MB went overboard in the excesses of the W140 and paid for it dearly financially, but that doesn't take away from the fact that (considering enginering from the mid '80s) it was an enginering marval.

Which brings us full circle....the C class is the entry-level Mercedes Benz. It is ( and always was) a car worthy of the star on its hood and trunk.

I welcome comments

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold