The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, particularly the popular C 300 model, offers a blend of luxury and performance, catering to diverse preferences through its trim levels and extensive options. Depending on the chosen trim, buyers can select between the Luxury and Sport sub-trims, each presenting unique characteristics in wheel design, suspension tuning, and subtle interior and exterior styling nuances. These differences include distinct grille and steering wheel designs that contribute to the overall aesthetic and driving experience.
The standard 2016 Mercedes-benz C 300 is well-equipped right from the base configuration. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and features automatic headlights and wipers for convenience. Power-folding side mirrors, with auto-dimming on the driver’s side, add a touch of sophistication. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort, while a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror enhance the driving experience. Occupants benefit from 10-way power front seats, including 4-way lumbar support and driver memory settings. The interior is finished with synthetic leather upholstery, known as “MB-Tex”, and practical 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks for cargo flexibility. Technologically, the C 300 features the COMAND infotainment system, centered around a 7-inch display screen and controlled by a console-mounted dial and touchpad interface. Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio complete the standard audio and connectivity offerings.
For those seeking enhanced features, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of optional packages for the 2016 C 300. The Premium 1 package adds convenience with keyless entry and ignition, along with the entertainment of satellite radio. Stepping up to the Premium 2 package brings in advanced lighting technology with LED headlights and taillights, and elevates the audio experience with a premium 13-speaker Burmester sound system, known for its exceptional audio quality and clarity.
The Interior package focuses on cabin luxury, upgrading to leather upholstery, setting a mood with ambient interior lighting, and providing heated and ventilated front seats for ultimate comfort in any climate. This package also includes power adjustments and memory settings for the front passenger seat, mirroring the driver’s seat adjustability. For tech enthusiasts, the Multimedia package upgrades the central display to a larger 8.4-inch screen and integrates a navigation system with voice controls and a rearview camera, enhancing both infotainment and driver assistance. Visibility is further improved with the Lighting package, which includes adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam control, optimizing illumination in varying driving conditions. Lastly, the Air Balance package introduces filtered and scented cabin air, creating a more pleasant and personalized in-car environment.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Night package, available with the Sport sub-trim, adds distinctive black-and-silver wheels and gloss-black exterior accents, giving the 2016 C 300 a more aggressive and unique appearance. Ride comfort and handling can be further refined with the Airmatic package, which incorporates an adjustable air suspension system, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s dynamics to their preferences.
Advanced driver assistance technologies are bundled in the Driver Assistance package. This includes adaptive cruise control for maintaining a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, blind-spot monitoring to alert drivers of vehicles in adjacent lanes, rear cross-traffic alert for safer reversing, and lane-departure intervention to help keep the car within its lane. It also features partial autonomous steering, a camera-based system designed to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, and an enhanced collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection and both front and rear impact sensors, prioritizing safety and accident prevention. Maneuvering in tight spaces becomes easier with the Parking Assist package, which adds front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel-parking system, and a surround-view parking camera system, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Moving up the performance ladder within the 2016 C-Class range, the all-wheel-drive C 450 AMG, available exclusively in the Sport sub-trim, boasts a V6 engine and 18-inch wheels. It features enhanced braking and steering systems, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension with a wider front track for improved handling, AMG-themed interior styling cues, and sport front seat bolstering for increased support during spirited driving. It also includes the features of the Premium 1 package as standard.
For ultimate performance enthusiasts, the rear-wheel-drive AMG C 63 sedan takes center stage with a powerful V8 engine, wider 18-inch wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential for enhanced traction, and performance software that includes a lap timer for track day enthusiasts. The even more potent AMG C 63 S variant further upgrades with 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, larger front brakes for increased stopping power, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential for optimized handling, active engine mounts to minimize engine movement during dynamic driving, and subtle interior trim enhancements.
The Premium 2 package and other packages mentioned earlier remain optional for the AMG C 63 trims, allowing for further customization. Additional options specific to the AMG C 63 (and some also offered on the C 450 AMG) include a dual-mode sport exhaust system for a more aggressive sound, carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim elements for a sporty and lightweight aesthetic, race-inspired front sport seats for maximum support, and distinctive two-tone leather upholstery. The AMG C 63 S is also eligible for upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, offering superior braking performance for track use.
Beyond packages, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 offers a selection of stand-alone options to personalize the vehicle further. These include a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, front and rear parking sensors as an alternative to the Parking Assist package, automatic parking assist for hands-free parking, a heated steering wheel for cold weather comfort, a head-up display projecting essential driving information onto the windshield, a power rear window sunshade for added privacy and sun protection, manual rear side window sunshades, and a power-closing trunk for effortless trunk operation.
In conclusion, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 stands out as a versatile luxury sedan, offering a wide array of customization possibilities through its trim levels, packages, and standalone options. Whether prioritizing luxury, sportiness, technology, or performance, the C 300 can be tailored to meet individual needs and preferences within the esteemed Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineage.
