The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact executive car segment. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the C300 offers a range of options to cater to diverse preferences. Whether you prioritize sleek aesthetics, open-top driving, or practical four-door functionality, the C300 provides a compelling blend of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics.
Trim Levels and Body Styles of the 2017 C300
The base C300 trim is powered by a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a responsive and efficient driving experience. For those seeking enhanced traction and all-weather capability, the C300 4Matic variant incorporates all-wheel drive. Beyond these core models, the C-Class range extends to include high-performance AMG versions, such as the AMG C43, AMG C63, and AMG C63 S, each amplifying power and sporting characteristics. A plug-in hybrid option, the C350e, was also slated for availability later in the model year, further expanding the C-Class lineup’s appeal.
Within the C300 sedan configuration, buyers could choose between Sport and Luxury subtrims. These distinctions introduced subtle variations in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and styling cues, allowing for a degree of personalization at a minimal cost difference. Notably, enthusiasts of the classic Mercedes-Benz hood ornament could secure this iconic feature by opting for the Luxury trim package.
Standard Equipment Highlights in the C300
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is generously equipped from the base level. Standard features are designed to enhance convenience, comfort, and connectivity. These include 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, and a rearview camera for improved visibility. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures a comfortable cabin environment, while a power-adjustable steering wheel and 10-way power front seats, complete with four-way lumbar support and driver-seat memory settings, provide personalized comfort. The seats are upholstered in MB-Tex synthetic leather, praised for its quality and durability. Practicality is further enhanced by 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks.
Technologically, the C300 features the COMAND infotainment system, centered around a 7-inch display screen and controlled via a console-mounted dial. Bluetooth connectivity, an audio system with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio complete the standard infotainment offerings.
Stepping up to the C300 coupe brings with it 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof as standard, adding to the sporty and premium feel. However, it’s worth noting that the rearview camera becomes an optional extra on the coupe. Convertible models, on the other hand, retain the rearview camera as standard and add a power-folding fabric top, Mercedes’ Airscarf system for neck and shoulder warming, a removable wind blocker, and a blind-spot monitor, catering specifically to the open-air driving experience.
Optional Packages and Upgrades for the C300
Mercedes-Benz offered a tiered approach to optional features through various packages. The Premium 1 package, common across body styles, introduced blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. Coupe and convertible versions of the Premium 1 package also included an upgraded Burmester sound system.
For the sedan, the Premium 2 package built upon Premium 1, adding LED headlamps and the premium sound system. The Premium 3 package further elevated the tech offerings with an electronic trunk closer, voice controls, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation, and a touchpad infotainment controller. The most comprehensive, Premium 4 package, incorporated a suite of active safety and collision mitigation and avoidance features, adaptive cruise control, a cabin air purification and fragrance system, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams. It’s important to note that selecting these premium packages often required opting for heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats.
The coupe and cabriolet versions streamlined the package structure, with their Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages aligning with the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages, respectively. Notably, a Premium 4 package was not offered for the two-door models. For enhanced ride comfort and handling adjustability, the Airmatic package introduced an air suspension system with multiple tuning modes.
Standalone options provided further customization, including a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a variety of interior and exterior trim finishes.
AMG Enhancements and Performance
The AMG C43 models incorporated the Premium 1 package as standard, along with unique interior 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 came standard with the Premium 2 package. Sport seats, red seat belts, and a specialized AMG head-up display were available to further enhance the sporty interior ambiance of AMG models. For coupe and cabriolet AMG variants, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, performance exhaust systems, and upgraded wheels and tires were offered to amplify their sporting capabilities.
Engine and Performance Specifications of the C300
At the heart of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, providing a balance of power and efficiency. A seven-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission option, delivering power to the rear wheels in standard configuration. The 4Matic system provides all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability.
Mercedes-Benz estimated that the C300 sedan and coupe could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds. Fuel economy, as estimated by the EPA, is rated 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, generating 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard in the AMG C43, enabling it to reach 60 mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds.
The AMG C63 models take performance to an even higher level with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. The standard AMG C63 produces 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the C63 S variant increases output to an impressive 503 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both AMG C63 models utilize a seven-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is estimated at 4.0 seconds for the C63 and 3.9 seconds for the C63 S. Convertible versions of the AMG models are typically a tenth of a second slower in 0-60 mph acceleration.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 offered a compelling entry point into the luxury car market, with a range of body styles, trim levels, and performance options. From the efficient and well-equipped base C300 to the high-performance AMG variants, the 2017 C-Class catered to a broad spectrum of drivers seeking luxury, technology, and driving enjoyment.
