Review and photos by Tom Sedens
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Pricing: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Base price (C400 4MATIC trim): $51,400
Options: $2,700 Intelligent Drive package; $2,800 Sport package; $4,500 Premium package; $890 Sliver Palladium colour; $1,990 Black AMG leather upholstery; $1,200 Active LED high-performance lighting
Freight: $2,495
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $68,075
Exterior Styling: A Mini S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class underwent a significant transformation, embracing Mercedes’ contemporary design philosophy. In fact, the resemblance to the flagship S-Class is so striking that distinguishing between the two can sometimes be a challenge at a glance. For C-Class owners, this is undoubtedly a positive attribute. The C400 boasts appealing aesthetics, characterized by well-balanced proportions and a notably short front overhang that adds to its dynamic stance. Illumination is comprehensively handled by LEDs, starting with the assertive LED daytime running lights, shaped like distinctive eyebrows. Both the headlamps and tail lamps also utilize LED technology, contributing to the car’s modern and premium feel.
The front fascia of the C400 exudes aggression, with prominent air intakes featuring diamond-mesh inserts that suggest a high-performance nature. A sleek, wing-like front spoiler further enhances its sporty appearance. The 18-inch AMG wheels are visually striking, providing a glimpse of the substantial rotors and Mercedes-Benz branded calipers behind them. The overall design of the Mercedes C400 commands attention, and rightfully so, it’s a head-turning vehicle.
Interior, Technology and Cabin Comfort
Stepping inside the C400 reveals a contemporary and refined interior design. The flowing, yet understated forms are pleasing to the eye. The vertical waterfall effect of the center console and the clean dashboard lines are particularly noteworthy. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to high-quality materials is evident throughout the cabin. Soft-touch surfaces are abundant, complemented by elegant brushed aluminum accents and contrasting stitching on the dashboard and seats, elevating the sense of luxury. The meticulously crafted Burmester speaker grilles deserve special mention, setting a benchmark for in-car audio aesthetics.
The heated front seats offer an extensive range of adjustments, including power controls for the headrests and knee bolsters. More importantly, they are exceptionally comfortable, providing excellent lateral support and overall comfort—a desirable combination for both spirited driving and long journeys. The center stack presents a refreshed and uncluttered design. However, the piano black trim, while stylish, is prone to attracting dust and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance.
Continuing the theme of class-leading features, the C400’s infotainment screen is truly outstanding. It boasts unparalleled sharpness and contrast, arguably the best in the automotive industry. The input system, however, is a mixed bag. It combines a rotary COMAND controller, familiar from previous Mercedes-Benz systems, with a wrist-rest that doubles as a touchpad and a handwriting recognition input for letters and numbers. While functional, the system can be somewhat distracting to use while driving, potentially detracting from the overall driving experience.
Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, and the C400 is equipped with not one, but two sunroofs – a large panoramic sunroof for the front occupants (which is operational) and a smaller sunroof above the rear seats, enhancing the cabin’s airy feel. For those who value driver assistance technologies, the C400, especially when optioned as in this review, offers a comprehensive suite. This includes a rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors, DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active parking assist, blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, attention assist (driver fatigue detection), cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking. This extensive list underscores the C400’s commitment to safety and convenience.
Rear Passenger Space and Comfort
The comfort isn’t limited to the front seats; the rear seats of the C-Class are also well-designed for passenger comfort. Legroom is ample, providing generous space for rear occupants. However, headroom is somewhat limited. For occupants around 5’10” in height, it’s adequate, but taller passengers might find their hair brushing against the headliner. The outboard rear seats are the most comfortable, as the center passenger must contend with a significant floor tunnel. Rear amenities include an ashtray, a 12V charging socket, and adjustable air vents.
Families with three children might find the rear seating configuration less ideal. The middle seat is less comfortable and more restrictive, potentially leading to complaints from the center passenger on longer trips. For families with younger children, the C400 is equipped with two sets of ISOFIX child seat anchors on the outboard seats.
