[Vector Pilot]

Until now without seeing the 3ER in person the photo demonstrates the athletic look of the F30 compared to the bloated C-Class. Given the fact the new 3ER has grown in size, there's no doubt it retains a compact aggressive style.

[bimmerjph]

The E30 has made the C-Class look outdated too IMHO. Before it (F30) came out I thought it looked really good, but now it looks looks strange. Especially from the front.

[W12x]

I don't know about the newer w204, but I drove a friends early w204 C series without Sports options, and I hated how boring it is. My E53 X5 is more fun to drive than his car.

[DaveL]

Bimmer not surprisingly the better car but loses in one category....Looks!!Benz sedan much better looking with the BMW front looking like a bubble. And yes I am currently driving the bimmer and have owned 4 in 11 years, Just being honest here.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by DaveL

Bimmer not surprisingly the better car but loses in one category....Looks!!Benz sedan much better looking with the BMW front looking like a bubble. And yes I am currently driving the bimmer and have owned 4 in 11 years, Just being honest here.

IMO, you need to wait and see the new car in the flesh before making such conclusion... Most modern cars, especially BMW's look way better in the flesh...

[ferrari6891]

since when was the merc the "class leader"

[Propagator]

Originally Posted by ferrari6891

since when was the merc the "class leader"

I'm not THAT familiar with Autocar's taste, but based on the fact that they picked the C class over the E90 previously, I would guess that they care more about the overall package than which car feels more "connected" (i.e. C&D). In that sense, it's not surprising that they LOVE the F30. It really does seem like a better car than the E90 in most regards, with the exception of the steering feel and engine smoothness.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Propagator

I'm not THAT familiar with Autocar's taste, but based on the fact that they picked the C class over the E90 previously, I would guess that they care more about the overall package than which car feels more "connected" (i.e. C&D). In that sense, it's not surprising that they LOVE the F30. It really does seem like a better car than the E90 in most regards, with the exception of the steering feel and engine smoothness.

Yeah I was thinking about that too. Would have to find that article to see why they picked the W204 over the E90.

[mpaasky]

WTF?
Did anyone else also wonder how the hell did the reviewer get a Modern Line with SPORTS PACKAGE and DAMPER CONTROL?

Look at the interior trim! It's CHROME!! It's not red or black!! But he said he got SPorts Package and Damper Control and those certainly are sports seat!! It's so messed up that I can't get these packages on Luxury Line and have to be stuck w/ an ugly Sports Line interior....WTF

[luigimaster24]

I love it!!!

[luigimaster24]

Truly gorgeous!!!

[luigimaster24]

Thats what I'm talking about!!!!

Videos asap please!!!!!!!

[Tallest]

Let's see how a car designed during the worst financial crisis in a while will perform reliability wise. Other than that, it looks to be fantastic.

I'm only buying another E9x now because of the price, but in a year or so I'll be glad to jump into a 1 year used Munich factory car (optioned well with that sweet 2l diesel or even a 320i which now has the guts).

Still, I think that new A4 and new C class will be great too. It's all very good for consumers really. Progress, damn it.

[ferrari6891]

Originally Posted by Propagator

I'm not THAT familiar with Autocar's taste, but based on the fact that they picked the C class over the E90 previously, I would guess that they care more about the overall package than which car feels more "connected" (i.e. C&D). In that sense, it's not surprising that they LOVE the F30. It really does seem like a better car than the E90 in most regards, with the exception of the steering feel and engine smoothness.

Oh. true. wasn't aware that autocar had picked the C over the E90. Almost every review I've seem picked the 3series haha

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by ferrari6891

Oh. true. wasn't aware that autocar had picked the C over the E90. Almost every review I've seem picked the 3series haha

I found that in most car mags when E90 got tested the outcome would in the end favour the bimmer if it was well equipped. If it was standard, it got smashed. Like a plain stock 320d would beat the Mondeo and Passat and Audis but when a loaded A4 or Merc came (which are better specced by default I think, at least here) then the 3 would struggle. But give them a 335 Msport with new I.drive and it was much easier win.

Case in point - M3 Competition Pack. That thing is running circles around RS5 (universally considered too expensive and bad to drive - supercharged V6 S5 is much better car overall) and even would be More fun to drive than C63 even though C was usually a tad quicker.

[Raikkonen]

The Mercedes C class is still an amazing car. What you have to consider is the fact that every automotive review will focus on the sporting aspects of the car, and Mercedes will never be as driver-focused as BMW when it comes to their standard models.

The C-class, in isolation, and for 99% of the people that buy it, will be a perfect small luxury sedan that meets all of their needs.

You also have to remember the C-class just received an LCI (refresh), and the BMW is essentially a new car, hence the F30 moniker.

I test drove 2012 c 350 sport sedan two weeks ago, and I have to say, it was an awesome car in every sense of the word. I prefer my BMW, but don't buy into typical online or magazine car reviews, as many of us don't typically encounter a skidpad or slalom course on the way to the grocery store. Drive the car for yourself, then formulate an opinion

[vladberca]

Nobody test drove an F30 yet so for the moment it's hard to say how good it is, talking about the driving experience
From what we can see here (M Sport 335i for example, I can t understand how this design is not considered the best for a sporty sallon ).
I can't wait to see the M Sport version released and after that put it in comparatives against its rivals... Now that will be a flawless win

[DaveL]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

IMO, you need to wait and see the new car in the flesh before making such conclusion... Most modern cars, especially BMW's look way better in the flesh...

Hopefully you are correct besides it's not like i don't want to like it in fact quite the opposite but nevertheless C class still easy on the eyes.

[DaveL]

Originally Posted by Sol01

you must be joking

Man this is way too funny...Yes i am a huge BMW fan but God forbid you think another car might be better looking and some people flip..It's a car not some babe.LOL

[justinnum1]

W204 seems like a very feminine car. That or an old mans car.


Not the C63

[EdM5]

Nice review, can't wait to try the F30 myself.

[klammer]

[QUOTE=Propagator;10939294]

Originally Posted by ferrari6891

since when was the merc the "class leader"

I'm not THAT familiar with Autocar's taste, but based on the fact that they picked the C class over the E90 previously, I would guess that they care more about the overall package than which car feels more "connected" (i.e. C