New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Priced under $32,000

Mercedes-Benz has radically redesigned its entry-level sedan for 2008. The new C-Class is upgraded in almost every way, besides its initial engine choices. The better news is that the 2008 C-Class’ pricing starts below last year’s equivalent models — to the tune of $2,200 less — but you’ll only enjoy those great savings if you want a manual transmission. The previously standard automatic will run $1,440 in the base model; it’s standard in the higher trim levels. Factoring that in, you’re still around $700 less for the ’08 model. With either transmission, the new C-Class is now priced below the BMW 3 Series, Lexus ES350 and Acura TL.

The C-Class has two models: the 228-hp C300 starts at $31,200, and the 268-hp C350 starts at $36,500. There is an additional $775 destination charge.

Standard equipment in the C300 includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth and an LCD display screen.

The new C-Class goes on sale August 7, with all-wheel-drive models following in September. For full pricing and option package information, keep reading.

New Mercedes C-Class Gets Diesel Treatment

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class that was unveiled online last month will get a diesel powerplant that meets the highest European environmental standards, standards that don’t go into effect until 2015. The C220 Bluetec has a four-cylinder engine that produces just 170 hp but 294 pounds-feet of torque. The Bluetec system uses a series of filters and catalytic converters to clean the exhaust so the amount of pollution is slashed and mileage is rated at just under 43 mpg.

There’s no reason the C220 Bluetec couldn’t be sold in the U.S., but we’ve yet to see the latest clean diesel vehicles from Europe go on sale here. The introduction of a new diesel Volkswagen Jetta and cars from other manufacturers will show if buyers are interested in the improved mileage as gas prices continue to fluctuate, seemingly week to week. A couple of larger images are below.

More on the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The initial media frenzy is over and it appears Mercedes-Benz’s media site is back up and running. We now get to learn about what will power the all-new C-Class when it arrives late this summer…the exact same engines that power the current C-Class. The V-6 engines will be matched to a six-speed manual or new optional seven-speed automatic transmission and will get better mileage with a slight bump in power.

The C230 will see an increase of 3 horsepower up to 204 hp, the C 280 moves up to 231 hp and the top-of-the-line C350 will produce 272 hp up from 268 hp. More significantly, the new C Class has an entirely new suspension system and various standard safety features. The paint even sports nano-technology to make the new C-Class more scratch resistant.

We also have a lot more photos below including the Sport sedan and its different grille and multiple shots of the interior.

Related:
New 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Introduced

New 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Introduced

Mercedes didn’t wait for a car show to introduce its all-new C-Class to the world. Nope, it used this new technology called the Internet to allow journalists all over the world to get the first glimpse of the company’s bread and butter model. 

Besides an entirely new body and interior we just have to point out that the C-Class now has two different grilles to represent two all-new models. Yep, you can go with the new “Big Honking Mercedes Emblem” grille of the Sports sedan, or the “Rolls-Royce Wannabe” grille of the Luxury sedan shown here. We prefer the less-subtle but cooler “Big-Honking” edition and will post photos of it as soon as they become available.

Oh, you wanted to hear about engines and transmissions and all that stuff? OK. The new C-Class comes in varieties for the world, but the U.S. will most likely retain the C230, C280 and C350 models. There’s no word on what engines they’ll have…yet. Again, we’ll keep you posted.

Overall, the new C-Class looks a lot more stylish than before and uses pronounced fender flares up front, like the new S- and CL-Class, but it certainly isn’t over-the-top and probably won’t garner head-turning of any kind, like the CLS. 

The interior looks extremely refined and adds more legroom, hip room and shoulder room compared to its predecessor.

Updated: More on the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Pricing and availability information will come later. For now, keep reading for more photos.