The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 marked a significant step in the evolution of the C-Class, bringing together luxury, performance, and advanced technology in a compelling package. As a popular choice for discerning drivers, the 2015 C300 offered a range of standard features and optional enhancements designed to elevate the driving experience. Let’s delve into the specifics of what made this model year stand out.
Comfort and Convenience Features of the 2015 C300
The interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 is designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that both the driver and passengers can enjoy their preferred temperature settings. Power front seats, complete with driver memory settings, allow for personalized comfort for every journey. Entertainment is readily available through the audio system with a single-disc CD player, USB port with iPod interface, Bluetooth audio streaming, and HD Radio. Seamless connectivity is provided by the Bluetooth interface for hands-free phone use, managed through the central controller and displayed on a 7-inch high-mounted screen.
The driver benefits from a multifunction leather steering wheel and a color instrument cluster display, putting vital vehicle information at their fingertips. Practicality is addressed with front and rear cupholders, power tilt and telescoping steering column, and electronic cruise control for relaxed highway driving. Power windows with express up and down functionality, automatic headlamps with twilight sensor and locator lighting, and a trip computer further enhance the ease of use. The auto-dimming driver and rearview mirror, along with power folding mirrors and an integrated garage door opener, add extra layers of convenience. Rain-sensing intermittent wipers, split-folding rear seats for expanded cargo space, a user-friendly touchpad, and KEYLESS-START system are all standard, emphasizing the blend of luxury and practicality in the 2015 C300. For colder climates, heated front seats were available as an optional upgrade, and for enhanced entertainment, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a Burmester Premium Sound system were also offered as options. Furthermore, owners could opt for LED Headlights and the KEYLESS-GO system for added sophistication and ease of access.
Performance and Handling of the 2015 C300
Under the hood, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 boasts a responsive 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This powerplant delivers 241 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque between 1,300 and 4,000 rpm, providing ample power across a wide range. The engine is paired with a 7-Speed Driver Adaptive Automatic transmission with Touch Shift, ensuring smooth and efficient gear changes. The ECO Start/Stop system is standard, contributing to fuel efficiency. The C300’s top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph, and the engine’s maximum speed is 6,500 rpm.
The chassis of the 2015 C300 is engineered for a balance of comfort and agility. It features a 4-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension, providing refined handling and ride quality. The C300 comes standard with a dual exhaust system with two chrome outlets, adding to its sporty aesthetic. While the standard C300 is rear-wheel drive, the C300 4MATIC version offers the added confidence of Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Braking is handled by single-piston floating front and rear brakes for the C300 and C300 4MATIC, while the C400 4MATIC upgrades to four-piston fixed caliper front brakes. The standard tires for the C300 and C300 4MATIC are 225/50 R17 all-season tires in the front and 245/45 R17 all-season tires in the rear.
Safety and Security Features of the 2015 C300
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety, and the 2015 C300 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and security features. It comes with a New Vehicle 4 Year/50,000 Mile Warranty and a 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program, providing peace of mind to owners. The Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System ensures the vehicle is kept in optimal condition. The body structure features a high-strength steel reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Supplemental Restraint System includes an occupant sensor and 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and dual-stage belt force limiters. Front dual-stage airbags, combination thorax/pelvis side airbags for the driver and front passenger, front and rear side window airbags, and a driver knee airbag provide extensive occupant protection. ISOFIX anchor and tether system are included for child seat safety.
Active safety systems include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR). The ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitor helps prevent fatigue-related accidents. An anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer and SmartKey with panic button provide security against theft. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System keeps drivers informed of tire conditions, and PRE-SAFE and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) PLUS are proactive safety systems designed to mitigate or prevent accidents.
Options and Packages for the 2015 C300
To personalize the 2015 C300, Mercedes-Benz offered a variety of paint, upholstery, and trim options, along with package upgrades.
Paint Options: Standard no-cost paint options included Black and Polar White. Metallic paint options like Dakota Brown, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Lunar Blue, Obsidian Black, and Diamond Silver were available for an additional $720. The designo Diamond White metallic paint was a premium option at $1,515.
Upholstery Options: Standard upholstery was Black MB-Tex, with Silk Beige/Black MB-Tex and Ash Grey/Black MB-Tex also available at no cost. Leather upholstery options in Black, Silk Beige/Black, Ash Grey/Black, Silk Beige/Espresso, and Cranberry Red/Black were available as part of the Interior Package, each priced at $2,300.
Trim Options: Aluminum/High-Gloss Black trim was standard. Open-Pore Black Ash Wood was an optional upgrade, while Burl Walnut Wood and Linden Wood trims were available for $325.
Package Options:
- Premium Package ($2,700): Included LED Headlights, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, Burmester Premium Sound system, Heated Front Seats, and KEYLESS-GO.
- Luxury Package ($650): Featured 17″ Split 5-Spoke Wheels, Comfort Suspension, Luxury Grill with ‘Standing Star’, Burl Walnut Trim or Brown Fineline Trim, and Dash with MB-Tex.
- Lighting Package ($800): Added Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Dynamic LED Headlamps (requires Premium Package).
- Multimedia Package ($2,690): Upgraded to the COMAND System with Navigation, 3D Maps, 10GB Music Register, 8.4″ High Resolution LCD Screen, DVD/CD player, SD Memory Card Slot, Gracenote media database, SIRIUS XM Traffic and Weather, Rearview Camera, and Navigation Map Updates for 3 years (requires Premium Package).
- Sport Package ($2,500): Enhanced the sporty appearance and feel with 18″ AMG Wheels or 19″ AMG Wheels (extra charge), Sports Suspension, AMG Bodystyling, Black Ash Wood Open Pore Trim, Black Headliner, Sports Seats, Flat Bottom Sport Steering Wheel, Front brakes with perforated discs, Aluminum Pedals with Rubber Studs, AMG Floormats, and Dash with MB-Tex.
- AIR BALANCE Package ($350): Introduced Fragrance, Ionization, and Filtration to the cabin environment.
- AIRMATIC Package ($1,190): Included AGILITY SELECT Adjustable Suspension and AIRMATIC Air Suspension.
- Interior Package ($2,300): Offered Leather Upholstery, Ventilated Seats, Ambient Lighting, Power Passenger Seat with Memory, and Illuminated Door Sills (requires Premium Package).
- Driver Assistance Package ($2,800): Provided advanced driver aids like DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE-SAFE Plus Rear-End Collision Protection, Steering Assist, and BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist.
- Hands-Free Access Package ($250): Added Hands-Free Trunk Access and Electronic Trunk Closer (requires Premium Package or KEYLESS-GO).
In conclusion, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 delivered a compelling blend of standard luxury, performance, and safety features, with a wide array of options and packages to allow buyers to tailor the vehicle to their specific preferences and needs. It solidified its position as a leading contender in the luxury sedan segment.
