Mercedes-Benz C-Class packs power, performance

There are cars and then there is Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker is known worldwide for its performance, quality and luxury. Well, Mercedes-Benz is raising the bar again with its new C-Class luxury sedans.

For starters, there is the C-250 that now comes in a sporty coupe model with an all-new body style. There is also the ML Class SUV, the SLK-Class roadster, the SLS-Class roadster convertible and the CLS 4-door coupe. The quintet of new Mercedes-Benz models is set to launch in 2012.

Southern Nevadans, however, can get behind the wheel of one at Mercedes-Benz of Henderson at 925 Auto Show Drive. The Valley Automall dealership, on 6.6 acres, will have next year's C-Class models starting in late September and early October.

"The C-Class series has been redesigned for better performance and higher efficiency," said Mercedes-Benz of Henderson general manager Ray Burke, who has more than 21 years of experience with the carmaker. "The 2012 C-Class models have sportier handling and fresh styling with a timeless quality."

Mercedes-Benz has revamped the C-Class sedan with more comfortable seats, premium finishes and higher-quality display gauges, including a large central color-LCD touch screen. The sculpted shape and lowered suspension additionally give the new C-Class road-hugging performance, with plenty of power to spare under the hood. There are two new engines available, both paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The C-250 comes with a turbocharged 201-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for 229 pount-feet of torque. It can go from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Rapid-multispark ignition and high-pressure direct fuel injection create greater vehicle response with higher efficiency and ultralow emissions, too.

For those craving more speed, the C-350 comes equipped with a new V-6, 302-horsepower engine. The 60-degree design is an ideal bank angle that eliminates the need for a balance shaft, thereby resulting in a smoother ride. With 273 pound-feet of torque, the C-350 can go from zero to 60 mph in a little more than 5 seconds. Meanwhile, the C-300 uses a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that shuttles power exclusively to all four wheels. It is the only C-class available with Mercedes' 4MATIC control.

Yet, this type of power and coolness is still affordable, according to Burke.

"Prices for the new C-Class series are very reasonable, starting with some C-Class lease programs as low as $339 per month," he said. "There are many incentives available with interest rates as low as 1.9 percent, which are being offered on some certified preowned Mercedes models, too."

The dealership has a 67,000-square-foot facility consisting of a glass-encased, luxurious showroom and full-service repair shop with 24 bays. There are 70 full-time trained professionals on hand to accommodate customers needs. This includes the S-Class Café, an Internet customer lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi access.

"Mercedes-Benz of Henderson is a great example of Valley Automall's community of dealerships. Their attention to detail and emphasis on service and customer satisfaction is what Valley Automall is all about," said Valorie Staley, manager of the Valley Automall Owners Association. "We're pleased to be sharing our 15-year anniversary in 2011 with dealers like Mercedes-Benz of Henderson."

Valley Automall is located off Highways 93/95 at Auto Show Drive, or the Las Vegas Beltway exit at Gibson Road in Henderson. For more information, go to www.valleyautomall.com.

Valley Automall is the Southwest's largest auto mall, with thousands of new and used vehicles. Dealers include Audi Henderson, Chapman Chrysler-Jeep, Courtesy Imports, Courtesy Mazda, Desert BMW, Desert Pontiac-GMC, Findlay Acura, Findlay Cadillac-Saab, Findlay Honda Henderson, Findlay Lincoln, Findlay Toyota, Findlay Volkswagen, Ford Country, Henderson Chevrolet, Henderson Nissan, Lexus of Henderson, Mercedes-Benz of Henderson, and Towbin Dodge.