2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 Sport

Smooth and potent, the 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 cranks out 215-hp and 221 lb.-ft. of torque, sending our C320 tester from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

Although the upcoming C230 Coupe will be fitted with the 190 horsepower supercharged four from the SLK, all of the U.S. sedans (and this fall, the new wagons) are strictly V-6. Save for its shorter stroke and lesser output, the 168-horse/2.6-liter in the C240 (Chalk that particular nomenclature quirk up to the whims of the marketing troops in Stuttgart) is pretty much identical to the three-valve all-aluminum 215-horse/3.2-liter in the C320. While the six-speed manual gearbox that's standard in the C240 is not available with the bigger six, the mandatory five-speed automatic with Touch Shift technology makes a pretty good case for itself. That combo allowed our C320 test car to sprint from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, and clock the quarter mile in just 15.5 ticks at 92.4 mph.


Underpinning the 2001C-Class is a variation on the MacStrut/multilink theme used on its predecessor. Up front, new split lower control links are lighter and provide better isolation. At the rear, revised hardware and system geometry improve response and predictability. Steering duties are the responsibility of a new, more precise rack-and-pinion package that replaces the old recirculating ball setup. And overlaying all of this is another welcome standard, M-B's ESP (Electronic Stability Control) system.

Tauter tuning gives a bit more edge to the basic C-Class underpinnings and contributed to an impressive 65.2 mph pass through our slalom.

Still imbued with that hewn-from-solid-billet feel that characterizes all M-B products, the new C-Class can be hustled with some measure of brio through even fairly intensive twisties. However, hard-core corner-carvers would be well advised to consider investing an extra $2,950 to get the Sport Package. Along with grippier bucket seats and specific interior/exterior trim bits, it brings a tauter suspension and 225/50VR16 tires on 5-spoke alloy wheels in place of the standard 205/55HR16 rubber on 7-spokers. That premium-level hardware allows a bit more aggressive approach when attacking serpentine two-laners before the vehicle transitions from neutrality into predictable understeer. One caveat: Even a Sport-spec C-Class responds best to finesse, regardless of whether its scrupulously vigilant ESP elf is actively standing guard or has been temporarily relieved of duty. On the stopping front, big four-wheel discs fitted with ABS and Mercedes' Brake Assist circuitry do a superb job of minimizing both drama and distance. These well-fortified binders halted our 3,439-pound tester from 60-0 mph in just 112 feet.


With this new iteration, Mercedes elevated the C-Class from a mere high-quality entry-lux player to a genuine aspirational vehicle. Amazingly refined and thoroughly competent even in base form, a Sport-spec C320 gains enough extra edge to more than satisfy mid-level enthusiast drivers. Hard liners will simply have to wait until the fall, when the 349-horsepower supercharged C32 AMG variant joins an expanded C-Class lineup that will also include the aforementioned coupe and wagon. But for those who prefer a less-intensive/less-expensive motoring experience, the C320 Sport definitely merits a spot on the short list of considerees.