First Drive Review
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Lightweight all-wheel-drive components add traction, delete little else.
We’ve previously compared Porsche’s model lineup to the Taco Bell menu, in the way that the engine and chassis components are mixed and matched across the lineup. But Porsche is not alone in this approach. Mercedes-Benz—perhaps to an even greater extent—also drops a multitude of engine and powertrain fillings into its various chassis shells. The latest round of extra cheese is all-wheel drive for the C-class and E-class coupes, bringing the brand’s all-wheel-drive offerings to 21 models across 10 nameplates. Only the SLK and SL roadsters are excluded from the 4MATIC party.
The all-wheel-drive C coupe comes in just one flavor: C350 with an automatic transmission. Its engine is identical to the 3.5-liter found in the rear-wheel-drive C350 sedan and coupe, producing 302 hp at 6500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. But the C350 4MATIC coupe is a unique combo; in the C sedan, all-wheel drive is for now offered only on the C300 with its less powerful, 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6.
To route the power to all four wheels, Mercedes-Benz uses an in-house design that integrates the transfer case into the seven-speed automatic transmission. In dry conditions, power distribution is set at 45:55 front to rear; when the system detects slippage, a locking center differential controlled by a 37-lb-ft spring-loaded clutch handles any imbalance between the two axles, sending up to 70 percent of power in either direction if necessary. The system is supplemented by an electronic traction-control system that brakes individual wheels in the event of slippage. Mercedes-Benz says that the latest 4MATIC setup carries only about a 150-pound weight penalty on most of its cars (121 pounds on this particular example), partially because the rear axles and differentials are downsized on the all-wheel-drive cars; that nominal power distribution results in less torque sent rearward, allowing for lighter-duty and lighter-weight components. The German manufacturer also is proud to note that there is no EPA fuel-economy penalty on the C350 coupe. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions carry the same 19 mpg city, 28 highway ratings on their window stickers.
And the system works pretty well. The test car on our preview drive was equipped with winter tires, which are invaluable on any car in wintry conditions (all-wheel drive won’t shorten stopping distances, for example). With the stability-control system in its most lenient setting (it lacks a fully defeated setting), the C350 pulls from a stop without any detectable wheelspin. As equipped, it handled the snow without any trouble whatsoever. The tires prevented us from exploiting the coupe’s handling limits, but considering that it barely feels different from its rear-wheel-drive counterpart, we expect it will behave largely the same. There’s some understeer and the ride is comfortable; like its rear-wheel-drive counterpart, it’s not a sports coupe. Also the same are the dimensions of both two-doors, including ride height.
The only differences: The all-wheel-drive C350 boasts a heated windshield-washer-fluid system and a 4MATIC badge on the interior. Oh, and it costs an additional $2000. Excepting the extra cost, the C350 4MATIC coupe offers some additional capability with little compromise.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
BASE PRICE: $45,245
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 213 cu in, 3498 cc
Power: 302 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION:7-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Length: 180.7 in
Width: 69.7 in Height: 54.8 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 6.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec
Top speed: 130 mph
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 19/28 mpg
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