The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the entry point into the prestigious Mercedes-Benz lineup in the US market, received a significant refresh in 2008. This update brought a wave of modernization, positioning it as a compelling option within the semi-sporty compact luxury sedan segment. Having previously explored and lauded the C300 Sport and the high-performance C63 AMG, we now turn our attention to the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 to assess its place in the range and understand its appeal to discerning drivers.
However, our experience with the 2010 C350 presented a valuable lesson in the importance of option selection when configuring a luxury vehicle. While the allure of the larger 3.5-liter V6 engine in the C350 compared to the C300’s 3.0-liter V6 might seem enticing, our test model highlighted potential pitfalls. Specifically, the absence of the navigation system exposed a significant weakness – a subpar iPod integration system that detracts from the overall in-cabin experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of the 18-inch AMG wheel package, while aesthetically pleasing, seemed a less impactful investment than upgrading the vehicle’s electronics to enhance usability and enjoyment.
C350 vs. C300: Performance and Drivetrain
Delving into the performance figures, Mercedes-Benz specifications indicate that the 2010 C350 achieves 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, a mere second quicker than the C300. The 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood of the C350 generates 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, compared to the C300’s 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.
While the C350 undeniably offers brisker acceleration than the C300, the real-world difference in perceived performance is less pronounced. This is partly attributed to the C350’s exclusive pairing with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Although Mercedes-Benz has masterfully refined automatic transmissions to deliver a responsive and almost manual-like driving feel, the inherent characteristics of a torque converter can subtly dampen the engine’s raw power delivery.
Front three-quarter view of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 showcasing its sporty AMG wheel package.
The C300, in contrast, offers a choice between the same seven-speed automatic and a more engaging six-speed manual transmission, catering to driving enthusiasts who prefer greater control. In the C350, drivers can toggle between Comfort and Sport modes via a button near the gear selector, altering the transmission’s shift points for a more aggressive response. Manual gear changes are also possible by moving the shifter laterally, providing reasonably swift shifts. However, our evaluation suggests that the performance gap between the C300 and C350 isn’t as substantial as the engine displacement difference might imply.
The chassis and suspension are shared between both C-Class models. The four-wheel independent suspension system, complete with front and rear stabilizer bars and anti-dive control, ensures composed handling during spirited cornering in both the C300 and C350. While the C350’s additional 37 pound-feet of torque theoretically should provide an advantage when accelerating out of corners, in practice, the C350 didn’t exhibit a dramatically superior edge in handling prowess.
Fuel Economy Considerations
Unsurprisingly, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 experiences a minor fuel economy reduction compared to the C300 due to its larger engine. However, the difference is minimal, with EPA ratings showing 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the C350. During our mixed driving conditions, encompassing both city streets and freeway stretches, we recorded an average fuel economy of 20.1 mpg. Furthermore, during extended freeway driving, the trip computer indicated mileage figures exceeding 24 mpg, demonstrating respectable efficiency for its class.
Cabin Technology and the Infamous iPod Interface
A notable drawback encountered during our evaluation of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 was the underwhelming standard cabin electronics, particularly when forgoing the optional navigation system. Instead of a large central LCD screen typically associated with navigation systems, the standard C350 features a smaller screen concealed beneath a hatch in the dashboard, accompanied by the familiar Mercedes-Benz COMAND controller on the center console.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the optional iPod integration kit, featuring a connector located in the glove compartment. However, the user experience proved frustratingly unintuitive. Initially, accessing music playback from an iPod through the stereo system proved perplexing. After some investigation, the auxiliary input setting was discovered, accessible only through the COMAND interface.
While this enabled music playback, the system offered no on-screen interface for music selection. Instead, the currently playing track was displayed within the speedometer cluster, which also houses the trip computer and audio information. Steering wheel directional buttons allowed sequential navigation through the track list, but deciphering how to browse artists and albums required consulting the owner’s manual, revealing a convoluted process involving the phone hang-up button.
This optional iPod integration system feels like an afterthought, especially when compared to the seamless functionality of satellite radio and CD playback displays on the car’s LCD. However, it’s crucial to note that Mercedes-Benz offers solutions to significantly improve the in-car technology experience. Opting for the navigation system upgrade not only provides a larger display but also unlocks the Music Register, an onboard storage for digital music files. This navigation option also presents iPod and Music Register music libraries with a proper on-screen interface. Alternatively, the less expensive COMAND package provides the larger screen and enhanced interface without the navigation system or Music Register.
Another worthwhile upgrade, absent in our test car, is the Harmon Kardon Logic7 premium sound system. This system comprises a 450-watt amplifier and 10 speakers, promising a significantly richer audio experience compared to the standard eight-speaker system, which we found to deliver rather uninspired sound quality.
Standard features include a hands-free Bluetooth phone system. While functional, it offers no standout features. It includes an onboard phone book, but contact entries need to be manually transferred from a phone to the car’s system.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Sport and Tech
When equipped with the optional navigation system and upgraded audio, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 transforms into a well-rounded tech-savvy cruiser with a sporty driving character. However, in its base configuration, particularly lacking the navigation and COMAND packages, the C350 presents as a somewhat unremarkable semi-luxury sedan hampered by a frustrating iPod interface. The underlying mechanicals are commendable, with a reasonably potent engine achieving fuel economy figures comparable to some four-cylinder vehicles. The selectable Comfort and Sport driving modes are a welcomed feature, adding versatility to the driving experience.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 Spec Sheet
| Model | 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|
| Trim | C350 Sport |
| Powertrain | 3.5-liter V-6 |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway |
| Observed Fuel Economy | 20.1 mpg |
| Navigation | Optional hard drive-based |
| Bluetooth Phone Support | Standard |
| Disc Player | MP3-compatible single CD |
| MP3 Player Support | iPod integration |
| Other Digital Audio | Onboard hard drive (with navigation option), USB port, satellite radio |
| Audio System | 8-speaker standard, 5.1 channel Harmon Kardon optional |
| Driver Aids | Rearview camera |
| Base Price | $39,750 |
| Price as Tested | $42,020 |
