For a long time, the biggest reason for buying a Mercedes C-Class was that it was the cheapest way to get into a new Mercedes.  It wasn’t quite as luxurious, or as impressive sitting at the curb; it was more of a stepping stone on the way to bigger, better Benzes.  That’s no longer the case.  With the new all-new C-Class for 2001, Mercedes has made its junior series an automotive destination, rather than part of the journey.

Two models start the lineup; the C240 and the C320.  Both are sedans, and both are powered by V6 engines.  Mercedes plans to expand the lineup throughout the year with a station wagon, a factory hot-rod from AMG, and a hatchback-equipped Sports Coupe model, which you may have already seen in a TV ad or two.  The whole lineup features styling that mirrors that of the much larger S-Class sedans.  The equipment is similar to that of the bigger Benzes, too; the C-Class features Mercedes’ stability control, side-curtain airbags, and Tele Aid emergency assist system, putting it a step above other similarly-sized sports sedans.

At a glance, it’s obvious that the new C-Class borrows styling cues from the biggest Benz sedans.  Rounded headlights are faired together and the grille slopes back into a slant-ended two-box sedan shape.  The ubiquitous tri-star is perched proudly on the hood, of course.  The triangular taillamps also mimic those of the S-Class.  Turn signal lights ride in the side view mirrors, a neat design touch.  The big-car styling makes it easy to forget how small the C-Class is, but it’s in competition with the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4, each the most compact US offerings of their respective German parents.

The unusual arch-style instrument panel is similar to that found in an early-Seventies Mercedes, and it’s an interesting touch.  It takes a bit of getting used to, but works well enough once you’re familiarized.  As always, Mercedes has blessed the car with a distressingly confusing stereo system.  An array of steering wheel buttons controls the stereo volume and a driver information center in the dash.  All of this plus a leather interior and cruise control are standard equipment in the C240.  Although it’s a less expensive Mercedes, it’s still pricey; C240 is a bit smaller than Japanese and American competitors at the same price level, like the brand-new Lexus ES300 and Lincoln LS.  It will seat four in comfort; five will be a squeeze.

The C-Class has a variety of personalities.  Our C240 test car was almost playful, equipped as it was with a six-speed manual transmission.  Mercedes-stately on the freeway and at low speeds, the manual-equipped C240 was happy to oblige when pushed hard on a twisty road as well.  With the shift-it-yourself option, there’s none of the smoothness-enhancing but performance-robbing hesitation that all of Mercedes’ automatics seem to share.  Additionally, the tall sixth gear lends itself well to silent, economical freeway travel.  A five-speed selectable automatic is also available.  The 168 horsepower V6 is the smallest powerplant available.  Variable intake manifolds ensure plenty of low-end torque, which makes even the junior C-Class move with authority.  For the power-hungry, the C320 offers a 215-horsepower engine, and C 32 AMG takes that a step farther with a supercharged V6 cranking out 354 horses.

Apart from the decidedly non-performance oriented tires, the little Benz handled delightfully.  The fully independent, multi-link front and rear suspension is sensitive and predictable.  Pushing the C240 hard elicited complaint from the tires, but nothing more.  For harder-core drivers, the C 32 AMG adds high-performance brakes and a suspension that’s been tweaked by the Mercedes performance experts at AMG, of course.

Tele Aid is standard equipment, as it is in all Mercedes vehicles for 2001.  Emergency service is the fundamental function of TeleAid, which is used to establish contact with an operator at a specialized response center.  Pressing a button is just like calling a 1-800 roadside service number; an operator will talk to you through the car’s integrated speaker-phone system.  In the event of an emergency, Tele Aid operators can dispatch local police and other emergency services.  If the occupants of the car aren’t sure of the exact location, no problem; GPS satellites can pinpoint the car’s whereabouts.  If an airbag goes off–a good general indicator of a serious accident–TeleAid will automatically call for assistance, and an operator will check to see if emergency aid is needed.  If a warning light comes on, a press of a Tele Aid button can transmit information from the car’s computer to enable a mechanic to diagnose the car remotely.  Additionally, with their ability to track a vehicle’s location, Tele Aid can assist police in locating the car if it’s stolen..

Perhaps the best thing about the C-Class is that it’s grown, not in size but in diversity.  As the line expands, Mercedes hopes to woo younger buyers who might not have considered a Benz within their spending range in the past.  The C240 starts at $29,950.  Our test car stickered for $39,325.  Of course, the low price (for a Mercedes) is just a bonus, since the C-Class is a desirable car in its own right these days.

Specifications:
All specs are for the Mercedes C240, which we tested.

Length:     178.3 in.
Width:        68.0 in.
Height:        55.2 in.
Wheelbase:    106.9 in.
Curb weight:    3360 lb.
Cargo space:    12 cu.ft.
Base price:    $29,950
Price as tested: $39,325
Engine:     2.6 liter 18-valve V6
Drivetrain:     six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:     168 @ 5500
Torque:     177 @ 4500
Fuel capacity:    16.2 in.
Est. mileage:    18/27