Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz’s lowest-priced sedans get several enhancements for the 2003 model year, but full details have not yet been released. A C320 wagon joined the C-Class lineup for 2002. Later came a new high-performance C32 AMG sedan that is equipped with a supercharged 349-horsepower V-6 engine and AMG’s SpeedShift transmission.

When they were redesigned for 2001, C-Class sedans gained two new engines, more youthful styling and more interior space. A perennial rival to the BMW 325 and 330 models, the regular C-Class sedan comes in C240 and C320 forms.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz’s lowest-priced wagons get a few modest enhancements for the 2003 model year. The C320 wagon joined the C-Class lineup for 2002, and the automaker has added the C240 wagon for 2003. The C240 wagon is equipped with a smaller engine. Redesigned for 2001, the C-Class group also includes sedans and a Sport Coupe.

Both wagons are available with either rear-wheel drive or Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Operating with a basic 35 front/65 rear torque split, the 4Matic system can direct power to a specific wheel in order to keep the wagon rolling. A six-speed-manual transmission is standard, and a Touch Shift five-speed automatic is offered as an option.

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    Roadside Assistance button
    X Press and hold Roadside Assistance button 1 for more than two seconds. This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center. The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance button 1 ...

    Important safety notes
    WARNING Follow recommended tire inflation pressures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are mo ...

    Interior
    The inside got an immediate thumbs-up from me. Our test car came with black ash wood trim, which looks a million times better than any brown wood trim. The car featured in the pictures to the righ ...