The Mercedes-Benz C-Class underwent a significant transformation, adopting Mercedes’ contemporary design language. At first glance, distinguishing the new C-Class from the flagship S-Class became a challenge – a definite win for C-Class enthusiasts. Its striking aesthetics are undeniable, particularly the aggressively short front overhang. LED technology illuminates the exterior, from the distinctive LED daytime running lights to the headlamps and taillights.
Pricing and Options (as tested):
- Base Price (2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC): $51,400
- Options: Intelligent Drive package ($2,700), Sport package ($2,800), Premium package ($4,500), Sliver Palladium metallic paint ($890), Black AMG leather upholstery ($1,990), Active LED high-performance lighting ($1,200)
- Freight: $2,495
- A/C tax: $100
- Total Price as Tested: $68,075
Striking Exterior Design
The front fascia exudes aggression with its prominent air intakes featuring diamond-mesh inserts and a refined “wing” front spoiler. The 18-inch AMG wheels are visually stunning, highlighting the substantial rotors and Mercedes-Benz branded calipers underneath. The 2015 Mercedes C400 commands attention and for good reason, its design is a head-turner.
LEDs are used extensively throughout the exterior lighting, contributing to both style and safety. The sharp lines and sculpted surfaces further enhance the dynamic appearance of this luxury sedan.
The side profile showcases balanced proportions and a sleek silhouette, emphasizing the car’s sporty yet elegant character. The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident from every angle of the 2015 Mercedes C400.
Premium Interior, Advanced Technology, and Convenient Features
Stepping inside the 2015 Mercedes C400 reveals a modern and sophisticated interior. The flowing, subtle shapes are aesthetically pleasing, with particular appreciation for the vertical waterfall design and uncluttered dashboard. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to high-quality materials is apparent, with soft-touch surfaces enveloping the cabin. Brushed aluminum accents and contrasting stitching on the dashboard and seats elevate the visual appeal. The meticulously crafted Burmester speaker grilles deserve special mention, representing some of the finest in the automotive industry.
The heated front seats offer an extensive range of adjustments, including power controls for the headrests and knee bolsters. Crucially, they are exceptionally comfortable, providing excellent support and bolstering – a perfect combination for both long drives and spirited cornering. The center console presents a refreshed, clean design. However, the piano black trim, while stylish, is prone to collecting dust and fingerprints, demanding frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look.
Continuing the theme of best-in-class features, the 2015 Mercedes C400 boasts a truly exceptional infotainment screen. Its sharpness and contrast are unmatched, delivering a visually stunning display. The input system, however, is a mixed bag. It combines the familiar rotary COMAND controller with a wrist rest that integrates a touchpad and fingertip input for letter and number recognition. While functional, the system can be distracting to use, potentially detracting from the overall driving experience.
Dual-zone climate control ensures personalized comfort, and the dual sunroofs – a large panoramic sunroof for the front passengers and a smaller one for the rear – enhance the sense of spaciousness. For drivers who appreciate advanced driver assistance technologies, the C400, when optioned as tested, is well-equipped. Features include 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 drowsiness detection), cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking.
Comfortable Rear Seating
The comfort extends beyond the front seats; the rear seats of the 2015 Mercedes C400 are also quite comfortable. Legroom is ample, though headroom is somewhat limited, especially for taller occupants. The outboard rear seats are more accommodating than the middle position due to the prominent floor tunnel. Rear passengers are provided with an ashtray, a 12V charging socket, and adjustable air vents.
Child seat installation is facilitated by two sets of ISOFIX anchors. However, the middle rear seat is less suitable for passengers, especially for longer journeys.
Practical Storage Solutions
In the front console, beneath a large hinged lid, are two cupholders and a traditional ashtray. The armrest features a clamshell lid that opens to reveal a small storage compartment housing two USB ports.
The stylish, sloping roofline impacts trunk space somewhat. The shallow trunk height can make transporting taller items, such as full-size suitcases, challenging.
Potent Powertrain
The 2015 Mercedes 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 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated by Mercedes-Benz at 11.1 L/100 km (21 US mpg) in the city and 8.4 L/100 km (28 US mpg) on the highway. Real-world testing yielded an average of 11 L/100 km with spirited driving.
Dynamic Driving Experience
Starting the C400 is a refined experience, with a subtle engine purr. The low, sporty driving position sets an engaging tone. The V6 engine delivers smooth, turbine-like power across the rev range, never feeling strained.
Four driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ – dramatically alter the C400’s character. Sport and Sport+ modes sharpen responsiveness and firm up the suspension, unlocking the car’s performance potential. The C400 is surprisingly quick in these modes, accompanied by a pleasingly throaty V6 sound under heavy acceleration. The 7-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly, holding gears when appropriate based on the selected driving mode and driving style. Paddle shifters offer a degree of manual control.
The sport-tuned suspension achieves a good balance between agile handling (with controlled body roll) and ride comfort. While generally compliant, larger road imperfections like potholes can be felt within the cabin. The C400’s sport brakes are powerful and responsive, providing confident stopping power.
The 2015 Mercedes C400 excels in smoothness and quietness, particularly at highway speeds. One minor drawback noted was the steering assist feature, which can feel unsettling in practice. While it functions on highways, in more congested areas, it can apply abrupt braking and steering corrections if the car drifts within the lane, leading to a more nervous driving experience. Disabling this feature might be preferred by some drivers.
Minor Criticisms
The steering column area was noted as being somewhat cluttered with stalks, especially the three on the left side. The cruise control stalk’s hidden position makes it difficult to operate without prior familiarity or visual inspection.
The placement of the volume control on the center console, rather than the more conventional center stack location, was also mentioned as a minor ergonomic preference. Overall fit and finish were excellent, with a minor exception of occasional rattles from the rear window ledge when encountering larger bumps.
Final Verdict: A Compelling C-Class Option
Is the 2015 Mercedes C400 the ideal C-Class model? For those seeking a performance-oriented vehicle without venturing into the higher price and more extreme performance of the C63 AMG, the C400 presents a compelling option. While succeeded by the 2016 C450 (later AMG C43) with even greater horsepower, the 2015 C400 remains a strong contender, particularly if available at an attractive price point. Choosing between a well-priced 2015 C400 and a newer model both represent excellent choices in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup.
The “Wife Acceptance Factor” was notably high, with appreciation for the Mercedes-Benz brand, the C-Class styling, and its ease of driving. The car’s visual appeal and attention it garnered in public spaces were also highlighted as positives.
Disclosure: Vehicle was provided by Mercedes-Benz Canada.
