The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic stands as a compelling choice in the compact luxury sedan segment, offering a blend of sophisticated features, robust performance, and all-weather capability. Building upon the foundation of the C-Class, the C300 4Matic elevates the driving experience with its standard all-wheel drive and a more powerful V6 engine, alongside a suite of comfort, convenience, and technology features.
The C300 4Matic, along with its C250 sibling, comes generously equipped right from the base trim. Exterior highlights include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and LED daytime running lights for enhanced visibility and a modern aesthetic. Automatic wipers and a sunroof add convenience and a touch of open-air enjoyment. Cruise control is standard for relaxed highway driving. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, upholstered in durable and elegant MB-Tex vinyl, provide excellent seating for long journeys. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and auto-dimming mirrors further enhance driver comfort and convenience.
On the technology front, the 2013 C300 4Matic features a 5.8-inch central display screen operated by the COMAND interface, managing the vehicle’s infotainment system. mbrace2 telematics and smartphone integration provide connected services, while Bluetooth phone and audio streaming keep you seamlessly connected. Entertainment is provided by a sound system that includes a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB port, and HD radio. The key differentiator for the C300 4Matic is its inclusion of all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions, and a more powerful V6 engine compared to the C250’s engine.
Luxury vs. Sport: Tailoring Your C300 4Matic
The 2013 C300 4Matic sedan offered further customization through Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These trims allowed buyers to tailor the vehicle’s appearance and driving dynamics to their preferences. The Luxury and Sport trims primarily differed in wheel designs, suspension tuning, and subtle interior and exterior styling cues. For instance, grille and steering wheel designs varied between the trims, giving each a distinct character. Notably, the C300 4Matic Luxury trim included a comfort-tuned suspension, prioritizing a smoother, more relaxed ride.
Premium 1 Package: Elevating Comfort and Convenience
For those seeking an even more luxurious experience, the Premium 1 package was available. This package significantly enhanced the C300 4Matic with features like four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, heated front seats for cold weather comfort, and driver memory functions to store personalized seat and mirror settings. A power-adjustable steering wheel further enhances driver customization. Practicality was also improved with split-folding rear seats, increasing cargo versatility. Audiophiles would appreciate the Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, complete with satellite radio and iPod interface (also available as a standalone option).
Coupe Configuration: Style and Features
The C-Class coupe variant offered a sportier and more stylish alternative. In coupe form, even the C250 trim received upgraded features that were optional on the sedan. These standard coupe features included a panoramic sunroof, split-folding rear seats, additional driver seat adjustments, driver memory functions, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, reflecting a more premium baseline specification for the coupe. The Premium 1 package for the coupe mirrored the sedan, adding heated seats and the Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface.
Expanding Performance: C350 and C63 AMG
While the focus is on the C300 4Matic, it’s worth noting the availability of higher-performance models within the 2013 C-Class range. The C350 sedan, offered exclusively in Sport guise, boasted a larger V6 engine and came standard with the Premium 1 package. The C350 coupe further added a panoramic sunroof. At the pinnacle of performance was the C63 AMG. While sharing similar comfort and convenience features with other trims, the C63 AMG distinguished itself with 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, sport seats, aggressive styling, and unique interior trim, signifying its high-performance nature.
Optional Packages: Further Personalization
The 2013 Mercedes C-Class offered a wide array of optional packages and standalone options, allowing buyers to extensively personalize their vehicles. The Sport package enhanced the sporty aesthetic with 18-inch AMG wheels, a rear spoiler, black upholstery with red stitching, sport seats and steering wheel, shift paddles, aluminum trim, red seatbelts, and black floor mats with red leather piping. For the C250 coupe, the Sport Package Plus took sportiness a step further, adding an AMG sport suspension, upgraded brakes, quicker steering, sport exhaust, and a sport mode for the transmission with rev-matching.
Technology upgrades were available through packages like the Multimedia package, which included a larger 7-inch infotainment screen, a rearview camera, navigation system, and a six-disc CD changer. The Lighting package added adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams for superior nighttime visibility. Safety-conscious buyers could opt for the Lane Tracking package, featuring blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning systems. The Driver Assistance package combined lane departure warning with adaptive cruise control and PreSafe brake, an advanced braking system that could automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent collisions.
For interior refinement, the Full Leather Seating package (available on all but the C63) offered extended leather trim, additional passenger seat adjustments, and passenger seat memory functions. The C63 AMG had its own performance-focused option, the AMG Development package, which boosted horsepower, increased top speed, and added red brake calipers and a carbon-fiber trunk lid spoiler. A limited-slip differential was also available for enhanced track performance.
Standalone options provided further flexibility, including a rearview camera, panoramic sunroof (for the sedan), power rear sunshade, keyless ignition/entry, and Parktronic advanced parking sensor system.
In conclusion, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic provided a well-rounded luxury experience with a strong emphasis on standard features, performance from its V6 engine and all-wheel drive system, and extensive customization options through trims and packages. Whether prioritizing luxury, sportiness, or advanced technology, the 2013 C300 4Matic offered a compelling entry into the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup.
