TEST DRIVE: Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic

[siko]

When I got a call that the new C are readily available for test drives, I didn’t hesitate to go. I had a chance to drive the C300 4Matic. Sadly, the C350 was already out on a test drive, and the dealer was closing is less then 40 minutes, so I didn’t risk waiting.

As some probably know, I truly hated the previous generation. It wasn’t so much that it was ugly, but I found it extremely boring. Clearly that’s all changed with the W204.

I didn’t take any pictures, but my test car looked exactly like this:




My Test Car
Specs:

• 3.0 DOHC 24-valve 90º V-6
• 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• 221 lb-ft @ 2,700-5,000 rpm
• 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission
• 0-100 is 7.3 seconds

Options

• Premium Package
• Sport Package

The Good
The look of the car, especially the front, is great! I mean the front (with the AMG sport package) is simply stunning. Overall, a great look and a great presence on the road.

The interior. I’ve always said that MB’s makes the best-in-class interiors. The touch-and-feel of the cockpit oozes quality and the ergonomics are great. Seating comfort and driving position were great as well. It was roomy too!

The equipment… standard options include 17” rims, cornering lights, alarm system, adaptive suspension, power seats & mirrors, sunroof, Bluetooth integration & Command system (Navigation is extra though). And this is only the C300 model! Plus a free sport package! You just can’t go wrong.

The pricing... with all those goodies I mentioned above you get a relatively low price tag! A similarly equipped 328xi will set you back an extra 5k or so! Great job MB!

The handling was also great. Although I didn’t push the car since it was night time and the cops are always lurking in the dark, the car really seemed to hold the road. It is truly close to the 3er… only lacking the patented BMW steering feedback, like all the others. But I must say, the difference seemed very small and it was better then the respectable A4 and much better then the somewhat-floating-steering of the IS.

The ride was extremely comfortable. Best in-class IMO. The 7-speed is silky smooth and the adaptive suspension was doing a great job on bumpy road.



The Bad
No manuals (at least until next year). Although I found the 7-speed extremely smooth, the car slightly hesitated and thus lacked the necessary oomph when I floored the gas pedal.

Another thing I didn’t like was the manual mode of the tranny. I find it very counterintuitive to push the lever sideways to shift gears. But I imagine one can get used to it.

Lastly, a huge pet-peeve of mine is centre consoles that are turned towards the passenger side. To me it’s an indication that this is NOT a driver’s car. But mind you, this is only a minor offence and is forgivable.



The Ugly
The rear, well not really ugly, actually pretty far from ugly… but since I can’t really find anything to write about in this section I will mention again that the weakest part of the design is the rear (tail-lights). If only MB managed to nail the rear is such a fantastic way as they penned the front of this generation, this would truly be the undisputed champ of the class.



The Verdict
I know this class very well since I drove pretty much all variations of the 3ers (except the 3.0TT), the B7 A4, the G35 and even an IS250 AWD.

I can safely say that this is the best sedan in terms of comfort and luxury in this class (at least until the B8 hits the streets… but we’ll have to see then).

Yes the 3er is still more dynamic and more driver-oriented… but if that’s secondary to you, the new C is the way to go.



Further considerations
I will be shopping for a replacement for my 325i next summer. I can honestly say that I will look into this car, along with the 328xi and maybe even the A4 (but only if Audi starts offering descent leasing options).

If you are shopping in this class… a test drive of the new C is a must.

[Tarek]

Great review Siko ,so how did the 4matic do to handling,is it as fun as RWD?

[ree]

Thanks for this review, Siko!!

[etlomotey]

Nice review

[siko]

Originally Posted by atuv

Great review Siko ,so how did the 4matic do to handling,is it as fun as RWD?

Handling was very good... even too good since it seemed impossible to lose the rear while taking a corner. So a little less fun then pure RWD, but safer I imagine.

I was told the C has a permanent torque split of 45/55. So you do get a slight sensation that it's a RWD car, although not as much as the 3er/IS/G since they have a variable split with possible higher rear bias.

So if you are looking for pure enjoyment and AWD is not really an issue, then forget the 4Matic.

Myself, my next car will be our family (note the drop in my and switch to our) so I will be looking for AWD since the winters up here can be treacherous.

[cawimmer430]

Excellent and detailed review, Siko. Well done. Karma given.

[Hobo86]

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My video and article about my new C...