2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
The last vestige of 'baby Benz' disappears with new design.
(Continued)
Summary
The redesigned C-Class boasts more room, power, styling and performance than the previous models. C-Class is so good, it could lure E-Class buyers away.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | C240 ($29,950); C320 ($36,950) |
| Engines: | 3.2-liter sohc 18v V6 |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | dual front airbags, rear side airbags, head curtain, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist, Baby Smart standard |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | |
| Basic Warranty: | 4 years/50,000 miles warranty (includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period, plus free scheduled maintenance, and 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance) |
| Assembled In: | Sindelfingen, Germany |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | C320 ($36,950) |
| Standard Equipment: | (C320) automatic air conditioning w/dual controls; electrostatic dust filter, alarm system, digital clock, cruise control, hand-polished laurel wood trim, rear window defroster, central locking system, illuminated keyless remote system, front and rear fog lamps, universal garage door opener, outside temperature display, courtesy lights, dual heated power mirrors, automatic dimming rearview mirror, AM/FM/cassette stereo with weatherband and seven speakers, roadside assistance program, dual eight-way reclining bucket seats with power height adjustment, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, tachometer, TeleAid, prewiring for cellular telephone, SmartKey, trip computer, cloth upholstery with leather inserts, aluminum wheels, power windows w express up/down and infrared opening/closing, intermittent wipers w heated washers; C320 adds premium air conditioning and filtration systems, 10-way power seats, memory for seats, mirrors, and steering wheel |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | |
| Destination Charge: | 645 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 37425 |
| Layout: | rear-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 215 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 221 @ 3000 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 19/25 |
| Wheelbase: | 106.9 |
| Length/width/height: | 178.3/68.0/55.2 |
| Track, f/r: | 58.8 / 57.6 |
| Turning circle: | 35.3 |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 37.1 / 52.0 / 41.7 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 37.3 /54.4/33.0 |
| Cargo volume: | 12 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | |
| Suspension, f: | twin lower links, strut, coil springs |
| Suspension, r: | five-link, coil springs |
| Ground clearance: | 6.3 |
| Curb weight: | 3415 |
| Tires: | P205/55HR16 |
| Brakes, f/r: | disc/disc, ABS and Brake Assist |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.2 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, click here: 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
