The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact sedan segment. For those considering a sophisticated vehicle that blends comfort with cutting-edge technology, understanding the nuances of the C 300, especially its various trims and optional packages, is essential. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2016 C 300, detailing its standard features, available upgrades, and the distinctions between trim levels to help you make an informed decision.
Depending on your preference for style and driving dynamics, the 2016 C-Class sedan, specifically the C 300, offered two main sub-trims: Luxury and Sport. These sub-trims weren’t just aesthetic choices; they subtly altered the driving experience through variations in wheel design, suspension tuning, and interior and exterior styling cues. For instance, grille patterns and steering wheel designs differed, allowing drivers to select a C 300 that resonated with their personal taste.
As standard, the 2016 C 300 was generously equipped. It rolled on 17-inch alloy wheels and featured automatic headlights and wipers for convenience. Power-folding side mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming added a touch of premium functionality, while dual-zone automatic climate control ensured personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. Inside, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support and driver memory settings catered to ergonomic needs. The upholstery was synthetic leather (“MB-Tex”), chosen for its durability and luxurious feel. Practicality was also considered with 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks, enhancing cargo flexibility.
The technological heart of the 2016 C 300 was the COMAND infotainment system. This system featured a 7-inch central display screen controlled by a console-mounted dial, paired with an innovative overlapping touchpad interface. Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming was standard, along with an audio system that included a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio, ensuring a wide range of entertainment options.
To further personalize the 2016 C 300, Mercedes-Benz offered a range of optional packages. The Premium 1 package was a popular choice, adding keyless entry and ignition for enhanced convenience, alongside satellite radio to expand entertainment options. Stepping up to the Premium 2 package brought in advanced lighting technology with LED headlights and taillights, significantly improving visibility and aesthetics. This package also included a premium 13-speaker Burmester sound system, elevating the audio experience to audiophile levels.
For those prioritizing interior luxury, the Interior package delivered leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting to set the mood, and heated and ventilated front seats for ultimate comfort in any climate. Notably, this package also upgraded the front passenger seat with power adjustments and memory settings, mirroring the driver’s side functionality. The Multimedia package focused on enhancing the infotainment experience, featuring an upgraded 8.4-inch display screen for better visibility, a navigation system for seamless route guidance, voice controls for hands-free operation, and a rearview camera for safer maneuvering. Visibility was further enhanced with the Lighting package, which included adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam control, optimizing light distribution based on driving conditions. Finally, for a focus on cabin air quality, the Air Balance package introduced filtered and scented cabin air, creating a more pleasant and healthier in-car environment.
For those who opted for the Sport sub-trim, the Night package provided exclusive visual enhancements. This package included unique black-and-silver wheels and gloss-black exterior accents, adding a distinctive and sporty edge to the 2016 C 300’s appearance. Performance and comfort could be further enhanced with the Airmatic package, which incorporated an adjustable air suspension. This system allowed drivers to tailor the ride quality and handling characteristics of their C 300.
Safety and driver assistance were paramount, and the Driver Assistance package showcased Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to these areas. This comprehensive suite included adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, blind-spot monitoring to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, rear cross-traffic alert for safer reversing, and lane-departure intervention to help keep the vehicle within lane markings. It also featured partial autonomous steering, a camera-based system designed to help keep the car centered in its lane, an enhanced collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection, and both front and rear impact sensors. For parking convenience, the Parking Assist package was available, bundling front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel-parking system, and a surround-view parking camera system, simplifying parking in even the tightest spaces.
While the C 300 offered a compelling blend of luxury and features, Mercedes-Benz also offered higher-performance AMG variants for those seeking more exhilarating driving dynamics. The all-wheel-drive C 450 AMG, available only in the Sport sub-trim, featured a more powerful V6 engine, 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and steering, and an adaptive sport-tuned suspension with a wider front track for enhanced handling. AMG-themed interior styling, sport front seat bolstering, and the contents of the Premium 1 package were also standard. For ultimate performance, the rear-wheel-drive AMG C 63 sedan boasted a V8 engine, wider 18-inch wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and performance software with a lap timer. The AMG C 63 S pushed the boundaries further with 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, larger front brakes, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, active engine mounts, and minor interior trim upgrades. Notably, the Premium 2 package and other option packages remained available across the AMG C 63 trims, allowing for customization even within these high-performance models. Additional options specific to the AMG C 63 models (and some available on the C 450 AMG) included a dual-mode sport exhaust, carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim, race-inspired front sport seats, and two-tone leather upholstery. The C 63 S also had the option for upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes for track-level performance.
Beyond packages, a range of stand-alone options allowed for further personalization of the 2016 C 300. These included a panoramic sunroof to enhance the sense of spaciousness, front and rear parking sensors for easier parking, automatic parking assist to automate parking maneuvers, a heated steering wheel for cold climates, a head-up display to project driving information onto the windshield, a power rear window sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades for added privacy and sun protection, and a power-closing trunk for convenience.
In conclusion, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 offered a sophisticated entry into the luxury sedan market. With its range of standard features, customizable trim levels, and extensive optional packages and stand-alone upgrades, the 2016 C 300 catered to a wide spectrum of preferences, ensuring that drivers could tailor their vehicle to perfectly match their needs and desires. Whether prioritizing luxury, performance, technology, or safety, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 provided a compelling and versatile choice.
