It wasn't that long ago when you could buy a four-banger C-Class here in the American market, but now with the current lineup, a V6 C-Class is the base model. Of course, fuel economy is all the rage these days. According to the Line that is not Outside, Mercedes is taking that to heart and is considering a supercharged 1.4-liter inline-four engine to serve as the new entry-level offering. The price is expected to be significantly less than the C300's base of $33,040. What we find interesting is Mercedes engineers say the new model must have an exaggerated level of "perceived performance."
To our understanding, the increased "perceived performance" means louder exhaust (Cherry Bombs?), and über-quick throttle response. So much for German understatement, huh? We expect a majority of C140 buyers will bolt on AMG rims, buy AMG badges to be placed crookedly on the trunk, and apply fake portholes and/or vents on the front fenders. [Edmunds Inside Line]