My 2004 C240 4matic is 10 months old. The car was excellent in all respects thru an American Midwest winter. The all wheel drive with traction control, anti-skid, etc, was quite good (I have driven SUV's and Audi quattro). For city driving, the car beats an SUV. I wish the suspension was tighter, but the car still feels pretty good at 134 MPH (great at 110!). My one problem with the car: an annoying rattle from the center console area, my dealer pulled the wood paneling and added a bit of foam insulation behind it. That took care of things.
Back to the suspension, if you don't really need 4matic, I'd take a serious look at a C230 or C320 sport sedan!