Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (2011 - 2015) C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 2d Owner Review

I bought the manual gearbox, gear change is on a par with a normal family car but TBH I think Mercedes should have done MUCH better with this. I appreciate the vast majority are Auto's, and likely the gearbox is from an A class or something but it's no better than my Fiancee's VW Polo. A STARK contrast to the rifle bolt accuracy and feel of the Mk2 MX5 I used to own which was just a joy. You really should expect better fitted to what would have been a new £33,000+ car. Even though I'm an Institute of Advanced motorists driver (where a manual g/box is encouraged) I wish I'd bought the Auto. It doesn't REALLY let the car down, but it does feel a little bit of a let down around town and on country roads. On the Motorway in 6th gear it make ZERO difference however. Handling of the car is superb, read not into Parkers comments that the 3 series (which i've driven) is a better handling car, if it is better they must be CANING it down the roads risking their lives and licence (and therefore livelihood) in the process. This car is PLENTY composed over even broken surfaces and offset cambers to make swift (if you wish) progress. By contrast it'll mostly float over surfaces if you are cruising along. Acceleration is brisk enough and engine note is a little intrusive but by no means annoying when you are accelerating. In any gear below 3,000 rpm the engine is audible but not that you really notice. Wind noise at National Speed Limit is literally non existent. Seats are REALLY comfortable and you could (if you wish) drive for 3 hours without felling any discomfort. the back of the car is a bit claustrophobic for 2 adults but it's a coupe with dark tinted rear windows as standard so it won't feel the lightest and airiest in the back, However it is by no means unpleasant if you're only spending a couple of hours back there. More than enough room for children (has standard isofixings) up to late teenagers. Switchgear is well laid out and intuitive but Sat Nav (Becker pilot) is a bit of a pain as it isn't the most intuitive, however IMO there's TOO MUCH reliance on Sat Nav nowadays even to go short journeys. Boot is HUGE and has a 1/3 and 2/3 split in rear seats that can fit a bicycle without removing wheels. All in all it's a very good car, but I wouldn't have been happy paring full price for it as I feel inside it doesn't quite feel like a £35,000 car.