We get the feeling that the advent of systems such as blind-spot control have allowed the designers more freedom, at the expense of basics such as uninterrupted visibility. Designers have given the 2012 C350 4Matic Coupe a decidedly forward-leaning profile with pronounced front fender arches reaching nearly to the hood line, a raked character crease that stretches from the taillamps to the lower front fender and a long, angled nose. This time of year, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and its neighboring territories have precisely three weather conditions: "Snow," "About To Snow" and "Holy Hell, We're Going To Have To Resort To Cannibalism." We met the C350 4Matic Coupe deep in the throws of the latter while in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and if anything helped take our minds off the notion of being brunch for our fellow journalists, it was the striking image of the black-on-black two door lurking amidst the driving flakes. The main impression after driving it for the first time is its remarkable level of overall excellence. At the same time it is the first model with permanent all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid technology in the mid-size SUV class.
One can hardly mutter the words "German," "luxury" and "all-wheel drive" without invoking visions of Audi. Auto enthusiasts appreciate the luxury built into each Mercedes-Benz, and understand that only the highest quality repair Sprinter 2500 parts will suffice when repairs are needed. That figure is at par with many sports sedans that are now available in the market. The least expensive cargo Sprinter now starts at $46,000, rising to $61,000 for an AWD passenger van. It is unlike others mentioned fully integrated to the van and Benz’s MBUX infotainment system. As a result, the system lacks some of the playful rear-wheel-drive bias we typically enjoy in a proper all-wheel-drive sports car, but this is a luxury coupe first and foremost and it's hard to argue with the level of grip on hand. Technologically, Mercedes-Benz's new flagship is clearly a front-runner in the luxury car ranks, though to tap into its vast array of features you have to be prepared to pay well in excess of its base price. 1989. These days, Benz offers 4Matic on 10 of its vehicle lines in a total of 21 variations, and for 2012, luxury coupe buyers can rejoice in the inclusion of both the E350 4Matic Coupe and the C350 4Matic Coupe to the horde.
The engine produces 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and manages to net the same 20 miles per gallon city / 29 mpg highway Environmental Protection Agency figures as the rear-drive C350 Coupe. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. In passenger configurations, the Sprinter can seat a maximum of 20 people (19 plus driver). The W245 units have a powerful car air conditioning system, with separate temperature adjustment for driver and front passenger. Mercedes engineers have finally replaced function over form. In addition to curtailing driveline losses, the design offers significant weight savings: 100 pounds over the third-generation 4Matic architecture and 150 pounds over the company's first all-wheel-drive systems. I have to have my husband evaluate this further, but at first glance, the score was Sprinter 1, Freightliner 0. The Freightliner's bumper wasn't nearly as robust as the custom hitch carrier that my husband had welded up to be as strong as a proverbial brick shit house (excuse my language, but there's no other way to put it). Buyers have been happily bringing BMW xDrive models home for years, and Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of grips-at-all-four-corners innovation as well.
With such an aggressive strategy to increase its North-American presence among commercial vehicles, things are all properly aligned at Mercedes-Benz for its Sprinter to continue to sell very well on this side of the pond. Dual ovoid exhaust outlets add a little flash to the lower valance as well. From vehicles like the globe-conquering Unimog to the somewhat more civil G-Class, the Silver Arrow has more than a little experience when it comes to overcoming uncertain terrain. Diesel equipped, heavy-duty vehicles also carry a diesel Emission Warranty. A diesel returned to the 1990 W124 line with the introduction of an all-new 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five aboard the awkwardly named 300D 2.5. The 260E was also inelegantly renamed the 300E 2.6 for no apparent reason. The successive introduction of BlueTec diesel technology began in early 2005, initially as a special option on Mercedes-Benz heavy trucks for long-distance haulage. Driving a tall, heavy vehicle isn’t always easy, but Mercedes-Benz lessens the burden with a suite of safety options. Offering up to 319 cubic inches of space, the Sprinter also has options for shelving, hidden storage, and more.
