The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact car segment, offering a range of body styles and engine options to cater to diverse preferences. Among these, the 2017 Mercedes-benz C300 emerges as a popular choice, serving as the entry point to the C-Class sedan, coupe, and convertible lineup. This model delivers a compelling blend of sophisticated features, refined driving dynamics, and the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz marque.
The base 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is powered by a responsive turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. For those seeking enhanced traction and all-weather capability, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic variant adds all-wheel drive, ensuring confident handling in various road conditions.
Stepping into the realm of high-performance, the C-Class boasts AMG models, including the AMG C43, AMG C63, and AMG C63 S. While these offer exhilarating power and track-ready performance, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 provides a more balanced approach, focusing on everyday usability and refined comfort. A plug-in hybrid version, the C350e, was also slated for release later in the model year, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
For the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan, Mercedes-Benz offered Sport and Luxury sub-trims. These trims allowed for subtle personalization, offering variations in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and styling cues, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their taste without a significant price increase. Notably, enthusiasts of the classic Mercedes-Benz hood ornament could opt for the Luxury package to feature the iconic stand-up star.
Standard equipment on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is generous, reflecting its premium positioning. It includes 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers for convenience in inclement weather, and a rearview camera for enhanced safety during parking maneuvers. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passenger, while a power-adjustable steering wheel and 10-way power front seats with lumbar support and driver-seat memory settings prioritize driver ergonomics. The cabin is appointed with MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, known for its durability and premium feel. Practicality is addressed with 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks, enhancing cargo versatility. The COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller, provides access to vehicle functions, Bluetooth connectivity, and an audio system equipped with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio for entertainment on the go.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 coupe distinguishes itself with standard 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof, adding to its sporty and stylish appeal. However, the rearview camera becomes an optional extra on the coupe, whereas it is standard on the sedan. The convertible variant of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 includes the rearview camera as standard, along with a power-folding fabric top for open-air enjoyment. Mercedes’ Airscarf system, which gently warms the neck and shoulders of front passengers, extends top-down driving comfort into cooler weather. A removable wind blocker minimizes cabin turbulence, and a blind-spot monitor enhances safety during lane changes.
Option packages for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 allow for further customization and feature enhancements. The Premium 1 package, available across sedan, coupe, and convertible models, adds blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start for added convenience, and satellite radio for expanded entertainment options. Coupe and convertible versions of the Premium 1 package also include an upgraded Burmester sound system, appealing to audiophiles.
For the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan, the Premium 2 package builds upon Premium 1, adding LED headlamps for improved visibility and aesthetics, and the premium sound system if not already included. The Premium 3 package introduces more advanced technology, including an electronic trunk closer, voice controls for various vehicle functions, ambient interior lighting to personalize the cabin ambiance, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation for enhanced infotainment, and a touchpad infotainment controller for alternative input methods. The Premium 4 package focuses on safety and driver assistance, incorporating a suite of active safety and collision mitigation and avoidance features, adaptive cruise control for relaxed highway driving, a cabin air purification and fragrance system for a more pleasant in-cabin environment, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams for optimized nighttime visibility. Selecting these higher-tier Premium packages often necessitates opting for heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats, further enhancing comfort.
For the coupe and cabriolet 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 models, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages correspond to 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, available as an option, introduces an air suspension system with adjustable tuning modes, allowing drivers to tailor the ride quality and handling characteristics to their preferences.
Standalone options for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 provide further personalization, including a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, a head-up display projecting vital information onto the windshield, heated and ventilated front seats for year-round comfort, a heated steering wheel for cold-weather driving, and a variety of interior and exterior trim elements to personalize the vehicle’s aesthetics.
While AMG models like the C43, C63, and C63 S offer increased performance and sporty features, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 provides a refined and well-rounded driving experience. The AMG C43 models come standard with the Premium 1 package and unique interior trim elements. The AMG C63 and C63 S sedan models include the Premium 2 package as standard equipment. Sport seats, red seat belts, and a special AMG head-up display are available for the AMG models’ interiors, while performance-oriented options such as carbon-ceramic brakes, performance exhaust systems, and upgraded wheels and tires are offered for the two-door AMG models.
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 houses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 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 enhanced traction.
Performance figures for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 are respectable, with Mercedes-Benz estimating a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds for both the sedan and coupe models. Fuel economy is estimated by the EPA at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for the rear-wheel drive 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300, and 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for the 4Matic variant.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 serves as a compelling entry point into the Mercedes-Benz C-Class family. It offers a harmonious blend of luxury, performance, and technology, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a premium compact sedan, coupe, or convertible. With its range of customization options and body styles, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 caters to a broad spectrum of discerning drivers.
