[Jay78uk]

Hello all, I was just wondering if anyone had seen any group tests pitching the F30/F31 against the new c class? I'm surprised not to have seen any given they are meant to be arch competitors. I sat inside a c class recently and had mixed feelings- it doesn't feel as large in side as my F31 and whilst alot of the trim and switches look metal it all feels a bit plasticky. But the driving position was good. Outside the saloon has more than a passing resemblance to the rover 75! Seems the new c class is more old fashioned than the previous one in its outlook- shame I liked the old design, and considered buying it but found the f31 a much more complete and satisfying car (but it doesn't touch the c class for waft factor!)

[Nick the Greek]

Autocar did a launch comparison.
320d vs equivalent new c class. Verdict was c class best for cruising. BMW best for driving.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

Autocar did a launch comparison.
320d vs equivalent new c class. Verdict was c class best for cruising. BMW best for driving.

Plus BMW is best for styling, and not looking like an old man!

[SkyJawa]

Remember the C class has been around AGGGGGGEEEESSSS!!!

Its end of life with a new model due next year like the A4

[kris_t]

like the new command controller on the c class looks like a modern take on the i drive controller

[pmgreenwood]

If you believe the what Car vedict here

http://www.whatcar.com/Review/EditionCompare?newOrUsed=New&makeId=13298&modelId=13621&editionId=40548&makeId1=6805&modelId1=7198&editionId1=39069&makeId2=&modelId2=&editionId2=

2 stars Merce 5 stars BMW

Just no comparision worth considering

[teaston]

Originally Posted by SkyJawa

Remember the C class has been around AGGGGGGEEEESSSS!!!

Its end of life with a new model due next year like the A4

OP did say 'new C Class'!

[SkyJawa]

Originally Posted by teaston

OP did say 'new C Class'!

True but given how little there is on it, and that high level reviews have only just come out for it, there was unlikely to be any group tests yet so assumed op meant buying new but the old one!

[SkyJawa]

Oh, and the brand new one is FUGLY!

[teaston]

Originally Posted by SkyJawa

Oh, and the brand new one is FUGLY!

It is a big pile of frump!

[E90F30er]

CAR (July 2014) out 2 days ago has a group test:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Sample-new-nav/Magazine/

Mercedes C-class group test: can it beat the BMW 3-series, Audi A5, Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50?

[nas80]

my mate let me drive his c class, I noticed that a coffee cup symbol appear on the dash.

"Dude, why is there a picture of a coffee cup on the dash?"
"the car thinks your driving erratically and you need a rest"
"wtf!"

this is why the new mercedesses are rubbish

[j.s.]

Originally Posted by nas80

my mate let me drive his c class, I noticed that a coffee cup symbol appear on the dash.

"Dude, why is there a picture of a coffee cup on the dash?"
"the car thinks your driving erratically and you need a rest"
"wtf!"

this is why the new mercedesses are rubbish

The active safety option on our F3x's should also monitor the driver and suggest breaks according to the description.

[nas80]

Bmw have that as standard does it. ?

In all seriousness, the msec I drove c220 cdi I think was nice n smooth but it was clearly made more for comfort. It didn't have any poise and it was understeering.

The rest of the styling is all subjective. Personally I don't mind the shape

[E90F30er]

Kinda cute - the coffee cup. After all if you are driving erratically you should pull over at the service station and take a break / nap / have a brew / etc! We don't want anyone (or anything) killed or injured.

[M4dski11z]

Saw my first 2014 c class on the road yesterday. I was really hoping seeing it with my own eyes would change my thoughts on it but it didn't. IMO merc have made a terrible mistake with the styling on it... The pre-2014 shape was stunning, the new one is hideous

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by Ray335d

Saw my first 2014 c class on the road yesterday. I was really hoping seeing it with my own eyes would change my thoughts on it but it didn't. IMO merc have made a terrible mistake with the styling on it... The pre-2014 shape was stunning, the new one is hideous

I think you are being very restrained.

[M4dski11z]

Originally Posted by F30AM

I think you are being very restrained.

Sarcasm aside... I actually was

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by Ray335d

Sarcasm aside... I actually was

I would baptise it with a more racy tag. BFA.

[Cuprat]

I've got a new C class as a loaner at the moment.

Just a basic 220d bluetec but has auto and sat Nav so well optioned.

Looks wise it's not great outside. The one I have is black and that doesn't work well with the car. Bland is the kindest comment really.

Inside, I like it bar for the screen. It's a shame as the functionality of this is great but it just looks odd. The rest of the interior is pretty good.

The car has loads of options (not sure what is standard or not) but it's logically laid out and I like the mute button on the wheel (little thing but bugs me the 3 doesn't have it)!

The model I have is slow and the both the steering and handling are awful. The steering is far too light at low speeds though does weight up as you speed up. The handling is far too soft. Not sure if sport mode improves it or not but I can't say it's great in any mode I've found.

This may be a decent car with AMG styling and a slightly better engine but for a new model that they have invested in, it feels way off the 3 series to me. Shame as more competition would help help us all.