The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly the C300, stands as a compelling choice in the luxury compact segment. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the C-Class offers a blend of sophistication, performance, and technology. For those considering a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300, understanding its various trims, features, and options is crucial. This in-depth guide explores the nuances of the C300 to help you make an informed decision.
Exploring the 2017 C300 Trims and Configurations
The foundation of the lineup is the C300 trim, powered by a responsive turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For enhanced traction and all-weather capability, the C300 4Matic variant adds all-wheel drive. Within the C300 sedan, buyers can further refine their selection with Sport or Luxury subtrims. These distinctions, available for a minimal cost difference, primarily influence suspension tuning, wheel designs, and subtle styling cues. Notably, enthusiasts of the classic Mercedes-Benz hood ornament will find it exclusively featured with the Luxury package, adding a touch of traditional elegance.
Standard across the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 range are features designed to elevate the driving experience and passenger comfort. These include 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers for convenience in varying weather conditions, and a rearview camera enhancing safety during parking and maneuvering. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. A power-adjustable steering wheel and 10-way power front seats with 4-way lumbar support offer customized driving positions. Driver-seat memory settings add convenience for multiple drivers. The cabin is appointed with synthetic leather upholstery (MB-Tex), praised for its quality and durability, and versatile 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks expand cargo-carrying options. Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller, manages vehicle functions and entertainment. Connectivity is well-covered with Bluetooth, a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio for diverse media options.
Alt text: Sophisticated interior of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan, showcasing leather seats, infotainment screen, and elegant dashboard design.
Differentiating the C300 Coupe and Convertible
Stepping into the C300 coupe variant brings upgrades to standard equipment. Larger 18-inch wheels enhance the coupe’s sporty stance, and a panoramic sunroof opens up the cabin. However, it’s worth noting that the rearview camera, standard on the sedan, becomes an optional extra for the coupe. The C300 convertible includes the rearview camera as standard, along with a power-folding fabric top for open-air enjoyment. Unique to the convertible is Mercedes’ Airscarf system, which gently blows warm air onto the neck and shoulders of front passengers, extending top-down driving comfort into cooler weather. A removable wind blocker further minimizes cabin turbulence, and a blind-spot monitor adds an extra layer of safety.
Alt text: Sleek exterior profile of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 coupe in a vibrant color, highlighting its sporty lines and elegant design.
Exploring Optional Packages to Enhance Your C300
Mercedes-Benz offers a tiered system of Premium packages to allow C300 buyers to customize their vehicle with increasing levels of luxury, technology, and safety features. The Premium 1 package for both sedan and coupe models introduces blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start for added convenience, and satellite radio for expanded entertainment. Coupe and convertible versions of the Premium 1 package also include an upgraded Burmester sound system, known for its exceptional audio quality.
For the C300 sedan, the Premium 2 package builds upon Premium 1 by adding high-performance LED headlamps for enhanced visibility and the premium Burmester sound system. The Premium 3 package marks a significant step up in technology, incorporating an electronic trunk closer for ease of use, voice controls for hands-free operation, ambient interior lighting to personalize the cabin atmosphere, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation for advanced infotainment, and a touchpad infotainment controller for intuitive system management. The most comprehensive, the Premium 4 package, focuses on advanced safety and driver-assistance systems. It includes 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 enhanced passenger well-being, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams for optimal nighttime visibility. Selecting these Premium packages often requires adding heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats, further enhancing comfort.
For the C300 coupe and cabriolet, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages align with the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages respectively in terms of feature content. Notably, a Premium 4 package is not offered for the two-door models. For ride comfort and handling customization, the Airmatic package offers an air suspension with selectable suspension tuning modes.
Standalone Options for Further Personalization
Beyond package configurations, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 offers a range of standalone options for individualization. These include a panoramic sunroof for an even more open cabin feel, a head-up display projecting key driving information onto the windshield, heated and ventilated front seats for year-round comfort, a heated steering wheel for cold climates, and various interior and exterior trim pieces allowing for bespoke aesthetic touches.
AMG Models: Stepping Up to Performance
For drivers seeking elevated performance, the AMG lineup within the C-Class provides compelling options. The AMG C43 comes standard with the Premium 1 package (as applicable to body style) and differentiates itself with unique interior trim, including 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 further elevate the standard equipment, including the Premium 2 package. Sport seats, red seat belts, and a specialized AMG head-up display are available to enhance the sporty interior ambiance of AMG models. For coupe variants, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, performance exhaust systems, and upgraded wheels and tires can be specified to further sharpen their dynamic capabilities.
Engine and Performance of the 2017 C300
At the heart of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 lies a 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. Opting for the 4Matic system equips the C300 with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.
Mercedes-Benz estimates the C300 sedan and coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, providing brisk performance for daily driving and confident highway merging. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for the 4Matic version, balancing performance with reasonable efficiency.
In contrast, the AMG C43 boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz estimates the AMG C43’s 0-60 mph sprint at 4.6 seconds, showcasing a significant performance leap. The AMG C63 models take performance even further with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the C63 and an even more potent 503 hp and 516 lb-ft in the C63 S. Both AMG C63 variants utilize a seven-speed automatic transmission engineered for high performance, achieving estimated 0-60 mph times of 4.0 and 3.9 seconds, respectively. Convertible versions of the AMG models are typically a tenth of a second slower in 0-60 mph acceleration.
Conclusion: The Well-Rounded Appeal of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 offers a compelling entry point into the luxury C-Class lineup. With its refined turbocharged engine, available all-wheel drive, and a comprehensive suite of standard features, the C300 caters to a broad range of buyers. The availability of Sport and Luxury trims, coupled with extensive optional packages and standalone features, allows for significant personalization to match individual preferences and needs. Whether prioritizing sophisticated comfort, advanced technology, or engaging performance, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 presents a well-rounded and desirable luxury vehicle option.
