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C-Class
E-Class
The- Slk
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C class
E class
The R class
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The C-Class
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
For 2006, the compact C-Class is available only as a sedan in a handful of flavors -- the C230 and C350 Sport Sedans, and the C280 and C350 Luxury Sedans. Sporty and affordable, the C230 Sport Sedan comes with 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, cloth sport seats, dual-zone climate control and a CD stereo. The C280 Luxury Sedan version offers a bigger engine but is more mild-mannered in personality, offering 16-inch wheels, softer suspension tuning, leather/cloth seating and genuine wood trim. Step up to the C350 Luxury Sedan to enjoy the top-line V6 and 10-way power seats with memory. The C350 Sport Sedan comes with all of this, plus 17-inch wheels, a firmer suspension and sport seats. On the options list you'll find features like full leather upholstery, HID headlights, a DVD-based navigation system, a 12-speaker Harman-Kardon Logic 7 sound system and satellite radio.
Powertrains and Performance:
Three engines see duty in the C-Class lineup. The C230 has a 201-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6. The C280 has a 3.0-liter V6 with 228 hp. And the C350 employs a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 hp. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, five-speed automatic and seven-speed automatic. Sport models get the manual standard, while Luxury models come with an automatic only. All Sport models are rear-wheel drive, but Luxury models are available with either rear-drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The seven-speed automatic is available on rear-drive models only, while the five-speed unit is found only on 4Matics.
Safety:
In addition to expected safety features, such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes and three-point seatbelts with tension limiters for all occupants, every C-Class boasts stability control and six airbags that include front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional. In government crash tests, the C-Class scored four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts and five stars for front and rear side-impact protection. The IIHS gave the C-Class a "Good" rating (its highest) for its performance in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test, and named it a "Best Pick" overall. The C-Class earned an "Acceptable" rating (second-highest) in IIHS side-impact testing.
The E -Class
My Opinion
Although it costs more than its peers, a combination of excellent driving dynamics, numerous safety and luxury features and high style make the E-Class one of our favorites.
Pros
Sleek and dignified design inside and out, pleasing blend of ride and handling, sophisticated safety features, all-wheel drive available on both sedans and wagons.
Cons
More expensive than competitors, confusing control layout, electronically controlled brakes lack progressive feel.
What's New for 2006
The base E320 is replaced with the E350 for 2006. The new model name indicates a new engine -- a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp, a 20-percent increase from the previous E320.
The Slk-
Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 as an answer to the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster in the premium small roadster segment, the SLK's most unique feature was its retractable hardtop roof, which offered more security as well as a quieter ride than its competitors' soft tops. In less than 30 seconds, with the touch of a button, one could convert the SLK from a closed coupe to a cool convertible without leaving the driver seat. Improvements over the years kept the car competitive, but after seven years on the market, the SLK was ready for a redesign. With a dramatic new design for 2005 inspired by Mercedes' Formula One racecars, the second-generation SLK is every bit as eye-catching as the original. It's also slightly larger and more powerful than its predecessor, and still has the fun-to-drive character that made it so likable in the first place. While the previous version had the feel of a leather-lined bobsled, the larger cabin of the new version gives you plenty of room to move about. Even more impressive than the added room is the redesigned dashboard with its more cohesive layout, cleaner gauge cluster and higher-quality materials. Overall, the improvements create a more upscale, tasteful-looking cabin that far exceeds the previous model's. An innovative Airscarf system channels warm air to your neck and shoulders via dedicated registers in the headrests, making the SLK even more comfortable with the top down in chilly weather. Improvements continue under the hood with 268 horsepower on tap, courtesy of a 3.5-liter V6. The SLK can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 5.6 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. Complementing the impressive power plant is a pair of transmissions that offers excellent flexibility and performance whether you go with the standard six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. Other notable improvements under the skin include a new rack and pinion steering system and more powerful brakes. The recirculating-ball steering system used in the previous model was often chastised for its heavy feel and inconsistent feedback, but the new setup is both lighter and more communicative. The SLK now has the power to go head-to-head with a Porsche Boxster and the handling to keep pace with a BMW Z4, and its revamped interior is arguably better than both. Overall, the SLK offers one of the most compelling combinations of style, performance and comfort available anywhere.
Pros
Stylish interior design, sports-carlike handling, strong and sweet-sounding V6, comfort and convenience of retractable hardtop.
Cons
Costs more than peers, big blind spots when top is up.
The R-Class
 Overview |
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Introduction:
Mercedes-Benz labels its new R-Class a premium sports tourer. Though it bears elements of a car, minivan and SUV, the R has the kind of layout and looks -- three rows of two seats, an elongated profile -- that'll likely have you labeling it a very upscale, rather attractive wagon. The R is based on the concept Vision GST, or "Grand Sports Tourer," that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2002, and the production vehicle has remained mostly true to the concept.
The R-Class' styling -- accentuated by a thick horizontal crease that angles forward and down from the top of the taillight -- does little to make the very long vehicle seem, well, less long. Rear doors are enormous. Somehow it all kind of works, especially in lighter colors. The R's two trims share their powertrains with the M-Class; Mercedes' newish 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V6 motivates the R350, while the R500 is powered by the manufacturer's veteran 5.0-liter, 302-horse V8. An AMG-tuned model is set to join the lineup in 2007. Both engines get the superb seven-speed automatic that is working its way across the Mercedes lineup. All-wheel drive is standard on both trims, but it's clearly intended to help on-road -- no R-Class will be spotted at the end of the Rubicon Trail. Coupled with electronic traction control, stability control, BrakeAssist and four-wheel discs with antilock, safety features are nicely integrated.
For a short while, the R-Class will have the "premium sports tourer" category all to itself. On some level, the V6-powered R350 might compete with the still cheaper Pacifica, but the R500, which has a base price of over ,000, is in a class by itself. That is until the Audi Q7 and other competitors from BMW, Lexus and Lincoln come to market over the next two years. Until then, the only premium sports tourer choice is an excellent one.
Pros
Good performance, ritzy interior, supreme comfort and versatility.
Cons
Long rear doors a problem in tight parking spaces.
