Mercedes-Benz has always been regarded as the choice of the privileged and the upper class.  The mere sight of the three-pointed star atop the radiator grille is enough to cause a sea of traffic to part, the security guards to salute and the valet to give up the VIP parking slot.  Well, at least that’s how it was before the intensive diversification of the brand.  From a luxury car maker that used to have just three or four models, Mercedes-Benz now has 12—and that’s just what’s available locally.  Spreading the line to include just about any niche (four-door coupe, anyone?) means that almost any Tom, Dick and Harry has a Mercedes almost tailor-made to fit his taste, lifestyle and budget. 

Unfortunately, this same scenario caused a tarnishing to this prestigious German marque.  Production glitches, numerous recalls and declining quality were all signs pointing towards manufacturing that couldn’t keep up with the increasing sales volume.  The early 2000’s were dark times for Mercedes, not because of wavering sales, but because of wavering customer loyalty and trust.  The failure of the A-Class in the elk avoidance test didn’t help things either.  In a genuine light bulb moment, Mercedes knew that to stay in forefront of the luxury car game, they had to focus themselves on what they (should) know best: quality.  Turning the company around 180 degrees from launching too much products, Mercedes went back to basics in a bid to improve its image.  The first to morph itself into a high-quality product was the S-Class, followed by the heavily revised E-Class and then, mainstream C-Class.

Setting sights on the C 280 Avantgarde, it’s immediately clear the difference a model generation makes.  Gone are the scalloped headlamps, subtle curves and triangular tail lamps and in come an angular, masculine look.  The bulging wheel fenders stand out, but look much more integrated and therefore less comical than on the S-Class.  The hard side crease may clash with the rounded door handles, but it creates dynamism and movement—important for the sporty look.  Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the C-Class is the rear, where the trapezoidal tail lamps look tacked onto the trunk lid.  Mercedes reckons it increases trunk space, so in this respect, it’s excusable.  There’s little in the way of design gimmickry, but those that are present are very effective highlights.  The ‘Avantgarde’ line is distinguished by the large Mercedes logo on the grille, horizontal chrome strips on the radiator grille and fog lamps as well as the exposed ovoid tail lamps (since this is a six cylinder model, there are two—one on each side).  The sport suspension package is fitted as standard on all local Avantgarde models, so it means this C 280 rides on 17-inch alloys fitted with generous 225/45 W-rated tires.

The new C-Class goes away from the curvy look of its predecessor in favor of something angular and masculine. Overall, we like it.

The interior echoes the exterior's angularity. Don't be fooled though: this is one comfortable place to be.