What is it: The Mercedes-Benz C300 is a compact car in the premium market that benefits from the existence of the CLA- and A-Class Mercedes' to allow it nudge up in price and in luxury appointments. The C300 has the lowest engine output among the C-Class variants, below the C 43 and C 63.
Key Competitors: Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS
Base Price: $44,395 As-Tested Price: $64,075
Full review: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class first drive
Highlights: The Mercedes C-Class received an update early in 2018, which is justification for some to consider it the fifth-generation car. Changes include LED head- and taillights, as well as new designs for both the front and rear facias. Mechanically speaking, Mercedes bolted in a new turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that spins to a peak 255 hp at 5,800 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 – 4,000 rpm. That’s bump of 14 hp; torque is the same as the outgoing engine.
Our Opinion: Sport sedans remain the quintessentially German thing that us car folk desire, despite the fact that modern times and trends continue to steer them in a less sporty direction. But even the most die-hard among us need a break from the sport part now and again. And, truth be told, having so much untapped agility in a car can become frustrating on your daily commute. If you replace the word sport with luxury, life becomes calmer and the Mercedes C300 becomes an absolute gem.
With those smaller CLA and A-Class models below, the C-Class got the all clear to shift upscale, trend a little closer to big-brother S-Class in both looks and feel…and let the price swing that way too. What you get as a driver is a quiet, elegant and well-equipped interior. Of course, this particular model also benefitted from nearly $20,000 of options like heated and ventilated leather front seats, an over 10-inch center console touchscreen filled with all kinds of infotainment goodies and a head-up display.
The nine-speed automatic transmission pairs well with the turbocharged inline-four. Accelerating from a traffic light to merging on the freeway, power proved more than adequate. And once you’re up to speed, the all-wheel-drive model travels 33 miles on a gallon of gas. If you stay in the city, that figure drops to 22 mpg; all mixed together expect 26 mpg. More importantly, power delivery comes on smoothly and the exhaust note is pleasant and, let’s say, adult sounding.
The sport side of the C-Class sedan is competent: not a thrill nor a disappointment. The $2,000 AMG Line option helps here because, in addition to a touch of cosmetic sportiness, you have sportier suspension settings and steering to use. Though the wheel is appropriately weighted and precise, feel is pretty distant. Vehicle ride is supple, yet never floaty; if you turn-in harder the body will roll, but always in a controlled manner, never jarring.
And besides, what’s the rush? The C300 4Matic is an entirely pleasant place to spend time. Sport sedans certainly have their place, but so do luxury sedans. And the Mercedes C300 plays that in-between role splendidly.
–Robin Warner, managing editor
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