Mercedes-Benz C-class
A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pairs with either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Vibrations are restrained and the soundtrack is subdued and refined. But it doesn’t rev with much enthusiasm and feels slower than its rated 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Like its four-door sibling, we expect the C300 coupe to be a few tenths behind its quickest competition with a predicted zero-to-60 time of just over six seconds.
The C300 will launch in spring of 2016 with a seven-speed automatic, but that gearbox is merely a bandage until a new nine-speed unit replaces it a year later. The seven-speed transmission times its shifts smartly, yet during full-throttle kickdowns, gearchanges are slower than those of the eight-speed automatic BMW favors. We haven’t sampled the nine-speed in this car, so we can’t say whether the 2018-model-year C300 will cure that ailment.
C300 test car came equipped with the optional Airmatic suspension with air springs and electronically adjustable dampers. The high-tech equipment rides comfortably and handles predictably, if not exactly nimbly. Don’t mistake that for a full endorsement, though. The air suspension will add about $1200 to the price tag, and its chief advantage—the ability to level the ride height based on how weight is distributed in the car—is of limited value in a vehicle that won’t tow or haul much more than 150 pounds’ worth of kids in the back seat. The sloping roofline won’t accommodate adults in the rear, but as far as rear-seat space in two-door cars goes, the C-class coupe is quite generous.
The C300’s chief selling point is its beautifully designed and richly appointed cabin. Passengers are spoiled with excellent seats, stylish trim, and top-drawer fit and finish. Unfortunately, Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system threatens to spoil things, as it’s more difficult to use than the competition’s offerings. The click wheel requires cryptic combinations of nudges, presses, and scrolls to navigate the menus and the touchpad often registers unintentional taps. At this point, Mercedes-Benz would be wise to adopt the basic control and menu scheme that BMW’s iDrive and Audi’s MMI have established as the de facto industry standard.
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: C300, $42,000; C300 4MATIC, $44,000
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1991 cc
Power: 241 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 111.8 in
Length: 184.5 in
Width: 71.3 in Height: 55.3 in
Cargo volume: 14 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 3600-3700 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 6.0-6.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 15.9-16.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.5-14.6 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 24-25/31-34 mpg
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