Mercedes-Benz C320 dimensions

The second generation C-class was presented in 2000, with an even sportier exterior than the previous generations, with a steeper frontend and shorter rearend. The sedan arrived with a range of straight-four and V6 petrol engines and straight-four and straight-five Diesels. The V6s were versions of the previous model with increased displacement, to 2. 6 L and 3. 2 L, this one with 218 PS (160 Kw/215 hp). The Diesels now featured common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now traditional for nearly the entire range (except the C 320 and C 270 CDI). For the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the motor displacement, more specifically in the C 180 (2. 0L), C 240 (2. 6 L) and C 200 CDI (2. 2 L).

In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, with the introduction of the new T-modell (station wagon) and Sportcoupé bodyworks. The Sportcoupé was actually a 3-door hatchback made to counter the BMW Compact, but like its rival, it proved unpopular with the younger consumers it was targeted towards, thanks to high prices compared to the lower entry-level models it was competing against, a cramped cab, and handling problems when compared to the sedan. It was removed from the US lineup in 2005 and is unlikely to be replaced for the third generation C-class. A new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, also arrived. All of them used the same 1. 8 L motor, with various designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The 193 PS (142 Kw/190 hp) C 230K was initially available only in the Sportcoupé. 4MATIC four wheel drive versions were also provided for the C 240 and C 320.

After the success of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales by introducing two various AMG versions in the new model, also in 2001. The C 32 AMG scaled rear down to a 3. 2 L motor, to match the E46 M3 displacement, but it required a Roots supercharger to reach 354 PS (260 Kw/349 hp) at 6100 rpm and 450 Nm (332&ft. lbf) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic. The second version was C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3. 0L five-cylinder motor, capable of 231 PS (170 Kw/228 hp) at 3800 rpm and 540 Nm (398 ft. lbf) at 2000 rpm. Both were available in all three body styles, but the Diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004, as well as the C 32 AMG Sportcoupé.