The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury compact car produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler. The C-Class is one of the most popular automobiles in its class, in many of the European markets. The second generation was the second most poular new car in the German market for a long time after its release. The C-Class was first introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range. It was the most affordable model in the marque's lineup, until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class.
The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany, as well as the DaimlerChrysler's South African factory, in East London. The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant, after almost 630,000 units of the sedan were produced.
The second generation C-Class was introduced in 2000, with a sportier look than previous generations, incorporating a steeper front-end and shorter rear-end. The sedan debuted with a range of straight-four and V6 gasoline engines and straight-four and straight-five diesel engines. In 2001, Mercedes increased the model range, with the introduction of the new T-Model (station wagon) and Sportcoupé body types. Also during 2001, Mercedes-Benz introduced two different AMG versions in the new model, based on the success of the AMG in previous generations. The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004 by changing the interior styling in all three body styles.
The W203 C-Class offers 3 body styles: 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, & 5-door sports wagon. Engines range from a 1.8L inline 4 cylinder to a 5.4L V8.
C-Class Model Line-up
Petrol Engines
C 160, C 180, C 200, C 230, C 240, C 280, C 320, C 350, C 32 AMG, & C 55 AMG
Diesel Engines
C 200 CDI, C 220 CDI, C 270 CDI, & C 320 CDI
Options, Features, & Specifications
Year Range: 2000-2006
Passengers: 4 in hatchback & 5 in sedan/wagon
Fuel Mileage: 17-28 MPG
Horsepower: 120-362 BHP
Torque: 132-376 LB-FT
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, & 7-speed automatic
List of some of the standard features:
A/C, power everything, telescoping wheel, cruise control, AM/FM stereo, dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, leather, moon roof, and alloy wheels
List of some of the optional features:
Dual power seats, sports package, single compact disc, Harman Kardon sound, premium wheels, rear side airbags