1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Form follows function in the Mercedes design studio. Over the years, the brick-like shape common to all Mercedes has softened but never disappeared.

To our eyes, the compact size of the C-Class cars carries this functional shape well. The long nose flows to a tall passenger compartment balanced by a short, high rear deck, all of it securely anchored by big 15-in. wheels.

Together, these elements create a slightly sportier silhouette than those of the larger E- and S-Class sedans, although none will be mistaken for sports cars.

At the rear, a V-shaped trunk lid keeps the taillights on the fixed body structure while lowering the liftover height to bumper level. And though the sloping rear roof pillars make the trunk look small from the outside, it's spacious within.

One of the functions the Mercedes form follows is safety, where the company is recognized as an industry leader. The first carmaker to conduct its own crash tests, Mercedes also conducts its own investigations of highway accidents. This real-world data is systematically incorporated into engineering designs.

Consequently, the rather conservative exterior covers one of the most complex crash-management systems available, in which as much of the impact force as possible is absorbed by the body before reaching the passenger compartment.

An optional safety feature available is a headlamp wiper system. Although some may call this a luxurious frivolity, we think headlamp wipers do lead to better nighttime visibility.

Interior Features

The safety approach continues on the inside. The interior is conservative, where visibility and ease of use always prevails over plush luxury or stylishness. As is typical with European cars, the Mercedes models are more spartan, hard-edged and mechanical in character than comparable American cars. Wood panels around the console, across the dashboard and on the door are the only traditional touches of luxury. This isn't to suggest that the design is unattractive. Quite the contrary.

From the high, upright seating position, the instrument panel is clearly visible.

The analog fuel and temperature gauges, speedometer and tachometer are supplemented by an electronic odometer, clock and outside temperature gauge. The standard automatic climate control is simple and effective, which has not always been the case: On previous Mercedes models the climate control fluctuated widely and it was difficult to set the desired temperature.

A sizable closed storage bin in the center console has upper and lower compartments, along with a small, smooth- opening front compartment. (Pop-out" is too crude a description for this elegant little hideaway.) The upper compartment is thoughtfully lined to limit noise. Note, however, that there are no cupholders.

The interior is quite roomy, even with the standard power sunroof. The large doors make entering and exiting easy, and the wide, flat, hard seats are surprisingly comfortable over long drives.

Safety features are abundant: dual airbags; height-adjustable seat belts in front with emergency belt tensioners; power headrests on the front seats that raise and lower with a door-mounted control to encourage occupants to place them at the optimum position behind the center of the head; and a Mercedes-issue first-aid kit stowed in its own compartment on the parcel shelf.

If that's not enough for you, remote-retractable rear headrests are available as an optional safety feature.

Despite the overall intelligence of the interior appointments, there are some minor inconveniences. The intermittent wipers have only one interval speed; the notches for shifting the automatic transmission are unlit and easy to slip past to the wrong gear, particularly at night; and the passenger airbag has taken so much height from the glove box that the owner's manual doesn't fit.

On a comparable domestic luxury car, metallic paint, an anti-theft system and an adjustable steering wheel would be standard rather than optional, as these features are here. But overall, everything important is where it should be."