2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) 320 V6 4MATIC 5AT AWD (218 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was unveiled at the turn of the millennium, marking a significant evolution in the model’s design and driving experience. The internally codenamed W203 lost all the gravitas of its predecessor, switching to a more youthful appearance that was in line with other Mercedes-Benz models of the time.

The revamped design language was obviously the most noticeable change, with Mercedes-Benz borrowing the four-headlamp look from the W210 E-Class but infusing it with a modern twist. Unlike the E-Class, which featured four distinct oval headlights, the W203 C-Class featured interconnected dual headlamps on each side of the grille, creating a sportier, more contemporary look.

The model’s wedge-shaped profile also differed from its predecessor, tapering off into a relatively high trunk line, especially for a Mercedes-Benz. The rear end was flanked by triangle-shaped taillights inspired by those on the S-Class W220. Overall, the exterior design had almost nothing in common with the previous C-Class, save for the distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, which was now more inclined for better aerodynamics.

When compared to its direct German rivals, such as the BMW 3 Series E46 and the Audi A4 8E, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 stood out with a slightly more generous list of standard features, regardless of trim level. No matter if it was the Classic, Elegance, or Avantgarde trim level, the model featured standard air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights and windshield wipers, and electronic stability control, a feature that was still optional back then even on rivals from a higher price range.

The twin headlights featured halogen technology as standard but had an available Xenon option, while the turn signals integrated into the side mirrors offered a stylish but also functional design element to the exterior. The passenger room was slightly better than on the 3 Series but less than on the Audi A4, whose front-wheel-drive setup provided better interior space. Those wanting slightly better headroom in the rear and a larger luggage compartment could switch to the C-Class T-Modell (S203).

Both the sedan and the station wagon shared an identical center console design, with the dashboard featuring a prominent half-circle speedometer and a standard onboard computer display. Owing to the relatively short wheelbase, compact dimensions and hunched roofline, the rear seats were slightly cramped, but the two front seats offered plenty of space for its passengers.

While a couple of engines were carried over from the first-generation C-Class, Mercedes-Benz did introduce an array of new powertrains, including a brand new line of common-rail diesels and supercharged gasoline four-cylinders. All entry-level models were paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, while a 5-speed automatic gearbox, newly developed in-house, was either optional or standard on more powerful engines.

The engine lineup consisted of inline-four, inline-five, and V6 engines, gasoline or diesel, and it ranged from the entry-level C 180 with 129 PS (127 HP) to the formidable C 32 AMG, which featured a supercharged 3.2-liter V6 with no less than 354 PS (349 HP). The lineup started with the C 200 CDI on the diesel side, with a common-rail 2.1-liter four-cylinder developing 122 PS (120 HP), and ended with the C 270 CDI, which featured a 2.7-liter inline-five with 170 PS (168 HP).