The 2017 Benz C300 stands as a versatile luxury vehicle, available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, each offering a unique blend of comfort, performance, and technology. For those considering a premium compact car, understanding the nuances of the 2017 C300, including its various trims, options, and performance specifications, is crucial. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300, focusing on what makes it a compelling choice in the luxury car market.
The foundation of the 2017 Benz C300 lineup is the C300 trim, powered by a responsive turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For enhanced traction and all-weather capability, the C300 4Matic variant adds all-wheel drive. Stepping up the performance ladder introduces the AMG models: the AMG C43, boasting a twin-turbo V6, and the formidable AMG C63 and AMG C63 S, both equipped with twin-turbo V8 engines, albeit in different states of tune. Mercedes-Benz also planned to release a plug-in hybrid version, the C350e, later in the model year, catering to those seeking greater fuel efficiency.
Within the C300 sedan range, buyers could choose between Sport and Luxury subtrims. These distinctions primarily revolved around subtle variations in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and styling cues, offered at a minimal price difference. A notable feature for traditional Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts was the option to include the classic stand-up Mercedes-Benz hood star by selecting the Luxury package.
Standard equipment on the 2017 Benz C300 was comprehensive, reflecting its luxury positioning. It included 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, and a rearview camera for enhanced visibility. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support ensured driver and passenger comfort. Driver-seat memory settings added convenience, while synthetic leather upholstery (MB-Tex) provided a premium feel. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks enhanced practicality. The COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller, along with Bluetooth connectivity and an audio system with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio, catered to in-car entertainment and connectivity needs.
Choosing the C300 coupe variant brought upgrades like 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof as standard features. However, the rearview camera became an optional extra for the coupe. Convertible models, on the other hand, retained the standard rearview camera and added a power-folding fabric top for open-air enjoyment. Mercedes’ Airscarf system, which gently blows warm air onto the neck and shoulders of front passengers, and a removable wind blocker further enhanced the convertible experience, along with a blind-spot monitor for added safety.
Optional packages for the 2017 Benz C300 allowed for further customization, although the package contents varied slightly between the sedan and two-door models. The Premium 1 package commonly included blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. For coupe and convertible versions, this package also upgraded the audio system to a Burmester sound system.
For the C300 sedan, the Premium 2 package built upon Premium 1 by adding LED headlamps and the upgraded Burmester sound system. The Premium 3 package introduced significant technology enhancements, including an electronic trunk closer, voice controls, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation, and a touchpad infotainment controller. The most comprehensive, Premium 4 package, incorporated a suite of active safety, collision mitigation, and avoidance features, along with adaptive cruise control, a cabin air purification and fragrance system, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams. Selecting these premium packages often required opting for heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats.
In the coupe and cabriolet models, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages aligned with the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages, respectively. Notably, a Premium 4 package was not offered for the two-door C300 models. The Airmatic package presented an option for an air suspension system with adjustable tuning modes, allowing drivers to tailor the ride quality to their preferences.
Standalone options for the 2017 C300 offered further individualization, including a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display projecting key driving information onto the windshield, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and various interior and exterior trim choices to personalize the vehicle’s aesthetics.
Moving to the AMG performance models, the AMG C43 came standard with the Premium 1 package (as applicable to both two-door and four-door models). Distinctive interior trims set the AMG models apart, featuring natural grain black wood trim in the sedan and gloss black trim in the coupe and cabriolet. The higher-performance AMG C63 and C63 S sedan models included the Premium 2 package as standard. Sport seats, red seat belts, and a specialized AMG head-up display were available to further enhance the sporty interior ambiance of the AMG models. For the two-door AMG variants, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, performance exhaust systems, and upgraded wheels and tires were offered to elevate their sporting capabilities.
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission option, directing power to the rear wheels in standard configuration. The 4Matic system provides all-wheel drive for those seeking enhanced traction.
Mercedes-Benz estimated that the C300 sedan and coupe could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Fuel economy, as estimated by the EPA, stood at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for the 4Matic version.
The AMG C43 significantly boosted performance with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. A new nine-speed automatic transmission was standard for this model, enabling an estimated 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds.
The AMG C63 models housed a potent turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. In the standard AMG C63, this engine generated 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG C63 S increased output to an impressive 503 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both AMG C63 variants utilized a seven-speed automatic transmission. Performance estimates placed their 0-60 mph times at 4.0 and 3.9 seconds, respectively. They also featured a multiclutch, high-performance seven-speed automatic transmission. Convertible versions of these high-performance models were slightly slower, with 0-60 mph times typically a tenth of a second longer.
In conclusion, the 2017 Benz C300 offered a wide array of choices within the luxury compact segment. From the well-equipped and efficient C300 to the high-performance AMG models, and across sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the 2017 C300 catered to diverse preferences. Its combination of luxury features, performance options, and Mercedes-Benz engineering made it a strong contender for buyers seeking a premium driving experience.
