Dual-stage front airbags and door-mounted side-impact airbags for the front and rear seats are standard. Optional curtain-type airbags deploy from above the side windows. With Mercedes’ BabySmart technology, sensors in the front passenger seat disable the airbags if they detect a child-safety seat in position. All C-Class sedans have antilock brakes and Mercedes-Benz’s Electronic Stability Program.

Driving Impressions
The C320 is a precise, fully capable and rewarding road machine with a couple of irritating features. Rather than a full set of gauges, the driver must click through a sequence of electronic displays. The tachometer is small, and the controls aren’t the easiest to use.

Ride quality is firm but highly pleasing. If the sedan hits a nasty bump, recovery is nearly instantaneous. The C320 is notably stable on the highway, and it requires minimal correction on straightaways. Extra-precise steering provides response to driver inputs that could hardly be better in a family-size sedan; however, The C320 doesn’t feel quite as sure of itself on the road as some rivals.

Performance from the 3.2-liter engine is strong and eager. For passing and merging, the automatic transmission reacts quickly and almost seamlessly. Front occupants get plenty of space.