2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
For its 2006 C-Class, Mercedes has discontinued the wagon and coupe body styles and updated the range of available engines for the sedans. The model lineup now consists of the C230 with a 201-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6; the C280 with a 228-hp, 3.0-liter V6; and the C350 with a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6. A new seven-speed automatic transmission, which is available on rear-drive C-Class models, is also part of the powertrain upgrade. Despite the engine and name changes, the new C230, C280 and C350 are otherwise equivalent to last year's C230, C240 and C320 in terms of features and the availability of all-wheel drive and luxury or sport trims. The only other significant change is the addition of new active head restraints for the front occupants.

Advantages of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

• Germanic ride and handling
• Balanced approach to sport and luxury
• Available all-wheel-drive
• Cheapest way to access Club Mercedes-Benz

Objections to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

• Prices climb to uncomfortable levels when lots of options are added
• Small back seat
• Some of the interior trim doesn't seem fitting for a Mercedes

Editor's Advice:
Looking for a foothold from which to achieve Mercedes-Benz ownership? Here we have the C-Class, the baby Benz by which you can proudly display the three-pointed star on your key fob without having to yank equity out of the house or submit your children to indentured servitude in an effort to make the monthly payments. There's a lot to like about the C-Class and recent upgrades, including this year's new powertrains, have put it in its best position since it debuted in 2001. But we've found that there are better choices out there. Were we in the market for a luxury sedan, our money would likely gravitate towards the C-Class' main competitor, the 2006 BMW 3 Series, which has been fully redesigned for '06.