2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 Sport Wagon

Mercedes-Benz has long been known for its roomy, stylish, midsize E-Class station wagons. But for many years, North American buyers who couldn't pop for nearly $60K for a loaded E320 wagon were denied that body style in the smaller C-Series because the price-value-size equation just didn't compute over here. BMW faced the same problem with its 3 Series wagons. It didn't help matters that station wagons as a class were being upstaged by more-popular SUVs and, to make matters worse for would-be wagoneers, Mercedes-Benz offered its Alabama-built M-Class SUV at a relative bargain rate (well below $40,000).

The Sport Wagon shares its 3.2-liter V-6 with the E320 sedan. Although the C version loses six horses in the transition, its 215 ponies still pack more than enough punch for most situations.

But station wagons are back, with over 25 models available today in the U.S. and more on the way. And Mercedes-Benz has a solid contender with its new C320 Sport Wagon. Forget traditional wagon boxiness, this five-door is truly beautiful—hardly a minivan-Mom's taxi.


It's styled like a sports coupe, with a vaulted, curvaceous roofline that tapers smartly into the slanted D-pillar like a reversed ski jump. A neat integrated spoiler helps aerodynamics and high-speed handling. Don't let the stylish demeanor fool you—this is a wagon for all seasons. It has an integrated rear wiper that cleans a huge area for improved visibility in inclement weather. Of course, that artistically arched rear window means the rear storage area with the seats up is a bit stingy compared to bigger wagons, but you're probably not going to haul a Steinway in the C320 anyway. Besides, you won't feel you're sacrificing anything in the sporty-good-looks department.


And it drives like a sports coupe. Under the hood is the lively, twin-spark, three-valves-per-cylinder (two intakes, one exhaust), 215-bhp, 221-cid SOHC V-6. It's the same engine that comes in the E320, only down just 6 hp. Because the little wagon weighs nearly a quarter ton less than its big brother, the power tradeoff is quite acceptable.

Real leather and real wood abound inside. Dual-zone climate-control has smog-sensing filtration, and a Bose 10-speaker system supplies the sounds.

In Europe, smallish station wagons like this are considered a sporty alternative. Whiz from zero to 60 in seven seconds and you'll agree. Rack-and-pinion steering and fully independent suspension add to the wagon's maneuverability. Natty 7-spoke 16x7-inch wheels with 205/55HR16 all-season radials ensure you'll go in snow when others are a slippin' and a slidin'.