The 2017 Mercedes-benz C 300 stands as a testament to luxury and driving dynamics, offering a compelling entry point into the prestigious C-Class family. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the C 300 caters to a diverse range of preferences while consistently delivering the premium experience synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
The foundation of the C 300 lies in its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a powerplant engineered to provide a harmonious blend of spirited performance and respectable fuel efficiency. For those seeking enhanced traction and all-weather capability, the C 300 4Matic variant incorporates all-wheel drive, ensuring confident handling in varied driving conditions.
Beyond the standard C 300, Mercedes-Benz extends the C-Class spectrum with a trio of AMG models, each escalating the performance quotient. The AMG C43, a recent addition, boasts a twin-turbo V6, while the AMG C63 and AMG C63 S harness the formidable power of twin-turbo V8 engines, albeit in differing states of tune. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz planned to introduce a plug-in hybrid iteration, the C 350e, later in the model year, underscoring their commitment to innovation and efficiency.
For the discerning C 300 sedan buyer, Mercedes-Benz presents two distinct sub-trims: Sport and Luxury. These trims, available at a nominal price difference, offer subtle yet tangible variations in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and aesthetic details. A notable distinction for traditionalists is the availability of the iconic stand-up Mercedes-Benz hood star, exclusively offered with the Luxury package.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is generously equipped right from the base trim. Standard features encompass 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, a rearview camera for enhanced visibility, and dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort. The driver-centric cabin includes a power-adjustable steering wheel and 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support, complemented by driver-seat memory settings. MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, acclaimed for its quality and durability, adorns the interior, while 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks enhance cargo versatility. The COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller, manages vehicle functions and entertainment, including Bluetooth connectivity and an audio system with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio.
Stepping into the C 300 coupe configuration elevates the standard equipment with 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof, adding a touch of sporty elegance. Interestingly, the rearview camera transitions to an optional feature in the coupe, while remaining standard on the convertible model. C 300 convertibles further benefit from a power-folding fabric top, Mercedes’ Airscarf system – designed to envelop front occupants in warm air around the neck and shoulders – a removable wind blocker to minimize cabin turbulence, and a blind-spot monitor for enhanced safety.
Optional packages allow for further personalization of the 2017 C 300. The Premium 1 package, consistent across sedan, coupe, and convertible models, introduces blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. Coupe and convertible versions of the Premium 1 package also gain an upgraded Burmester sound system, appealing to audiophiles.
For the C 300 sedan, the Premium 2 package builds upon Premium 1, incorporating LED headlamps and the premium Burmester sound system. The Premium 3 package significantly enhances the technology suite, adding an electronic trunk closer, voice controls, ambient interior lighting to set the mood, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation, and a touchpad infotainment controller for intuitive operation. The range-topping Premium 4 package emphasizes safety and driver assistance, incorporating a suite of active safety and collision mitigation and avoidance features, adaptive cruise control for relaxed highway driving, a cabin air purification and fragrance system for a refined in-cabin environment, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams for optimized nighttime visibility. Opting for these premium packages necessitates selecting either heated and ventilated or simply heated front seats, further enhancing comfort.
The coupe and cabriolet Premium packages align with the sedan’s offerings, with Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages mirroring the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages, respectively. Notably, a Premium 4 package is not available for the two-door C 300 models. The Airmatic package introduces an air suspension system with adaptable tuning modes, allowing drivers to tailor the ride quality to their preferences.
Standalone options for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 provide further customization, including a panoramic sunroof for an open-air feel, a head-up display projecting crucial information onto the windshield, heated and ventilated front seats for year-round comfort, a heated steering wheel for cold climates, and a selection of interior and exterior trim elements to personalize the aesthetic.
AMG C43 models come standard with the Premium 1 package (as applicable to body style), along with unique interior trim accents such as natural grain black wood trim in the sedan and gloss black trim in the coupe and cabriolet. The AMG C63 and C63 S sedan models elevate the standard equipment further with the Premium 2 package included. Sport seats, red seat belts, and a distinctive AMG head-up display are available to amplify the sporty ambiance of AMG models’ interiors. For two-door AMG models, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, performance exhaust systems, and upgraded wheels and tires can be specified to enhance their sporting prowess.
Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission choice, directing power to the rear wheels in standard configuration. The 4Matic system option provides all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.
Mercedes-Benz estimates the C 300 sedan and coupe accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds, delivering brisk performance for daily driving. Fuel economy, as estimated by the EPA, stands at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for rear-wheel-drive models and 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for 4Matic variants, balancing performance with efficiency.
The AMG C43 elevates performance with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. A new nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, enabling the AMG C43 to achieve a 0-60 mph sprint in a manufacturer-estimated 4.6 seconds.
The AMG C63 models pack a significant performance punch with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in the C63, and escalating to 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft in the C63 S. Both AMG C63 variants utilize a seven-speed automatic transmission. Performance estimates place their 0-60 mph times at 4.0 and 3.9 seconds, respectively, with both models featuring a specialized multiclutch, high-performance seven-speed automatic transmission. Convertible versions of these high-performance models are marginally slower, typically by a tenth of a second in 0-60 mph acceleration.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and technology, establishing itself as a strong contender in the entry-level luxury segment. Whether opting for the sedan, coupe, or convertible, buyers can expect a refined driving experience and a wealth of premium features, further enhanced by a range of customization options and potent AMG variants.
