2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Overview

Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains the most accessible of all its cars sold in the United States. It delivers Mercedes-Benz engineering, design and safety features starting at the price of loaded mass-market, midsize sedans. Available in either sedan, liftback (which Mercedes-Benz refers to as a ‘Sport Coupe') or station wagon variants, all are thoroughly engineered and well constructed cars.

The C-Class model range begins with the C230 (liftback or sedan), offering 189 hp @ 5800 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque @ 3500 rpm from its 1.8L supercharged I4, although without much smoothness or an exhaust note you'd consider pleasant. These characteristics can, however, be found in the six-cylinder models. The C240 models (sedan or station wagon, rwd or awd) offer 168 hp @ 5700 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque @ 4700 rpm from a 2.6L V6, while the more exclusive C320 (sedan, liftback or station wagon variants) produces 215 hp @ 5700 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 rpm (and feels even stronger). A six-speed manual gearbox is standard for the entire range (although not available on awd offerings). Notable standard features of these cars include; multilink-rear independent suspension, air-conditioning, abs brakes, rear head restraints and seat belt pre-tensioners.

The C32 AMG is discontinued for 2004.