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The long awaited, revised C-Class Mercedes-Benz has at last arrived in the USA. Released in Europe as a 2007, the W-204 model represents the first major change to the C-Class since the W-203 in 2001. In the US three models are available, the Sport C300, Sport C350, and the Luxury C300. The Sport is known as the Avantgarde in much of Europe while the North American Luxury is called the Elegance. Two engines are available on the US cars. Both C300’s use the 3.0 Liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 producing 228 horsepower, while the sole 350 model has a 3.5 Liter V-6 producing 268 hp. A 7-speed automatic is standard on the Sport C350 and the Luxury C300. It is optional on the Sport C300. The four-cylinder engines, the smaller 2.3 Liter V-6 and the diesel engines, available in Europe, are not sold in the United States.
Only a four-door sedan is available in the line at this time. A station wagon, and possibly a coupe and convertible may appear as 2009 models. The Sport sedans are identified by a bold new grille with an oversize three-pointed Mercedes star in the center. The Luxury sedan has a more traditional grille and the usual three-pointed hood ornament. This fourth generation C-Class is longer and wider than its predecessors increasing interior comfort and improving its looks. The wheelbase is now 108.7 inches and the overall length has been stretched to 182.3 inches. The width is 69.7 inches. Trunk capacity has been increased to a generous 12.4 cubic feet. Three new colors are available, as well as eight carryover colors. One new color is Sand Beige Metallic which I chose for my new C300 Luxury sedan due this November.
The model shown here is the 2007 European C-Class Elegance, basically identical to the 2008 US C-Class Luxury. In Europe nearly all promos are 1:43 scale and this one measures out quite nicely. It is made by Schuco, a longtime German diecast model maker. Various other German manufacturers have previously been licensed to produce Mercedes-Benz promo models. These have included Minichamps and AutoArt. The model is Sand Beige Metallic with a Black interior. Because of our climate here in “Hotlanta”, I chose the lighter Cashmere/Savanna interior for my car. The model looks great and I hope my car measures up as well. If you are Mercedes-Benz fan you will want to add this car to your collection.
(09/23/2007)
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