The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology in the compact executive sedan segment. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 continues this legacy, offering a compelling blend of sophisticated design, advanced features, and dynamic driving experience. This article will explore the various aspects of the 2021 C300, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and enthusiasts alike.
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Model Lineup and Pricing
The 2021 C-Class range offers a variety of models to cater to different preferences and performance needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available sedan models and their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), excluding the $1,050 delivery and destination charge:
| Model | Drivetrain | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan | RWD | $41,600 |
| Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC Sedan | 4MATIC | $43,600 |
| Mercedes-AMG C 43 Sedan | AMG 4MATIC | $56,500 |
| Mercedes-AMG C 63 Sedan | RWD | $68,600 |
| Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan | RWD | $76,200 |
As you can see, the Mercedes-Benz C300 serves as the entry point to the C-Class sedan lineup, offering both Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations. For those seeking higher performance, the AMG variants provide significantly enhanced power and driving dynamics.
What’s New in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300?
The 2021 model year brings several notable enhancements to the Mercedes-Benz C300, elevating its standard features and introducing a stylish new appearance package. Key updates include:
- Standard 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital and customizable instrument cluster is now standard across the C300 range, providing a modern and informative display for the driver. This enhances the technological feel of the cockpit and allows for personalized information presentation.
- Standard Heated Front Seats: Addressing comfort, heated front seats are now standard, a welcome addition for colder climates and ensuring a comfortable driving experience year-round.
- Night Edition: For a more aggressive and distinctive aesthetic, the new Night Edition package is available. This package adds a suite of blacked-out exterior elements, including:
- Black front splitter, grille trim, rear diffuser, window trim, and side mirrors, creating a sporty and stealthy appearance.
- Exclusive black diamond grille pins further distinguish the Night Edition.
- Optional upgrade to exclusive black 19″ AMG Multispoke wheels with a silver rim flange, enhancing the visual appeal and stance.
- Available in three striking colors: Polar White, Black, and Lunar Blue.
- “Night Edition” badging on both the exterior and interior, signifying the special edition.
- Exclusive AMG sport seats upholstered in MB-Tex/DINAMICA with blue and grey stitching, offering sporty looks and enhanced support.
- AMG Line steering wheel wrapped in Leather/DINAMICA, providing a premium and tactile feel.
These updates collectively enhance the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300‘s value proposition, offering more standard features and greater personalization options.
Core Features of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300
Even in its standard form, the Mercedes-Benz C300 2021 is generously equipped with a range of premium features designed for comfort, convenience, and safety:
- 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster: As mentioned, this digital display is now standard, offering various display styles and customizable information.
- DYNAMIC SELECT: Allows drivers to choose from various driving modes (e.g., Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual) altering the vehicle’s driving dynamics and responsiveness.
- 18″ Twin 5-spoke wheels: Stylish and standard alloy wheels complement the C300’s elegant design.
- All-Season Tires: Providing year-round usability and grip in diverse weather conditions.
- ECO Start/Stop: An emissions-reducing technology that automatically shuts off the engine when idling and restarts it when needed, improving fuel efficiency.
- Power sunroof: Bringing natural light and fresh air into the cabin, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
- KEYLESS START & KEYLESS-GO®: Convenient push-button start and keyless entry system for ease of access and operation.
- HANDS-FREE ACCESS: Allows for hands-free trunk opening by simply waving a foot under the rear bumper, particularly useful when hands are full.
- Electronic Trunk Closer: Power-operated trunk lid for effortless opening and closing.
- LED headlamps and tail lamps: Energy-efficient and bright LED lighting for enhanced visibility and a modern light signature.
- Heated front seats: Standard comfort feature for cold weather.
- Blind Spot Assist: Monitors blind spots and alerts the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes, enhancing safety during lane changes.
- ATTENTION ASSIST®: Monitors driver drowsiness and provides alerts if fatigue is detected, helping to prevent accidents.
- Active Brake Assist: Can automatically apply brakes to mitigate or prevent frontal collisions.
- PRE-SAFE®: Mercedes-Benz’s anticipatory safety system that prepares the vehicle for a potential collision by tightening seatbelts, adjusting seats, and closing windows.
- Rearview camera: Provides a clear view behind the vehicle when reversing, aiding in parking and maneuvering.
- Smartphone integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone connectivity.
- FrontBass® 5-speaker Audio System: Providing a quality audio experience with strategically placed speakers.
- Bluetooth technology: Hands-free calling and audio streaming capabilities.
- Wood trim with analog clock: Elegant interior accents adding a touch of traditional luxury.
