The new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers improved performance, more standard features and refined styling for a reasonably good price. The 2008 redesign gives the car a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length, making it roomier and able to accommodate four to five people. The 2008 Mercedes C-Class has three sedan trims: C300 Luxury, C300 Sport and the C350 Sport. A new AMG model - featuring a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine as well as high-performance modifications to improve handling and braking, is scheduled to come out in the spring or summer of 2008. The C-Class offers a basic warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles. All Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars offer great steering and quick-on-the-uptake brakes. The luxury models offer the traditional Benz-like ride quality while the Sport models are nimble and tautly sprung.

The Mercedes-Benz C300 Luxury and C300 Sport are equipped with a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6; while the C350 Sport receives a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. The C300 is available with a six-speed manual or Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission; the C350 comes only with the automatic. All automatic versions include a manual shift mode. The engines are on par with the power levels offered by its competitors. The C300 models with automatic transmission can run on E85, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, and are available with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). Sport models receive a sport-tuned suspension and unique styling. Manual transmission is not available on the 2008 C350 model. Fuel economy with the six-speed manual is 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway; for the seven-speed automatic it is 18/25 mpg (city/highway).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with its refined styling, epitomizes everything that is 'classic' Mercedes-Benz. Exterior contours have the same silhouette as the larger E-Class, and display compact and aerodynamic lines. The Sport sedans have an aggressive look, a crisp front air dam, lower cladding and a sport-tuned suspension. The interiors are refined and well-crafted, but look a bit austere. Luxury models are conservative and plush, with upscale levels of accommodation and amenities. The car is not very spacious despite being a luxury vehicle. In fact it is on the small side when compared to its competitors. The trunk capacity (12.4 cubic feet) can be increased with the optional split-folding rear seats.

Safety features include seven air bags; seat belt tensioners and force limiters; head restraints; an adaptive brake system; anti-lock brake system with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution; and electronic stability program and traction control. The Mercedes Benz C-Class scored four out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts; and five stars for front and rear side-impact protection in government crash tests.