[s-cars] NAC: '06 C280 mini review

[Steve Powers]

In addition to our S-car, we also own a Mercedes. I got an '06 C280
this week as a loaner car while our M class was in getting a power
steering hose replaced. I was favorably impressed by this little 4
door. It's really not so little - about the size of our beloved
S-cars. Here's a quick mini-review of it.

Engine
The engine in this is a 3L V6 w/ 228 ponies and 221 lb ft of twist.
That it performs pretty much like a stock S-car wasn't at all
expected. It pretty much did, at least until I disabled the ESP
traction control. For a rear driver it did pretty well. The FI mapping
worked well from no/part throttle with no dead spots. I'd be the V8
would.

Transmission
This car had the optional 7 speed. I could not tell when it shifted
unless I did it manually, which it allowed ala TipTronic. It would
accelerate briskly, downshifting just enough to allow the engine to
get into the proper RPM range for best torque/hp. It was never in the
'wrong gear' for any situation I encounterd. (our ML500's transmission
is nice in this way also, just fewer steps with the 5 speed)

Interior
The interior is very German - like Audis once were. :(  The seats were
comfy, supportive and bolstered in the right spots like the Audi sport
seats are. They have adjustable lumbar support in front. The rears
have flip down headrests which allows better visibility to the rear if
there aren't passengers there. The stock non-AMG steering wheel wasn't
particulary sporty yet allowed control of multifunction display, radio
and telephone (if you installed one).

Exterior
The C-class didn't get the real amorphous shape treatment that the
S-class did. It still has some distinctive styling, albeit in the
tradition of MB. It could look very DTM-ish in coupe form with the
right body kit. The roof pillars were well placed for visibility all
around.

Suspension
It was pretty taught for a Benz. The car I drove showed 12K on the
clock. I didn't get a real chance to toss it into any hard corners
with all the rain we have, but the car is quite confidence inspiring.
I never felt any issues.

Overall
It was a bit small for me - at 6'6" tall I'm probably not the target
demographic. My wife would love this car. I could tolerate it. If they
ever added diesel and 4-matic, I would own one.

Steve Powers