The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, succeeding the 190E, had already established itself as a significant step forward. However, the 1999 models marked another leap, particularly appealing to the American market with enhanced engine power across the range. This year’s lineup showcased improvements that solidified the C-Class’s position in the luxury compact segment.
The 1999 Mercedes C-Class introduced notable engine upgrades, starting with the C230. The inclusion of a supercharger boosted its performance considerably. The C230 Kompressor now delivered a robust 185 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque. This marked a substantial increase of 37 horsepower and 38 foot-pounds of torque compared to the previous model, transforming the driving experience. This enhancement meant quicker acceleration and improved responsiveness, making the C230 an even more attractive entry point into the Mercedes-Benz family.
Moving up the range, the C280, powered by a V6 engine, also saw refinements. While the horsepower figures might not have dramatically changed, the engine was tuned to produce more low-end torque. This resulted in improved drivability in everyday situations and better fuel economy. The refined V6 offered a smoother and more responsive power delivery, aligning with the luxury and comfort expected from a Mercedes-Benz.
For those seeking high performance, the 1999 Mercedes C-Class offered the C43 AMG. This model was a true powerhouse, featuring a 4.3-liter V8 engine. The C43 AMG boasted an impressive 302 horsepower at 5,850 rpm and 302 foot-pounds of torque, available between 3,250 and 5,000 rpm. As the successor to the C36 AMG, the C43 represented the latest collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and AMG, their performance division. The sheer power of the V8, combined with an adaptive transmission and distinctive AMG styling, made the C43 a standout model, embodying Mercedes-Benz tradition while offering exhilarating performance.
Beyond engine enhancements, the 1999 C-Class incorporated advanced safety technologies. Side-impact airbags became a standard feature, enhancing occupant protection in the event of a collision. Mercedes-Benz also introduced the BabySmart airbag system. This innovative system automatically disabled the front passenger airbag when a Mercedes-Benz child seat was detected in the front passenger seat, prioritizing child safety. Furthermore, the inclusion of Brake Assist was a significant step forward in active safety. This system was designed to recognize emergency braking situations, based on the speed and force applied to the brake pedal, and automatically apply maximum braking force to help reduce stopping distances.
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup consisted of three distinct models: the C230 Kompressor, the C280, and the C43 AMG. Performance figures demonstrated the improvements across the range. The C230 Kompressor, with its supercharged engine, could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over eight seconds, a notable two-second improvement from the previous year. The C280, equipped with the V6, offered even quicker acceleration. Both models provided confident handling and strong braking performance. The C230, being slightly lighter than the C280, was noted to feel a bit more agile.
In terms of pricing, the 1999 Mercedes C-Class started at just over $31,000 for the base C230 Kompressor. The C280, offering more power and additional features like dual power front seats and a Bose stereo system, was priced approximately $4,000 higher. The high-performance C43 AMG entered the market at around $53,000. While models like the BMW 328i, Lexus ES300, and Mazda Millenia were also considerations in this segment, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presented a compelling value proposition. Its blend of luxury, performance, and robust build quality positioned it as a strong contender and arguably a relative bargain within its class. The 1999 Mercedes C-Class successfully built upon its predecessors, offering a refined and powerful entry into the luxury car market.