- 40/20/40-split folding rear seats: Versatile seating configuration allowing for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements.
These standard features showcase the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300‘s commitment to luxury, safety, and technology, making it a well-rounded and desirable sedan.
Advanced Technology and Driver Assistance in the 2021 C300
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its innovative technology, and the 2021 C300 is no exception. It incorporates a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and driving ease:
- Intelligent Hands-off Detection: The steering wheel now features enhanced capacitive sensors that can detect if the driver’s hands are on the wheel, a crucial feature for semi-autonomous driving functions.
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®: Adaptive cruise control system that automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic, reducing driver fatigue.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: As mentioned earlier, but with an added feature: it can now intervene with single-sided braking to help avoid side collisions.
- Active Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane and can even function when lane markings are unclear.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Warns the driver upon unintentional lane departure and can gently steer the vehicle back into its lane using one-sided braking.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Extends the PRE-SAFE system to also prepare for rear-end collisions.
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function: Enhances the standard Active Brake Assist by also detecting cross-traffic at intersections and can initiate autonomous emergency braking.
- Speed Limit Assist: Automatically detects and displays speed limits, helping drivers stay within legal limits.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Assists with lane changes on multi-lane highways. When the turn signal is activated, the system can steer the vehicle into the adjacent lane if it is clear.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Provides calculated steering support during emergency evasive maneuvers, helping the driver maintain control.
- PRE-SAFE® Sound: Emits a brief “pink noise” sound just before an imminent collision, triggering the stapedius reflex in the ear to help protect hearing from loud crash noises.
Furthermore, the 2021 C300 features:
- Car-to-X Communication: Enables the C-Class to communicate with other Car-to-X equipped vehicles and infrastructure, exchanging information about road hazards, traffic conditions, and more, effectively allowing the car to “see around corners.”
- Touch Control Buttons: Steering wheel-mounted touch-sensitive controls for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, mimicking smartphone-like swiping and touch gestures.
2021 Mercedes-Benz C300: Model Positioning and Competitors
The Mercedes-Benz C300 2021 firmly positions itself as a benchmark in the mid-luxury sedan class. It offers a comprehensive package of luxury, technology, safety, and performance, making it a strong contender against rivals such as:
- BMW 3 Series
- Audi A4
- Lexus IS
- Cadillac ATS
The C300 stands out with its sophisticated technology, luxurious interior, and a wide array of standard and optional features. For those seeking a blend of comfort, performance, and prestige in a compact sedan, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 remains a top choice.
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan: Key Specifications at a Glance
To provide a quick comparison, here’s a table summarizing the key specifications of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan models:
| Feature | C 300 Sedan / C 300 4MATIC Sedan | AMG C 43 Sedan | AMG C 63 Sedan | AMG C 63 S Sedan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $41,600 / $43,600 | $56,500 | $68,600 | $76,200 |
| Length | 184.5″ | 185.0″ | 187.2″ | 187.3″ |
| Width (w/mirrors/w/o mirrors) | 79.5″ (71.3″) | 79.5″ (71.3″) | 79.5″ (72.4″) | 79.5″ (72.4″) |
| Height | 57.0″ | 56.3″ | 56.1″ | 56.1″ |
| Wheelbase | 111.8″ | 111.8″ | 111.8″ | 111.8″ |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,483 / est. 3,627 | 3,836 | 3,968 | 3,975 |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb) | 23 / 35 / 27 (RWD) / 23 / 33 / 27 (4MATIC) | 18 / 27 / 21 | 17 / 26 / 21 | 17 / 26 / 21 |
| Engine | 2.0L inline-4 turbo | AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo | Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo | Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo |
| Displacement | 1,991 cc | 2,996 cc | 3,982 cc | 3,982 cc |
| Drive Config. | RWD / 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive | AMG Performance 4MATIC AWD | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Performance | 255 hp / 273 lb-ft | 385 hp / 384 lb-ft | 469 hp / 479 lb-ft | 503 hp / 516 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9-speed | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.7 (RWD & 4MATIC) | 4.5 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Top speed (mph) | 130 (electronically limited) | 130 (electronically limited) | 155 (electronically limited) | 180 (electronically limited) |
| Main Competitors | BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Cadillac ATS | BMW M340i xDrive, Audi S4 | BMW M3 | BMW M3 w/ Competition Package |
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 delivers a compelling package for those seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced compact sedan. Its blend of sophisticated features, refined driving dynamics, and Mercedes-Benz prestige makes it a standout choice in its class.
