07 Feb 05
Later on this year, the V6 petrol will be detuned to 231bhp and rebadged C280 to replace the current C240. The arrival of these two engines also heralds the debut of the Sport model, which will crown the Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde levels, and add bigger wheels, stiffer suspension, a more aggressive body kit and a host of other desirables, all for £1830 over the standard car.
Both cars ride and handle with the kind of well-damped suppleness and finesse that their Audi, Lexus and Jaguar rivals cannot match. No matter how pitted the road or how aggressively cornered, the Mercedes always feels poised and confident. Steering feel and response is good - way better than any Audi driver will enjoy - but it's still some way off the feelsome and well-weighted wheel BMW 3-Series drivers enjoy.
There's arguably no reason to take the petrol over the diesel, even if economy and tax benefits aren't on your list of priorities. With this superb new diesel engine, Mercedes is confident that its total diesel sales in the UK will rise from 44 percent in 2004 to hit 50 percent in 2005. Drive the C320 CDI and you'll understand the company's confidence.
Road Test: Audi A4 (05- )
Road Test: Lexus IS300 (99- )
Road Test: BMW 3-Series (05- )
