2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300
No longer the baby Benz sedan, the new larger, safer C-Class is more sophisticated, efficient and expressively styled. It's an adult car—they fit much better than in the CLA—without making me feel old and wondering where I left my cufflinks. It feels like a proper, small version of a larger Benz sedan, not an unrefined, de-contented attempt to attract younger or lower-budget drivers. (Overall Score: 7.7)
Walkaround
U.S.-spec model tested.
On alternate days I view C as a proportionally smaller S-Class with a bobbed trunk or an inflated midriff four-door SLS; another half-metre of roofline could make an FF-esque shooting brake of it.
I like these turbine-style 19-inch wheels (part of the C 400 sport package in Canada) but wouldn't want to clean them: Convert the standard wheels to winter duty and get these for great summer tire mounts. (Score: 6.8)
Interior
Most of the 75 mm additional wheelbase went into rear seat room, now a realistic adult proposition. The seats are nicely contoured and cushioned, set aft of the door aperture where outer armrests mightn't be comfortable for all. Folding seatbacks expand the 360-litre trunk.
Although C is bigger, thicker pillars, broader console rolling from dash to armrest, and wider window sills make it feel cosier in front—not small, just more enveloping, and the seats are quite comfortable. This interior fitting for the company that built the Silver Arrows, all silver and black with contrast-stitch leather, expensive-looking speaker grilles, vents and seat adjusters, and matte ash wood—don't think I'd want anything glossy in here.
Resolution and graphics are nice but the primary display looks like someone just stuck a big-screen atop the dash, and not one you simply lift to unplug and stow out of sight, the gauge backgrounds remind me of non-stick pans, there's a stalk-farm column left, and wiper controls need a hand off the wheel. (Score: 8.6)
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Tech
This latest generation COMAND navigation supplies all you need for mapping, music and communications: Good Bluetooth hands-free, SD/DVD/USB/aux inputs, 10-gb HDD and the booming Burmester 13-speaker sound upgrade delivers generous low frequencies right up front at dash level. My inner adult left every time I rolled the volume wheel up.
Most infotainment processes run through a center control wheel and a full-function trackpad right over it—I suspect you can do virtually everything at least two ways, only a few very simply. Multiple cursor options mean you have to keep your hand still on it (it's a great palm-warmer)…better to keep it on the wheel.
And with this car seemingly loaded and offering virtually every safety system you could get on the last S-Class except night-vision, I'm wondering what I'm missing in the six switch blanks. (Score: 7.8)
Driving
Lighter by 80 kg, the new C marries its predecessor's confident surefootedness with excellent body control, ride that minimizes bumps and more enthusiasm and grip—bigger tires, less weight: Sport guise gives an enjoyable all-wheel drive luxury car rather than sport sedan. Optional air suspension brings load-leveling if you commute solo and stuff it on the weekends, plus adjustable firmness via the "agility select" system. I wouldn't bother, as the changes on the non-air car are subtle, and air-sprung cars rarely match the precision of their coil-spring stable-mates.
Electric-assist steering is quick, roughly two rotations lock to lock, and adds effort off center but road isolation was clearly the priority over feedback. Brakes have immediate bite and excellent feel, but note the U.S. Sport pack includes larger front brakes and you need the sticky tires to get the best of them either way.
The 2.0-litre turbo four comes across as smoother and more refined than the CLA's. It relies on low-end torque and is reluctant to downshift unless in Sport mode or you mat it. A 329-hp V-6 is a second quicker to 100 km/h (5.2 secs) and a litre thirstier, but I find the lighter four-cylinder more than satisfactory: Rated 10.1/7.8, I averaged 8.1 with the relatively quick auto stop/start on.
At highway speeds wind noise seeped in around the front windows, and certain surfaces caused more road noise from the front than rear, but nothing to remove the "luxury" label or disturb your playlist. (Score: 8.9)
Value
At $54,000 loaded like this, you're spending far more per cylinder than a V-8 S-Class. However, as close as you can compare (A4 offers a manual, IS and Q50 are V-6, C equipment exceeds most competitors) a 328xi is $3,000 more, the A4, ATS 2.0, IS250 and top TLX all around $50,000. (Score: 6.4)
Conclusion
A C-Class is exactly what the traditional Mercedes-Benz compact sedan buyer expects. It feels designed and built by S-Class makers, shares styling traits, has an understated luxurious cabin and refined road manners. It's not cheap but could demonstrate you get what you pay for.
Autofocus.ca is a Canadian automotive website dedicated to making car shopping easier and driving more fun. Follow Autofocus on Facebook and Twitter.
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