The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 stands as a compelling option in the compact executive car segment, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and technology. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the C300 caters to a variety of tastes and needs. At its heart is a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing a spirited driving experience that’s both engaging and efficient. Let’s delve into the specifics of the 2017 C300 to understand what makes it a standout choice for discerning drivers.
Trim Levels and Configurations of the C300
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C Class C300 lineup begins with the base C300 trim, powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For enhanced traction and all-weather capability, the C300 4Matic variant adds all-wheel drive. Beyond these, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of AMG models for those seeking higher performance, including the AMG C43, AMG C63, and AMG C63 S. A plug-in hybrid, the C350e, was also slated for release later in the model year, expanding the C-Class’s powertrain options.
Within the C300 sedan trim, buyers could choose between two distinct subtrims: Sport and Luxury. These subtrims provided subtle variations in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and styling cues, allowing for a degree of personalization at a minimal cost difference. Notably, for enthusiasts of the classic Mercedes-Benz hood ornament, the Luxury package was the option to select.
Standard Features of the 2017 C300
Even in its standard configuration, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C Class C300 is generously equipped. Exterior highlights include 17-inch wheels and automatic wipers. Inside, convenience and comfort features abound, such as a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support and driver-seat memory settings. The upholstery is synthetic leather, Mercedes-Benz’s MB-Tex, known for its quality and durability. Practicality is addressed with 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks.
Technologically, the C300 features the COMAND infotainment system, controlled via a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, an audio system with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio.
Stepping up to the C300 coupe brings further enhancements to the standard equipment list. 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof become standard, although the rearview camera shifts to the optional extras list for this body style. Convertible models, on the other hand, retain the rearview camera as standard and add a power-folding fabric top, Mercedes-Benz’s Airscarf system (providing warmed air to the neck and shoulders of front occupants), a removable wind blocker, and a blind-spot monitor for added safety.
Available Options Packages for the C300
Mercedes-Benz offered a tiered system of Premium packages to further enhance the 2017 C300, with slight variations between the sedan and two-door models.
The Premium 1 package for the sedan added blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. For the coupe and convertible, this package additionally included an upgraded Burmester sound system.
Moving up to the Premium 2 package (sedan only) incorporated the Premium 1 upgrades and further added LED headlamps and the premium sound system.
The Premium 3 package represented a significant step up in technology features. It included an electronic trunk closer, voice controls, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation, and a touchpad infotainment controller.
The top-tier Premium 4 package (sedan only) focused on advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. It added a suite of active safety and collision mitigation and avoidance features, along with adaptive cruise control, a cabin air purification and fragrance system, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams. Selecting these top-level packages also necessitated opting for heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats.
For coupe and cabriolet models, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages mirrored the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages in terms of content. Notably, a Premium 4 package was not offered for the two-door C300 variants.
The Airmatic package, available as an option across the C300 range, introduced an air suspension system with selectable suspension tuning modes, allowing drivers to tailor the ride quality to their preferences.
Standalone options for the 2017 C300 offered further customization, including a panoramic sunroof (if not already standard), a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a variety of interior and exterior trim accents.
AMG Enhancements
The AMG C43 models came standard with the Premium 1 package (adapted for two-door and four-door configurations). Interior differentiation included unique trim elements, such as natural grain black wood trim in the sedan and gloss black trim in the coupe and cabriolet. The AMG C63 and C63 S sedan models further included the Premium 2 package as standard.
For the AMG models, optional sport seats, red seat belts, and a distinctive AMG head-up display were available to enhance the sporty ambiance. Specifically for the two-door AMG models, performance-oriented upgrades like carbon-ceramic brakes, a performance exhaust system, and upgraded wheels and tires could be specified.
Engine and Performance of the C300
Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C Class C300 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, providing a responsive and energetic driving experience. A seven-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission offering, directing power to the rear wheels in standard configuration. The 4Matic system, as mentioned, adds all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.
Mercedes-Benz estimated that the C300 sedan and coupe could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, a respectable figure for its class. Fuel economy, as estimated by the EPA, stood at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway) for the 4Matic version.
The AMG C43 significantly boosts performance with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. A new nine-speed automatic transmission was standard for this model. Mercedes-Benz estimated a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds for the AMG C43.
The AMG C63 models, in turn, featured a potent 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine. In the standard C63, this engine generated 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the C63 S variant pushed output to 503 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both utilized a seven-speed automatic transmission. Estimated 0-60 mph times were 4.0 seconds for the C63 and a blistering 3.9 seconds for the C63 S. Convertible versions of these AMG models were typically a tenth of a second slower in acceleration.
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C Class C300 presents a well-rounded package in the luxury compact car market. With its range of body styles, trim levels, and available features, it offers something for a wide spectrum of buyers. Whether prioritizing refined comfort, advanced technology, or exhilarating performance (especially in the AMG variants), the 2017 C300 deserves consideration for those seeking a premium driving experience.
