For the 2002 model year, Mercedes-Benz expanded the C-Class lineup to offer something for everyone, from the practical hatchback to the spacious wagon and the thrilling high-performance sedan. This move broadened the appeal of the C-Class, bringing Mercedes engineering, safety, and prestige to a wider audience.
Starting with the most accessible model, the 2002 C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe, priced around $25,000, Mercedes aimed to attract buyers seeking entry into the luxury brand. Despite its “Sport Coupe” designation, this model was actually a hatchback, offering a unique blend of sportiness and practicality. Powering the C230 Kompressor was a supercharged 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower. This “kompressor” engine, borrowed from the SLK 230 roadster, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, allowed the C230 to achieve a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 7.2 seconds.
Image alt text: Front view of a silver 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe showcasing its sporty hatchback design.
Even as the entry-level C-Class, the 2002 C230 Kompressor was generously equipped. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, sporty aluminum trim in the cabin, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a six-speaker audio system complete with a cassette deck. While a CD player was not standard, an optional CD changer was available. For driver comfort and convenience, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with integrated stereo and trip computer controls was standard, along with an eight-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. Luxury options included leather upholstery and a large panoramic sunroof. True to Mercedes-Benz’s reputation, safety was paramount, with the C230 featuring four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist, electronic stability control, and a comprehensive suite of airbags, including front, side, and head-protection airbags.
Moving to the traditional sedan models, the 2002 C-Class offered the C240 and C320 sedans, carried over with minor updates from the previous year. The C240 was powered by a 2.6-liter V6 engine producing 168 horsepower. Stepping up to the C320 provided a more potent 3.2-liter V6 with 215 horsepower. Reflecting Mercedes’s intent to compete directly with BMW, a six-speed manual transmission was available for the C240, appealing to driving enthusiasts. For those preferring automatic transmissions, the C320 came standard with a responsive five-speed automatic featuring Mercedes’ TouchShift system, allowing for manual gear selection when desired. TouchShift was also optional on the C240. The 2002 C-Class sedans benefited from a five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, delivering significantly improved handling and agility compared to pre-2001 models, making them more enjoyable for spirited driving.
Image alt text: Side profile of a dark blue 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 Sedan demonstrating its classic sedan silhouette and elegant lines.
Luxury appointments were abundant in the sedan range. The C240 included standard features like dual-zone climate control, steering wheel-mounted controls, and tasteful wood trim. The C320 further enhanced the luxury experience with a Bose premium sound system, fully powered front seats with memory, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Optional upgrades for the sedans included a standalone navigation system and Mercedes’ COMAND system, integrating navigation, audio, and telephone controls into a central console interface. Xenon headlamps, heated seats, a six-disc CD changer, and a sport package were also available. The sport package sharpened the driving dynamics with stiffer springs, tighter shock absorbers, a thicker stabilizer bar, and larger performance tires.
For drivers seeking ultimate performance, the 2002 C-Class offered the C32 AMG sedan. Mercedes’ performance division, AMG, transformed the C-Class into a high-speed machine. The C32 AMG boasted a supercharged V6 engine producing a remarkable 349 horsepower. This powerful engine was paired with an enhanced five-speed automatic transmission called “SpeedShift,” resulting in blistering acceleration, propelling the C32 AMG from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5 seconds. To handle the increased performance, the C32 AMG was equipped with beefy vented disc brakes, an AMG-tuned suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. Distinctive styling cues differentiated the C32 AMG from standard C-Class sedans, including a unique front air dam, side skirts, special wheels, and a two-tone interior.
Image alt text: Close-up of the front grille of a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG highlighting the AMG badge and sporty mesh grille design.
Completing the diverse 2002 C-Class family was the C320 Sport Wagon. Sharing its underpinnings and features with the C320 sedan, the Sport Wagon added significant cargo-carrying capability, offering up to 63.6 cubic feet of space. Despite its wagon body style, the C320 Sport Wagon maintained impressive performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.0 seconds, only slightly slower than the C320 sedan, proving that practicality didn’t have to come at the expense of performance.
In conclusion, the 2002 C-Class Benz represented a significant expansion of the model range, offering a variety of body styles and performance levels to cater to a broader spectrum of buyers. From the entry-level C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe to the high-performance C32 AMG and the practical C320 Sport Wagon, the 2002 C-Class delivered Mercedes-Benz’s signature blend of luxury, safety, and engineering excellence across the entire lineup.
