The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment, and the C400 variant once stood out as a particularly compelling option. Positioned above the base models but below the high-performance AMG versions, the Mercedes Benz C400 aimed to offer a perfect blend of power, luxury, and everyday usability. While it has since been replaced by newer models, the C400 remains a noteworthy vehicle, especially in the pre-owned market. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review of the Mercedes Benz C400 based on a hands-on experience.
Striking Exterior Design
The C-Class design introduced with this generation was indeed revolutionary, mirroring Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary design philosophy. It’s easy to see the resemblance to the flagship S-Class, a definite plus for C-Class owners. The Mercedes Benz C400 boasts attractive proportions, highlighted by a notably short front overhang. LED lighting is prominent throughout, from the distinctive LED daytime running lights to the headlights and taillights, contributing to a modern and aggressive aesthetic.
The front fascia of the Mercedes Benz C400 exudes aggression with large air intakes featuring diamond-mesh inserts and a sporty front spoiler. The tested model was equipped with attractive 18-inch AMG wheels, showcasing substantial rotors and Mercedes-Benz branded calipers, further enhancing its sporty appeal. The overall design is undeniably eye-catching, drawing attention wherever it goes.
Premium Interior, Advanced Technology, and Comfort
Stepping inside the Mercedes Benz C400, you are greeted with a contemporary and refined interior. The design language is characterized by flowing, elegant shapes, particularly the dashboard’s vertical waterfall edge and clean lines. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality is evident in the extensive use of high-grade, soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. Brushed aluminum accents and contrast stitching on the dashboard and seats elevate the visual appeal. A standout feature is the exquisitely crafted Burmester speaker grilles, arguably the most aesthetically pleasing in the automotive industry.
The heated front seats in the Mercedes Benz C400 offer exceptional adjustability, including power adjustments for headrests and knee bolsters. More importantly, they are remarkably comfortable, providing excellent bolstering and support, striking a perfect balance for both long drives and spirited cornering. The center console features a sleek, uncluttered design. However, the piano black trim, while stylish, is prone to showing dust and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look.
Continuing the theme of industry-leading features, the infotainment screen in the Mercedes Benz C400 is truly exceptional. It boasts unparalleled sharpness and contrast, making it a leader in its class. The input system, however, is a combination of a rotary COMAND controller, a touchpad, and a fingertip input for handwriting recognition. While functional, the touchpad interface can be distracting to use while driving.
The Mercedes Benz C400 is well-equipped with convenience and safety features, including dual-zone climate control and dual sunroofs – a large panoramic sunroof for front passengers and a smaller one for the rear. Driver assistance technologies are abundant, featuring a backup camera, front and rear parking sensors, DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active parking assist, blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, attention assist, cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking.
Comfortable Rear Seating
The rear seats of the Mercedes Benz C400 are also designed for comfort. Legroom is ample, although headroom might be slightly limited for taller passengers. The outboard rear seats are more comfortable than the middle position due to the presence of a significant floor tunnel. Rear passengers benefit from amenities like an ashtray, a 12V charging socket, and adjustable air vents. Child seat installation is facilitated by two sets of ISOFIX anchors. However, the middle rear seat is less accommodating, making it less ideal for carrying three adults or children in the back.
Practical Storage Solutions
For front occupants, the Mercedes Benz C400 offers practical storage solutions including two cupholders and a concealed ashtray in the center console. The armrest compartment provides additional storage and houses two USB ports. The trunk space, however, is somewhat compromised by the car’s sleek styling. The shallow trunk depth can pose challenges when transporting taller items, such as full-size suitcases.
Potent Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
Under the hood, the Mercedes Benz C400 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Fuel economy is rated at 11.1 L/100 km (21 US mpg) in the city and 8.4 L/100 km (28 US mpg) on the highway. Real-world testing yielded an average fuel consumption of around 11 L/100 km with spirited driving.
Engaging Driving Dynamics
Starting the Mercedes Benz C400 reveals a refined engine note, hinting at the power within. The driving experience is characterized by smooth and responsive power delivery from the twin-turbo V6. The car feels effortlessly powerful across the rev range.
The Mercedes Benz C400 offers four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Sport and Sport+ modes significantly enhance the driving experience, sharpening throttle response and firming up the suspension. In these modes, the car’s acceleration is surprisingly brisk, accompanied by a pleasing V6 engine sound under hard acceleration. The 7-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly, holding gears when appropriate in sportier modes and offering manual control via paddle shifters.
The sport-tuned suspension of the Mercedes Benz C400 strikes a good balance between agile handling and ride comfort. While body lean is present in corners, handling remains confident. The ride is generally compliant, although larger road imperfections like potholes can be felt within the cabin. The sport brakes are powerful and responsive, providing ample stopping power.
The Mercedes Benz C400 excels in terms of refinement, offering a remarkably smooth and quiet ride, especially at highway speeds. The steering assist feature, however, can feel intrusive and unnatural, particularly in congested areas where it can react abruptly to lane drifting. For some drivers, disabling this feature may be preferable.
Minor Drawbacks
Some minor criticisms include the crowded steering column stalk arrangement, particularly the three stalks on the left side. The cruise control stalk is also obscured from view, making it difficult to operate without prior familiarity. The placement of the volume control on the center console, rather than the center stack, might also be less convenient for some drivers. While overall fit and finish is excellent, some rattles from the rear window ledge were noted over larger bumps.
Verdict: A Compelling Pre-Owned Option
Was the Mercedes Benz C400 the perfect C-Class? At the time of its release, it was arguably the sweet spot in the range. For those seeking a performance-oriented C-Class without venturing into the higher price and more extreme performance of the C63 AMG, the C400 presented an excellent compromise. While succeeded by the C450 AMG (later renamed C43 AMG) with even more power, the Mercedes Benz C400 remains a highly desirable vehicle, especially as a pre-owned option. It offers a potent engine, luxurious interior, and stylish design, making it a compelling choice in the used luxury sedan market. Choosing between a well-priced Mercedes Benz C400 and a newer C43 AMG depends on individual priorities and budget, but both represent excellent choices within the Mercedes-Benz C-Class family.
The Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) was reportedly very high, with positive comments on the styling and ease of driving, further solidifying the Mercedes Benz C400‘s appeal as a well-rounded luxury vehicle.
This review highlights the enduring appeal of the Mercedes Benz C400, positioning it as a strong contender for those seeking a balanced and luxurious driving experience in a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz sedan.
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