A class of its own

ONCE upon a time, I was a poor student and drove a Ford Fiesta 1.1 Popular, all the while envying Mercedes drivers who cruised past me on the highway in their gleaming, executive saloons.

Times have changed, and I recently discovered how it feels to sit behind the wheel of the new 2012 Mercedes C Class Saloon.

There is something really special about sitting in the cockpit of a Mercedes. It could be the finely-tuned German engineering revving to go, the sleek interior design, or it could simply be the fact that you know you’re driving a car that screams sophistication.

As soon as I stepped into the C 250 it was obvious that the interior had been created with comfort and convenience in mind. The instrument panel is clearly laid out and the main focus of the cabin is the easy to use instrument cluster in the centre.

The seats are high-quality leather and the steering wheel has a chromed central spoke that gives the car a sporty and dynamic feel. Meanwhile, the exterior is just as sleek with its aerodynamic contours and prominent radiator grille above the front bumper.

I think the designers at Mercedes have outdone themselves with this model, which not only has a striking design, but also comes with almost as many features as a copy of GulfWeekly.

For starters, the C 250 I drove is one of the most fuel-efficient models in its segment and has reduced fuel consumption by 31 per cent. The C-Class also features a new aluminum hood, which contributes to a slight weight reduction and consequently to improved fuel efficiency.

Also worth noting are the 10 new driving assistance systems that make navigating Bahrain’s often treacherous roads slightly easier and much safer.

These assistance systems are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology, and cover frequent accident causes such as driving too closely to the car in front, fatigue and poor lighting.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Active Lane Changing Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist, Distronic Plus, Parking Guidance, Pre-safe Break, Rear view Camera and Parking Sensors are just some of the features that this sporty model has to offer.

The seductive saloon’s 150hp engine with 7-speed automatic transmission propels you from 0-100kmh in just 7.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 240kmh.

One of the more unique features of this range is the multimedia system COMAND Online, which provides you with internet access. While the car is stationary, you can browse the web to your heart’s content.

This car may be marketed as a C Class, but as far as I’m concerned, thanks to its smooth handling and responsive controls … it’s in a class of its own.

The C 250 I drove costs BD20,959. For further information contact Al Haddad Motors on 17785454.