The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic is perhaps the most elegant sedan among its competitors. I’d argue it beats the latest generation of the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 in appearances. Inside and out, it’s classy, offers a veritable hint of sportiness, and reflects the tradition of the brand with a road-going execution.
The dynamics are above average for sporting-oriented sedans. The C300 feels planted, taut and has an appropriate amount of steering weight. The average consumer will really enjoy the experience, but the enthusiast will also like the interaction. It’s competitive with the 3-series, yet I’d still argue BMW’s offering is a bit sportier. For an all-wheel-drive car, the Mercedes feels surprisingly spry. Sitting in the driver’s seat, the occupant really feels close to the ground and concentrated.
Considering the overall weight of this sedan, it has a concentrated energy that’s enjoyable for enthusiasts and consumers alike. I’d argue a 248-hp V6 will soon be antiquated compared with the lofty ratings other companies wring out of their six-cylinders, but thanks to the low-end torque, there is attitude from launch on for passing on the expressway.
The C-class is certainly competitive with BMW’s 3-series. I’d have to drive them back-to-back and comparably equipped to make the proper decision. But over time, having driven several version of each, I think the BMW still noses out the Mercedes, even though this Benz is a gorgeous machine. They’re still ahead of Acura, Audi, Infiniti and others in my book.
Stylistics aside, the car is also plenty of fun to drive, and seems to get better as you spend more time behind the wheel. Punch off the Eco mode, punch up the Sport setting and the car takes on a whole different demeanor, one that encourages pushing harder and harder, tighter and tighter, faster and faster. At the same time, dial back from the edgy end and the car gets all straight-laced and proper, in a sensible shoe sort of way, content to just motor along in total Mercedes comfort, with the assurance of AWD to carry the day. I’m no green geek by any stretch, but I still enjoyed setting the center IP readout to Eco mode and watching as my “Green” quotient climbed into the 90th percentile while just driving relatively normally on the freeway. Imagine if I really worked at it? It’s a whole different kind of 99 percenter.
As for the inside, it took me somewhat aback at first, but this car has no navigation, no keyless entry and ignition, no backup camera, no lane-departure warning — and I got along without that stuff just fine, thank you very much. I’ll take these looks — and this car’s stellar audio system — over those electronics any time.
I like the way this car looks, and like the AMG trim. I enjoyed to ride behind the wheel either in Sport or Eco mode. Both have their uses and in either mode the car felt solid and tight and eager. With all-wheel drive it would be a terrific winter car for the northerners. Not to mention the little Benz felt fairly nimble considering it has that AWD. It’s at its best out on the freeway, where it charges along smooth and steady.
Otherwise, the C-class is a nice driver, quiet and comfortable with enough luxury and performance to let you know you’re piloting something a step up from the masses; I also appreciate that, from behind the wheel, the Benz feels like a rear-drive car with AWD unlike the A4, which shows its FWD roots despite quattro.
