Embarking on a European adventure, we began our journey with a flight from London to Porto, Portugal, to collect a brand-new Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe. As a seasoned owner of a 2010 C350 Estate, I was particularly keen to experience firsthand how the latest C-Class iteration stacked up against my trusted vehicle. The moment I settled into the driver’s seat of the C300, the leap in interior refinement and cutting-edge technology was immediately apparent. But let’s delve into those details a bit later. For now, let’s introduce the stunning Mercedes C300 in the captivating city of Porto.
After capturing the C300 against the picturesque backdrop of Porto, it was time to hit the open road. Our mission was to explore the Portuguese countryside and truly understand the Mercedes C300’s performance on an extended drive. Having limited past experience in Portugal, I was immediately captivated by the scenic beauty, constantly fighting the urge to pull over and photograph every breathtaking vista.
The remarkably low traffic volume was a pleasant surprise, making it feel as though we had discovered a hidden gem. This tranquility offered unparalleled freedom for photography, allowing us to park and capture shots wherever inspiration struck.
Navigating towards a dam on the Spanish border, we were treated to what can only be described as the most visually stunning border crossing imaginable.
Entering Spain, our destination shifted to Avila, a historic town renowned for its impressive castle walls. The journey to Avila presented an ideal opportunity to test the Mercedes C300’s advanced driving assistance systems, namely the steering assist and radar cruise control. To put it simply, the car felt like it was practically driving itself, a truly impressive feature that adds a layer of relaxation to long-distance journeys, allowing for brief moments of hands-free driving on straight stretches.
As is typical of our road trips, sunset approached while we were still driving. Veering off the main road, we ventured into the Spanish countryside in search of the perfect sunset photo opportunity. With the light fading rapidly, engaging the C300’s Sport Plus mode, we quickly located several picturesque spots. The golden hour light beautifully accentuated the sleek lines of the Mercedes C300 Coupe.
Our detour back to the main road led us through a quaint village, offering a glimpse into local Spanish culture. Observing farmers herding cows and elderly women strolling through the village provided an interesting cultural contrast.
Hours later, we arrived in Avila, utterly captivated by the town’s imposing presence. My travel companion, Charlie, remarked that it resembled a real-life setting from Assassin’s Creed, prompting a lighthearted reminder that perhaps video games weren’t entirely reality (though, I must admit, there was a resemblance).
We inadvertently navigated inside the town walls, only to discover a labyrinth of narrow, one-way streets, making our exit quite challenging. Thankfully, the Mercedes C300’s navigation system proved more adept at navigating the maze than we were, eventually guiding us out of the historical district.
Our first overnight stop was Segovia, a city highly recommended for its breathtaking Roman aqueduct. However, no amount of prior recommendations could have prepared us for the sheer scale and grandeur of the Segovia Aqueduct. It was truly monumental.
Day 2 – Segovia to Barcelona: Shifting Landscapes
Originally, Day 2 included a planned detour to Andorra for mountain photography. However, a quick check of the weather forecast prompted a change of plans, leading us towards Barcelona instead.
The 700km drive to Barcelona necessitated limiting our photo stops to ensure we arrived before nightfall. Yet, whenever the scenery beckoned, we spontaneously turned off the main highway to explore. We stumbled upon an area that evoked an American vibe, characterized by long, quiet roads and perfect weather conditions. A couple of dusty photo sessions later, and the once pristine Mercedes C300 was sporting a decidedly less clean look.
Day 3 – Barcelona Exploration: Cityscapes and Seaside
Day 3 began with a necessary car wash to remove the accumulated dust from the previous day’s off-road excursions.
Post-cleaning, we ascended into the hills overlooking Barcelona to capture panoramic views of the city skyline with the Mercedes C300.
The view was truly spectacular, and the C300’s cream leather seats added a touch of luxury to the scene.
At the hilltop, a towering structure presented a photographic challenge, but we managed to capture its essence alongside the Mercedes C300.
Descending into the urban chaos of Barcelona, we sought out the best vantage point for a photo featuring the iconic Sagrada Familia.
Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere, a blend of organized chaos and relaxed Mediterranean vibes, was truly captivating.
The Sagrada Familia itself was an awe-inspiring sight, an architectural marvel unlike anything else in the world.
Barcelona’s beautiful waterfront was an unmissable photo opportunity.
One of my favorite shots from the entire trip was a simple street scene capturing a child looking up at the impressive buildings, a moment that perfectly encapsulated the city’s grandeur.
Day 4 – Barcelona to Antibes: French Riviera Beckons
Day 4 involved another substantial driving day. Upon crossing into France, we encountered a delightful surprise: a convoy of three AMG GTs heading towards Spain for testing. The AMG drivers seemed slightly taken aback to see a new C-Class Coupe among them, and for a moment, I wished we were in a C63 AMG to better blend in with their high-performance group.
