Mercedes-Benz Cars

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains the most accessible of all its models sold in the United States. Completely redesigned for 2008, the model range continues to deliver the expected levels of smart engineering, design and safety features within the price range of loaded mass-market, midsize sedans. The C-Class has a very quiet interior and a comfortable ride. Handling is agile and secure, and the steering is very precise and communicative.

The C300 is powered by a 3.0-liter, 228-hp V6 while a more powerful 3.5-liter, 268-hp V6 powers the C350. Both C300 models (C300 and C300 4Matic) can be ordered in either of two trims; Sport or Luxury. The C300 Sport comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, a seven-speed automatic is optional (standard on all other C300 models and C350). All C-Class models come with side-curtain and side-impact airbags as well as stability control and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. The C350 is offered in Sport trim only. Buyers looking for more will have to wait until the AMG-tuned, 6.2 liter V8 powered C63 arrives.

The Mercedes-Benz C350 last had a manufacturer update on 01/09/2008. The C-class returns for 2008 with several revisions and is now available in three trims: C300 Sport, C300 Luxury, and C350. This near luxury sedan is larger in most of it dimensions, including length, width, and wheelbase increases. The C300 models are powered by the new generation 228-hp 3.0L V6 engine, which can be coupled to six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic, depending on the trim level. The C350 boasts a 3.5L V6 that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A redesigned 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with be introduced later in the model year. The Mercedes-Benz C350 was last redesigned in 2008.

More important in this C-class push for sports-sedan parity, the C350's agility index, rooted in a chassis rated 16 percent stiffer, finally rivals that of a 3-series sedan when the asphalt gets kinky and the g-loads escalate. Although the suspension layout is essentially the same as the previous C350's, the system has firmer bushings, new subframes, and revised geometry augmented by new dampers that adapt to varying loads.

When considering the purchase of a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, it's important to keep in mind what the eventual resale value will be. This can be ascertained from looking at the selling price of prior year versions of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, if it's not a brand new model. Keep in mind that resale value is dependent on the condition of the automobile when it is sold, as well as optional equipment and the total number of miles accumulated.