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It's
all in the sixes and sevens. And that's not a throw of the
dice. The sixes are the smooth shifting manuals that switch
Mercedes-Benz's C-Class standard transmissions from gear
to gear. The sevens are M-B's industry-only seven-speed
automatics that allow a powerful glide up the gear spectrum
with hardly a perception of shifting along the way. More
shift points mean more room for perfecting a smooth comfort
ride, or to launch a performance surge by bypassing several
gear points to land at just the right rev spot. Such technologically
celestial shifters are among highlights of these entry lux
vehicles that are door openers for owning a Mercedes-Benz.
Headlining
the all-sedan C-Class for 2006 is an innovation
that anticipates new, more stringent federal headrest
requirements for all vehicles by 2008. M-B has
added an active head bolster that senses impending
whiplash conditions during a rear-end collision
and moves the headrest forward and upward for
injury-preventative support.
C-Class
doesn't stint on variety. Models start at a budget pampering
C250 sport sedan and top out at solidly-luxury C55AMG, a
limited edition blow-out powerhouse. All five C-Class models
have agile "driver's car" road manners under the
skin. For 2006, advanced shifters are paired with a family
of new-generation V-6 engines for a power boost. The C280
and C350 lux models have available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive,
while C55 AMG rides on a 5.5-liter V-8.
The
new engine family adds welcome muscle to most
C-Class models, without losing mileage. The C230
sport gets a 2.5-liter version (201-HP), C280
lux gets 3.0-liter (228-HP), and C350 lux or sport-trimmed
model gets 3.5-liters at 268-horsepower.
A redesigned exhaust system reduces back pressure
to increase power. C-Class got a major overhaul
a year ago, with specific, performance-boosting
refinements taking the stage for 2006. Inside
and outside, the C-Class is sportier than ever
before, with such touches as aluminum trim, clear
headlamps and redesigned center console. The emblematic
Tri-Star rides high on the hood.
M-B
has snuck in some varying price increases to its range of
C-Classes for '06. At the low end, the C230 sport sedan
adds a scant $5 to last year's price, bringing base including
destination to $29,975. The top, V-8 powered C55 AMG performance
sedan is $55,225, $605 more than a year ago. With the C-Class,
M-B proves it has covered all bets, with nothing left as
a gamble.
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