Entering France, we decided to explore the coastal hills, seeking out scenic routes along the Mediterranean.
The chosen road became progressively narrower and bumpier, eventually leading to a point where we deemed it prudent to turn back. The C300’s lift suspension proved useful on several occasions during this off-the-beaten-path exploration.
The area’s natural beauty was undeniable, a truly stunning part of the world.
Rejoining the Autoroute, we continued our journey towards Antibes.
In Antibes, our hotel booking included a rooftop hot tub, a perfect way to unwind after another long day of driving.
Day 5 – Antibes to Torino: Yacht Views and Monaco Glamour
Day 5 had a slight detour related to a future marine industry project. Being in the vicinity, we took the opportunity to inspect a yacht relevant to this upcoming venture.
The coastal roads offered breathtaking views, fueling our desire to keep driving and exploring.
We found the yacht – a magnificent 92ft, 4800hp vessel. A true masterpiece on water, beautifully complemented by the Mercedes C300 parked alongside.
A visit to the South of France wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Monaco. Unsurprisingly, Monaco was bustling, making this hairpin turn photo the best I could manage in the crowded conditions.
We drove through the famous Monaco tunnel – yes, we completed a full lap of the Formula 1 circuit!
Down by the Monaco yachts, we took in the opulent harbor scene.
Leaving Monaco, we made sure to capture the obligatory “Monaco from above” photo.
Setting our navigation for Torino, we were en route to meet my friend Gabs, who runs Cars and Coffee Italy. Gabs provided an excellent tour of Torino’s highlights, sharing fascinating insights into the city’s rich history.
Day 6 – Torino to Zurich: Swiss Alps and Mountain Passes
Day 6 began shrouded in thick fog, slowing our progress out of Torino. As the fog dissipated, the views dramatically improved. Driving towards Switzerland, we passed Lake Maggiore, taking our time to soak in the stunning scenery.
The day was far from over. My ambition was to explore how far we could ascend the Passo San Gottardo. Despite knowing it was officially closed, the absence of snow encouraged us to investigate. We discovered a hidden access point, granting us exclusive access to the pass. We proceeded cautiously to avoid drawing attention, but the location was simply too incredible for photos to pass up.
The highest point we could reach on the closed pass.
Then came my second favorite photograph from the entire trip – the seemingly perilous road. While it didn’t feel dangerous at the time, the photos certainly convey a sense of dramatic elevation.
The C300 boasts a surprisingly pleasing engine note, complete with satisfying pops on upshifts. Naturally, some tunnel acoustics testing was in order.
Descending the pass and entering the San Gottardo Tunnel.
Emerging from the tunnel, we detoured again towards the Furka Pass. Here, snow was definitely present!
Overall, Day 6, particularly the exploration of the closed pass, was an incredible driving experience.
Day 7 – Zurich to Stuttgart: Mercedes-Benz Museum Finale
Our final day involved a high-speed run into Germany, culminating at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The German Autobahn provided a fittingly exhilarating end to our road trip.
Just before reaching the museum, we spotted a Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6! A fantastic coincidence, considering I had photographed one the night before departing for this trip from London.
Arrival at the Mercedes-Benz Museum marked the official end of our journey! 3355km, over 50 hours of driving, 7 days, and 7 countries!
So, what are my final thoughts on the Mercedes C300?
In the specific configuration we tested, it’s a visually striking car. The coupe’s design grows more appealing with prolonged exposure. The handling is genuinely impressive, offering precise steering and a rewarding driving experience. While I occasionally wished for a bit more torque, it’s worth remembering my personal 2010 C350 CDI is a tuned diesel, making a direct power comparison somewhat unfair to the petrol-powered C300. The petrol engine’s pleasing acoustics, especially the sporty exhaust notes in Sport+ mode, were a definite highlight.
The technological features of the C300 deserve special mention. Lane Keep Assist and Steering Assist significantly reduced driving fatigue on long stretches. Radar Cruise Control further enhanced the semi-autonomous driving experience, making long journeys feel effortless. While some argue autonomous features detract from the driving experience, in the C300, they enhanced it. The integrated cameras were invaluable, particularly when maneuvering in unfamiliar environments, ensuring wheel safety and damage-free parking in tight spaces. Bluetooth audio and the user-friendly satellite navigation system, while standard in modern cars, were flawlessly implemented and essential for a seamless road trip.
Would I personally purchase a Mercedes C300? While the coupe isn’t my preferred body style (my preference leans towards estates), experiencing the new C-Class for a week has certainly ignited a desire for a new diesel C-Class Estate!
Concluding our adventure with a tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum was the perfect finale. Here’s a glimpse into the automotive history housed within.
I hope you enjoyed reading about our Mercedes C300 European road trip adventure. If you did, please feel free to share it with others!
