When we talk about sport sedans, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan rarely makes it to the top of the list. That is, until we drove the C350 Sport. The car's 4-valve- per-cylinder engine (replacing the previous generation's 3-valve type) rated at 268 bhp at 6000 rpm is peppy, thanks in part to its generous 258 lb.-ft. of torque delivered from 2400 to 5000 rpm. Also much improved is the 6-speed manual transmission that is smooth, precise and easy to engage.
Added features for the Sport model include 17-in. alloy wheels, 225/45R-17 front and 245/40R-17 rear tires, AMG body trim, bi-xenon headlights and chromed tailpipes. Sportier suspension tuning also helps the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink setup keep the chassis in check during hard cornering. On the road, the C350 Sport's ride is taut, but still able to absorb road im- perfections. On the track, the firmer-than- expected Mercedes-Benz tuning shines with a very good 0.85g of lateral grip on the skidpad and 66.4-mph average speed through our slalom test.
For those who assume a sporty Mercedes- Benz C-Class can come only with AMG mod- els, take a closer look at the C350 Sport. Its agility and spirited character might just make for the perfect everyday car.
2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C350 SPORT List price $37,550 Price as tested $40,795 Curb weight est 3400 lb Engine, transmission V-6, 6-speed manual Horsepower, bhp @ rpm 268 @ 6800 0-60 mph 5.7 sec 0-100 mph 14.1 sec 0-1320 ft (¼ mile) mph 14.2 sec @ 100.3 mph Top speed 155 mph* Braking, 60-0 mph 124 ft Braking, 80-0 mph 218 ft Lateral accel (200-ft skidpad) 0.85g Speed thru 700-ft slalom 66.4 mph Our mileage, EPA city/highway est 21.0, 20/28 mpg * Electronically limited
Copyrights
Patrick Hong. Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport. Copyright 2006 Road and Track.
