When it was redesigned for 2015, the Mercedes-Benz C300 scored near the top of the sports sedan segment. This iteration of the C-Class has a beautiful interior and delivers a driving experience that is close to ideal when it comes to balancing performance and comfort. Simply put, the C300 delivers the driving pleasure people expect from the brand. For those new to Mercedes-Benz, we think you'll find the C300 comfortable, quiet, agile and altogether well done.
Our test car included 4Matic all-wheel drive, a rear camera, blind-spot assist, a sunroof, heated seats and the Premium package, which brought a Burmester audio system and LED headlights. Dipping liberally into the options list can be very expensive.
The base model C300 got a 241-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The up-level C400 (now called C450) was bumped up to a 329-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6.
It may be surprising to find a four-cylinder humming in such a plush and expensive car, but as you cover some ground with it, you'll find power is ample and turbo lag is near imperceptible. We measured a respectable 26 mpg overall. This is quite respectable for an AWD car capable of a 6.8-second zero to 60.
The C300 has quick reflexes, with very prompt steering response and corners with enthusiasm. It feels sporty to drive and yet the compliant suspension system delivers a comfortable ride with Mercedes' typical bump-absorbing cushiness and settled body motions.
Inside, you'll find an upscale and snazzy execution, with a high-quality feel to every surface, switch and button.
The center screen looks like it floats in the middle of the dash, or rather, like someone left their tablet computer perched atop the circular vents. The menu structure can be baffling at first and some hard buttons have disappeared form the interior in favor of that avant-garde appearance. A few evaluators found the newfangled, sleek piano black touchpad got in the way of the more predictable-behaving center dial.
The rear seat allows decent space for adults, but don't expect the amount of room found in a typical midsized sedan. On the other hand, the cabin stays commendably quiet.
Mercedes known for its cutting edge technology has an comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience features employing a battery of radar sensors and cameras. The adaptive cruise control with steering, called Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, keeps a set distance from a vehicle in front, regardless of changing speeds. It also follows the lane you're driving in automatically. The steering wheel actually moves by itself to track the lane, presaging the self-driving cars of the future -- though it does not permit operation with your hands off the wheel. These convenience features can help ease stress, but drivers must remain fully engaged with the driving process to remain safe.
Overall, the new C-Class is a very satisfying car with sophisticated ride and handling, top-drawer interior fit and finish. While neither inexpensive nor particularly user-friendly, it certainly has panache.
The C-Class range starts with the C300, which gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. More powerful models offer both V6 and V8 engines. C-Class sedans were offered with 4Matic all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
Despite having only four cylinders, the C300 provides relatively swift acceleration and appreciable levels of refinement. Sure, the available V6 engine packs an even more powerful punch and is smoother than the four-cylinder, but we'd stick to the lower-numbered model. Most C-Class sedans sold in wintry regions are equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive for added snow capability. warmer parts of the country more commonly see rear-wheel-drive versions, which lower the purchase price, while slightly improving fuel economy and acceleration.
Like many German luxury cars, you pay a lot for the prestige brand and even more dearly when it comes to options. Features like a rear camera or voice commands for your phone aren't included in the base pricce.
Buying used, we'd look for one with a rear camera, blind-spot assist and heated seats. Another desirable feature is the panoramic sunroof. The Multimedia package includes a larger center screen and navigation system, but opting for a car with the Garmin accessory navigation upgrade and the standard screen gives you an easier-to-use interface. It also allows you to skip the Premium package, which gets really pricey for LED headlights and an upgraded audio system
Changes from the previous version
Redesigned for 2015, the C-Class moved away from the staid, Euro-taxi-cab design of its predecessor. Inside and out, the car is far more stylish. The biggest functional improvement is increased rear seat legroom, but space is still not generous. The controls lost some of their user-friendliness and visibility took a step back for style. However, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a step up in fuel economy and overall performance.
Note the C-Class coupe doesn't follow the same redesign schedule as the sedan. The coupe's 2015 models remained on the previous generation's design.
Additions to the 2016 lineup included a C350e plug-in hybrid, C300d (diesel) and C450 AMG Sport (which replaced the C400).