The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 stands as a testament to automotive excellence, offering a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 caters to a wide range of preferences while consistently delivering the premium experience synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz marque. At its heart, a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides spirited performance, making the C300 an engaging and refined choice in the compact luxury segment.
Exploring the 2017 C-Class C300 Trims and Body Styles
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 sedan offers discerning buyers a choice between two distinct sub-trims: Sport and Luxury. While both share the foundational excellence of the C300, they diverge slightly in their aesthetic and dynamic characteristics. The Sport trim leans towards a more athletic stance with sport-tuned suspension and unique wheel designs, while the Luxury trim emphasizes classic elegance, notably featuring the iconic stand-up Mercedes-Benz hood ornament for enthusiasts who appreciate traditional styling cues. These subtle differences allow buyers to tailor their 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 sedan to match their personal style without compromising on the inherent quality and performance.
Stepping into the realm of two-door allure, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 coupe presents a sportier silhouette and enhanced standard features. Distinguishing itself from its sedan sibling, the coupe variant boasts larger 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment, amplifying its dynamic appeal and open-air ambiance. Interestingly, the rearview camera, standard on the sedan, becomes an optional feature for the coupe, allowing buyers to customize their preferred level of driver assistance technology.
For those seeking the ultimate in open-top driving pleasure, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 convertible, also known as the Cabriolet, delivers an exhilarating experience. Building upon the coupe’s foundation, the convertible adds a power-folding fabric top, seamlessly blending open-air freedom with refined luxury. Standard features are further enriched with a rearview camera, Mercedes’ innovative Airscarf system that gently warms the neck and shoulders of front passengers for comfortable top-down cruising in cooler climates, a removable wind blocker to minimize cabin turbulence, and a blind-spot monitor for enhanced safety.
Standard Equipment and Optional Enhancements
Regardless of the chosen body style, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 comes generously equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard features designed to elevate the driving experience. These include 17-inch wheels (18-inch for the coupe), automatic wipers, a rearview camera (standard on sedan and convertible), dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support, driver-seat memory settings, and sophisticated MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery. Practicality is also addressed with 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks for flexible cargo configurations.
The technological heart of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 is the COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen controlled by a console-mounted dial. Connectivity is well-covered with Bluetooth, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio, ensuring seamless integration of personal devices and media.
To further personalize and enhance the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of thoughtfully curated optional packages. The Premium 1 package, available across all body styles, adds valuable features such as blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. Coupe and convertible models also benefit from an upgraded Burmester sound system within this package.
For sedan models, the Premium packages expand further. The Premium 2 package encompasses the features of Premium 1 and adds LED headlamps and the premium Burmester sound system. Stepping up to the Premium 3 package introduces a significant leap in technology, including an electronic trunk closer, voice controls, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation, and a touchpad infotainment controller. The pinnacle of technology integration is the Premium 4 package, which incorporates 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. It’s worth noting that opting for these higher-tier Premium packages often necessitates the inclusion of heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats for optimal comfort.
For coupe and cabriolet variants, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages mirror the content of the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages, respectively. Notably, a Premium 4 package is not offered for the two-door models. For enhanced ride comfort and handling dynamics, the Airmatic package offers an air suspension system with adjustable suspension tuning modes.
Standalone options provide further avenues for customization, including a panoramic sunroof (for sedan and coupe), a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a variety of interior and exterior trim accents to personalize the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 to individual tastes.
Performance and Powertrain of the 2017 C300
Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 is a responsive and efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers a robust 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. A smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission choice, directing power to the rear wheels as standard. For enhanced all-weather capability and traction, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available as an option, distributing power to all four wheels for уверенное handling in varied conditions.
Mercedes-Benz estimates the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 sedan and coupe models can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds, showcasing its brisk performance. Fuel economy is also commendable, with EPA estimates of 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for the 4Matic variant.
While the focus here is on the C300, it’s worth briefly acknowledging the higher-performance AMG models within the 2017 C-Class range. The AMG C43 boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, while the AMG C63 and C63 S models unleash the formidable power of a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, catering to driving enthusiasts seeking even greater levels of performance.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 successfully encapsulates the essence of a luxury compact car, offering a compelling blend of refined driving dynamics, sophisticated technology, and customizable features. Whether opting for the sedan, coupe, or convertible, buyers are treated to a premium experience that upholds the esteemed Mercedes-Benz tradition. With its potent yet efficient engine, available all-wheel drive, and a wealth of standard and optional features, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 remains a highly desirable choice for those seeking luxury and performance in a compact package.
