[drakensoul]

Anyone cross-shopping these two and/or has anyone driven the new C300 coupe yet? I'm not a fan of the performance but I do enjoy the aesthetics

It's a shame they option up to such an astronomical price, and moving up to the C43 is a bit of a wallet blender

Going to try to get around to driving one for comparison soon; appreciate any input!

[Cyberdemon]

C300 is a beautiful car, but it's not a direct competitor to the 228 - the C class is inline with the 428 coupe from a price/feature/size perspective.

If you could live with the smaller size, less refined interior and want something more sporty handling the 228 is a better car. If you've got a higher budget and want something more plush and comfortable for cruising the Benz is better.

Either way, drive both and see how you feel. If the C400 was available a year ago I probably would have picked it over the M235. That thing has curves in all the right places and it makes the F2x/3x interior feel positively Honda by comparison.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

C300 is a beautiful car, but it's not a direct competitor to the 228 - the C class is inline with the 428 coupe from a price/feature/size perspective.

If you could live with the smaller size, less refined interior and want something more sporty handling the 228 is a better car. If you've got a higher budget and want something more plush and comfortable for cruising the Benz is better.

Either way, drive both and see how you feel. If the C400 was available a year ago I probably would have picked it over the M235. That thing has curves in all the right places and it makes the F2x/3x interior feel positively Honda by comparison.

Your comparison is well-stated. Does the OP want to drive an "athlete" or a "bank vault on wheels"? That's not meant to be negative or snide...just a way to express the different brand philosophies and product "feel".

However, I could not abide any of the current W205 generation of MB products with the "Gee, we almost forgot the nav screen" seemingly glued to the instrument panel. IMHO, worst nav screen location execution in the industry. On the MB forums, lots of negative feedback, as well as from many journalists. I think they got the word. Good to see in the new E they have abandoned that approach, and hope that the refresh of the C family gets a similar IP re-make. I feel it would be so hard for me to stare at such bad design every time I sit down to drive. But, if you can get past that, they are wonderful and (depending on engine) powerful cruisers for a relaxed time around town or on the road.

(Right before our current cars, we had a C Class and an E Class in our garage, replaced by the 2 and an Audi A6 3.0T)

[drakensoul]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Your comparison is well-stated. Does the OP want to drive an "athlete" or a "bank vault on wheels"? That's not meant to be negative or snide...just a way to express the different brand philosophies and product "feel".

I'm really not sure. I love the way the 2 drives and its size but wouldn't mind a bit more plushness with some extra technology bits. But if the C is really boat-like, that won't do.

I find the interior of the 2 and the 4 to be fairly similar. A shame they don't have something a bit more 'refined' as you put it

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by drakensoul

I'm really not sure. I love the way the 2 drives and its size but wouldn't mind a bit more plushness with some extra technology bits. But if the C is really boat-like, that won't do.

I find the interior of the 2 and the 4 to be fairly similar. A shame they don't have something a bit more 'refined' as you put it

It's not so much "boat-like", as feeling like a moving brick of granite. Go drive, and you'll feel the difference. BMW 2 feels like it's on its toes, ready to jump. MB feels like a solid block getting under power to move forward. As you can see, challenging to put into words....

[caycep]

Do not get the MB 4 cylinder, I hated that thing. At least the BMW 4 cylinder has more vibration dampers/sound proofing/fake sound!

MB interior is all cosmetic anyway. It's still plasticky, the infotainment is weird, and the BMW sport seats are better.

[bimmerfile]

The upcoming C48 AWD cabrio is a bit of a looker.

[overcoil]

I like the MB 4-cylinder engines,
This is what I think...Mercedes are only in their elements at high speeds, they stick a lot of toe on the front suspension and in turn they're kind of neutered around town. Once the speeds get up near to 100 they feel great, even in the rain at speed they exude confidence. Even 168hp Mercedes work best at speed. Not commenting on their front wheel chassis models, the MB's are built well.

The 228 and BMW's in general really have a great chassis, even at low speed they feel better then comparable Mercedes around town or just meandering in traffic on the highway.

[AWheeler]

If you are leasing, the BMW may become more attractive in terms of monthly payment.

I do agree with previous posters that the Mercedes is a darn good looking car, especially the interior. After driving both cars the appeal of one over the other will probably be more clear; I think they will be two different flavors on the road.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Apple vs Orange as has been adeptly articulated in the thread.

[beenthere1]

The best comparison would truly be to the CLA.

The CLA45 is a close competitor to the M235i concerning driving dynamics. I test drove both extensively and, as long as you can live with 2 doors, the M235i was a better value for nearly the same performance.

The base CLA, however, is far less impressive. The MAJOR advantage of the 228 is the ability to add the Track Handling Packing (THP). You get all of the handling/dampener upgrades in the M235i for a small upgrade price. A THP 228i BLOWS away a base CLA.

[BEM-S4]

I've driven the c450 and it's a very nice car. If my commute consisted mainly of highway driving I'd definitely take that over a 2 series (and might next time if I switch offices and am on the turnpike a few times a week). Back roads, twisties the BMW is what you want.

[eclipes]

other than the flashy interior and comfortable driving, i wouldnt get an MB. Way too boring for a young enthusiast...

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by eclipes

other than the flashy interior and comfortable driving, i wouldnt get an MB. Way too boring for a young enthusiast...

Not a matter of physical age....Having had a few, I think MB is too boring for any age enthusiast, including this 62 y/o...MB's are not intended for enthusiastic driving. (AMG is different)

You drive a BMW, you ride behind the wheel in a Benz....which is not a bad thing for relaxed or distance cruising! This is all about matching the right car to the right driver for their intended purpose....neither is good nor bad, better nor worse.

[vh2720]

Beware of the forward protruding head restraints on the C300, very uncomfortable unless you are shaped like a Neanderthal. I didn't even want to take it for a test drive after I couldn't get comfortable in the seat.

[CDN-Driver]

I looked at the C300 Coupe, did not drive it.
Beautiful inside and out but that is where it ends.

The new C Class platform has experienced terrible quality and reliability issues.
The 2 Series has been very good. BMW as a brand seems to be focusing on these areas more than in the past and is showing improvements.

The C300 Coupe has been reviewed as not very sporty a drive, all about the luxury.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by CDN-AWD

I looked at the C300 Coupe, did not drive it.
Beautiful inside and out but that is where it ends.

The new C Class platform has experienced terrible quality and reliability issues.
The 2 Series has been very good. BMW as a brand seems to be focusing on these areas more than in the past and is showing improvements.

The C300 Coupe has been reviewed as not very sporty a drive, all about the luxury.

You really need to get up to the 450 or 45 or whatever they are calling it now to have any fun.