The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact executive car segment. Among its diverse offerings, the 2017 Mercedes-benz C 300 emerges as a compelling entry point, blending sophisticated features with a dynamic driving experience. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the C 300 provides a range of choices to suit varied preferences, all while maintaining the hallmark Mercedes-Benz quality and refinement.
The core of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 lies in its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a responsive and efficient performance. For those seeking enhanced traction, the C 300 4Matic variant adds all-wheel drive, ensuring confident handling in diverse weather conditions. Within the sedan configuration, buyers can further personalize their C 300 experience by choosing between Sport and Luxury subtrims. These trims offer subtle yet distinctive differences in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and styling cues, allowing for a tailored aesthetic and driving feel. Notably, opting for the Luxury package brings the iconic stand-up Mercedes-Benz hood star, appealing to traditionalists.
Standard equipment in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is generously appointed, reflecting its premium positioning. 17-inch wheels provide a balanced stance, while automatic wipers and a rearview camera enhance convenience and safety. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and 10-way power front seats with lumbar support ensure a comfortable environment for both driver and passenger. Driver-seat memory settings add a personalized touch, and synthetic leather upholstery, known as MB-Tex, offers a durable and premium feel. The versatile 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks enhance practicality. The COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller, provides access to Bluetooth, an audio system with CD player, dual USB ports, SD card reader, and HD radio.
Stepping into the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 coupe configuration brings further enhancements to the standard equipment list. 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof become standard, amplifying the sporty and open-air feel of the coupe. Interestingly, the rearview camera becomes an optional extra for the coupe, whereas it remains standard on the sedan. The convertible variant of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 includes the rearview camera as standard, alongside a power-folding fabric top for open-top enjoyment. Mercedes’ Airscarf system, which gently warms the neck and shoulders of front passengers, extends the top-down driving season. A removable wind blocker further enhances comfort, and a blind-spot monitor adds an extra layer of safety.
To further tailor the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 to individual preferences, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of optional packages. The Premium 1 package, available across sedan, coupe, and convertible models, includes blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. For coupe and convertible models, the Premium 1 package also upgrades the audio experience with a Burmester sound system. For the sedan, the Premium 2 package builds upon Premium 1 by adding LED headlamps and the premium sound system. The Premium 3 package elevates the technology quotient significantly, incorporating 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, includes a suite of active safety and collision mitigation and avoidance features, adaptive cruise control, a cabin air purification and fragrance system, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams. Selecting these premium packages often necessitates opting for heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats.
For coupe and cabriolet versions of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages align with the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages, respectively. Notably, a Premium 4 package is not offered for the two-door models. The Airmatic package presents an opportunity to enhance ride comfort and handling dynamics with an air suspension system featuring multiple tuning modes. Standalone options for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 include a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and various interior and exterior trim accents, allowing for highly personalized configurations.
While the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 serves as the entry point to the C-Class range, the lineup extends to include high-performance AMG models. The AMG C43, AMG C63, and AMG C63 S offer progressively more potent engines and sport-tuned features. AMG C43 models come standard with the Premium 1 package (as applicable to body style) and unique interior trim, including natural grain black wood trim in the sedan and gloss black trim in coupes and convertibles. The AMG C63 and C63 S sedan models include the Premium 2 package as standard. Sport seats, red seat belts, and a specialized AMG head-up display are available for AMG interiors. For two-door AMG models, carbon-ceramic brakes, performance exhaust systems, and upgraded wheels and tires can be specified to further amplify their sporting character.
Under the hood of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 resides a responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission choice, directing power to the rear wheels as standard. The 4Matic system provides all-wheel drive as an option. Mercedes-Benz estimates a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds for both the C 300 sedan and coupe. Fuel economy is estimated by the EPA at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for rear-wheel drive models and 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for 4Matic versions.
Moving up the performance ladder, the AMG C43 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, enabling an estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG C63 models boast a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the C63 and an even more potent 503 hp and 516 lb-ft in the C63 S. Both utilize a seven-speed automatic transmission. The AMG C63 and C63 S are estimated to reach 60 mph in 4.0 and 3.9 seconds, respectively. Convertible models across the AMG range are typically a tenth of a second slower in 0-60 mph acceleration.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C 300 offers a well-rounded package of luxury, performance, and technology within the compact executive segment. Whether opting for the sedan, coupe, or convertible, the C 300 provides a sophisticated entry point into the Mercedes-Benz brand, with ample opportunities for personalization to match individual preferences and needs.
