Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI Sport long term review first report

A brand- new three-pointer has joined the fleet. And it’s got an AMG suspension and body kit on it.

Published on Jan 07, 2014 03:35:00 PM

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Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI Sport long term review first report

The Merc's compact dimensions and light steering make it easy to punt around in Mumbai's dense traffic.

Great midrange over long distances thanks to strong engine.

Well-weighted steering and direct. Makes it easy to punt around.

Rear seats are quite cramped, and are low too.

The Merc is also quite amazing in day-to-day driving. The gearbox and engine are well mated and thecar feels effortless and unstressed from behind the wheel, even with a light foot on the throttle. It can pull away from traffic lights with a lot of energy using just half throttle, and the strong surge from the torquey motor keeps you smiling all day.

Along with the sport dampers, the car is also lowered, and it tends to scrape its stylish AMG side skirts even on medium-sized speed breakers. The ride at low speed is not perfecteither – the suspension tends to thud over sharp bumps and there is quite a bit of vertical motion. The low-profile tyres sitting on the large, 17-inch rims are also a contributing factor to the underlying stiffness of the car. But the compact dimensions of the Merc mean it’s easy to punt around in the dense Mumbai traffic and the steering is direct and light enough.

But it’s over a long drive that you really come to appreciate this Merc’s finer points. Like the soft
amber glow in the cabin. It’s very soothing when you find yourself on a deserted highway at night.

The one thing I would have liked to have is an electronic parking brake; the C-class still comes with a foot-operated manual one. Since the car has arrived only recently, we haven’t had the chance to get a proper fuel economy figure yet. However, initial fuel gauge indications point at a manageable appetite.

So, at the moment, it’s mostly upsides, with very few and negligible downsides and, we’re guessing, a whole lot more appreciation in the future. What more can you ask of a long-termer?

Ameya Dandekar

Odometer 564km
Price Rs 36.95 lakh(on-road, Mumbai)
Test economy NA
Maintenance costs None
Faults None