This is the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, debuting a bunch of tech we first saw on the expensive S-Class. However, this has crept up in price. The C300, the top specification is priced over $90,000, but the entire C-Class range starts at just under $80,000. This competes with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Lexus IS, though the latter is no longer on sale in some markets such as Australia.
Exterior:
You’ve got 10 external colours to pick from, all but a solid white costing an extra $1,600. The design looks like an E-Class or S-Class, which is the Mercedes-Benz way of having a common face, unlike BMW. I think it looks good, especially since it can be mistaken for the more expensive models. The C300 has matrix LED headlights as standard and optional digital headlights with 1.3 million micro-mirrors for projections. It also features 19-inch alloy wheels, an AMG line package, and other sporty touches. The tail light technology is full LED, providing 3D layers and depths that look fantastic at night. However, due to the huge parts shortage, some features may not be available, so check what’s included when you order. The exhaust outlets are fake.
Interior:
The key has a Mercedes logo, and the proximity sensing allows you to start the car with a push button. The interior looks premium with a big screen ahead of the driver and another large display that appears to be taken straight from the S-Class. There’s real leather and wood materials, customizable LED lights, and soft-touch points. The central infotainment screen is just under 12 inches with high resolution and speed. It includes a fingerprint scanner for recalling settings, satellite navigation, FM/AM/DAB radio, and a nine-speaker sound system. Due to parts shortages, the 15-speaker Burmester sound system is not available. The car also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with full-screen integration.
Safety:
The C300 comes with autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistant, and a 360 camera with front and rear parking sensors. The camera quality is high resolution with various viewing angles, and you can save GPS locations for automatic camera activation.
Practicality:
Connectivity includes USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and plenty of storage. The front row has dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, electric seat adjustment with memory, and a comfortable real leather finish. The second row has decent room, air vents, storage, and ISOFIX points but lacks USB charging. The cargo space is over 450 liters, expandable by dropping the second row.
On the road:
The C300 is quiet with a seamless stop-start system. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 190 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The nine-speed automatic transmission is mostly smooth. Fuel economy is higher than claimed at 9.1 liters per 100 km. The ride is soft, with various drive modes including economy, comfort, sport, and sport plus. Despite the soft suspension, it handles well and is engaging to drive.
Verdict:
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is impressive with its technology, much of which is derived from the S-Class. It’s punchy enough and engaging to drive but let down slightly by its soft body control. Adaptive dampers, once available, should improve the ride
