Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115. Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor
Mercedes-Benz is known for high-end luxury and maximum torque production from its engines. And with that reputation comes the expectancy of a high price tag.
So I was pleasantly surprised at my tester for the week — the C250.
This 4-passenger coupe is tame by Mercedes standards – in engine and in price, and even in luxury to some extent.
The appearance of the C250 is less aggressive looking than other C-class models. An impressive grille has a classic Mercedes look. The rest of the C250 is simple and clean, and the rear of the car is, in fact, too understated as it loses some of its Mercedes appeal.
Don’t be fooled by the numbers of the engine production for this coupe. It does have “only” 201 horsepower and 229 lb./ft. of torque, but thanks to a turbocharged, direct injection boost, the 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine comes off plenty powerful. The 7-speed automatic transmission performs well, throwing shifts at just the right time. Combined with the engine, it gives the C250 a definite Mercedes-Benz driving experience.
The rear-wheel drive further compliments the driving performance, as does the suspenion.
The C250 boasts independent front and rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. The average driver may not know how all of this works, but cruising over various road conditions, and even potholes, you quickly realize it means a peaceful and serene ride for driver and passengers.
The interior of the C250 doesn’t have some of the over-the-top luxuries of other models in the Mercedes family, it still has enough refinement to justify the Mercedes-Benz badging. Leather seats hug, but don’t overwhelm and the tilting/sliding panoramic moonroof lets in the air and sunlight, without too much noise interference.
Legroom is abundant, but due to a sloping roofline, headroom could be somewhat of an issue for taller drivers. In the back, legroom is spacious, considering its coupe layout. Bigger passengers may feel a little cramped, but for average adults and children, the C250 holds up fine in spaciousness.
With split folding rear seats, Mercedes does a good job of making good use of cargo space. There is 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which is average by standards.
Because of the smaller engine, fuel economy is reasonable. The C250 has an EPA rating of 21 city and 31 highway. In a week’s worth of heavy-footed driving, mostly on the highway, I averaged 26.7 MPG, which I was quite pleased with, despite its need for premium gasoline.
Some of my co-workers who liked the looks of the C250 asked me how much it cost. When I told them it had a base price under $40,000, they were taken aback. The C250 has a base price of $37,220 and with optional equipment and packages, my tester came in at $43,790, making this an affordable vehicle for a Mercedes-Benz.
With understated charm, and a more affordable price, the Mercedes-Benz C250 brings German luxury and engineering to a broader consumer base.
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