Storage Solutions and Trunk Space
In terms of interior storage, the center console offers two cupholders and a traditional ashtray concealed beneath a large hinged lid. The armrest features a clamshell opening, revealing a small storage compartment that also houses two USB ports.
The C400’s sleek styling does compromise trunk space somewhat. The shallow trunk depth can make it challenging to transport taller items. Full-size suitcases, in particular, might present a packing puzzle due to the limited vertical space.
Engine and Performance Specs of the Benz C400
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz C400 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It shares a 7-speed automatic transmission with other C-Class models and features Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard. Fuel economy is rated by Mercedes-Benz at 11.1 L/100 km (21 US mpg) in urban driving conditions and 8.4 L/100 km (28 US mpg) on the highway. During the test drive, with spirited driving, the average fuel consumption was around 11 L/100 km, aligning closely with the manufacturer’s city rating.
Driving Dynamics and On-Road Behavior
Upon starting the C400, the engine’s initial sound is surprisingly subdued. It settles into a refined purr, which might initially lead one to underestimate its performance capabilities. However, the low, sporty driving position hints at a more dynamic character. The twin-turbo V6 engine delivers power with remarkable smoothness, feeling effortlessly potent across the rev range. The C400 never feels strained, even under demanding acceleration.
The C400 offers four distinct driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport +. The latter two modes significantly alter the car’s character, sharpening throttle response and firming up the suspension for a more engaging driving experience. In Sport and Sport + modes, the C400’s acceleration is genuinely impressive. While the engine note is understated at idle, under hard acceleration, it produces a pleasingly throaty V6 sound. The 7-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly and efficiently, shifting seamlessly and holding gears when appropriate, depending on the selected driving mode and driving style. Paddle shifters are also provided for those who prefer manual gear selection.
The sport-tuned suspension achieves a good balance between responsive handling and ride comfort. While body roll is minimal in corners, the ride remains generally compliant, although larger road imperfections like potholes are noticeable within the cabin. The C400’s sport brakes are powerful and effective, providing confident stopping power without feeling overly aggressive in normal driving.
The C400 excels in terms of refinement and quietness, particularly at highway speeds between 80-100 km/h (50-60 mph). It delivers a remarkably serene and composed driving experience. One minor critique pertains to the steering assist feature. On highways, it functions adequately, essentially steering the car autonomously, which can feel somewhat unnatural. However, in more congested areas, the system’s performance is less refined. It can apply the brakes abruptly and steer the car back into the lane if it detects lane drifting, which can be more unsettling than helpful. Due to this behavior, the steering assist feature was deactivated after initial testing.
Minor Criticisms
One area of minor complaint is the number of stalks on the steering column, especially the three located on the left side. Additionally, the cruise control stalk is positioned out of direct sight, making it difficult to operate without prior familiarity or consulting the owner’s manual.
Another personal preference is the placement of the volume control on the center console. Ideally, it would be located on the center stack for easier reach. Overall, the build quality and finish are excellent, with one minor exception: occasional rattles were heard from the rear window ledge when encountering larger bumps in the road.
Final Verdict: The Benz C400 – A Near-Perfect C-Class?
So, is the C400 the ultimate C-Class model? If you prioritize strong performance but find the extreme capabilities (and associated costs and fuel consumption) of the C63 AMG excessive, then the C400 represents a compelling middle ground. In fact, reviewing the 2015 C400 now is almost rendered academic by the subsequent release of the 2016 C450 AMG. The C450 AMG is essentially the same car, but with an upgraded engine delivering even greater performance (362 HP and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds).
Ultimately, both the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 and the newer 2016 C450 AMG are excellent choices. Prospective buyers might find attractive deals on remaining 2015 C400 inventory, while the C450 AMG offers a step up in performance. Both represent a sweet spot in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and everyday usability.
The “Wife Acceptance Factor” (WAF) was notably high. With a pre-existing affinity for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the C-Class styling resonated strongly, and its ease of driving was praised. The C400’s visual appeal and the attention it garnered in public spaces were also considered significant positives. For many buyers, these factors are important considerations.
Disclosure: Vehicle was provided by Mercedes-Benz Canada.
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