The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands as a testament to luxury and performance, offering a diverse range of models to cater to various driving preferences. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the C-Class lineup extends from the efficient C300 to the high-performance AMG variants, ensuring a compelling option for every discerning driver.
The entry point to the range is the C300, powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing a balance of performance and efficiency. For those seeking enhanced traction, the C300 4Matic incorporates all-wheel drive. The AMG spectrum begins with the AMG C43, featuring a potent twin-turbo V6 engine. For ultimate power, the AMG C63 and AMG C63 S models boast hand-built twin-turbo V8 engines, each tuned to deliver exhilarating performance. Adding to the eco-conscious options, a plug-in hybrid variant, the C350e, was also slated for release within the model year, although details of this model are not extensively covered in this review.
Within the C300 sedan trim, buyers can choose between Sport and Luxury subtrims. These variations offer subtle differences in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and styling cues, allowing for a degree of personalization at a minimal cost difference. A notable aesthetic distinction is the option for the classic Mercedes-Benz hood star, available with the Luxury package, appealing to traditionalists.
Standard equipment in the C300 is generously appointed. It includes 17-inch wheels, automatic windshield wipers, a rearview camera for enhanced safety, and dual-zone automatic climate control for optimal comfort. Convenience features extend to a power-adjustable steering wheel, 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support, and driver-seat memory settings. The interior is trimmed with synthetic leather upholstery, Mercedes-Benz’s high-quality MB-Tex, and practical 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks to expand cargo versatility. Infotainment is managed by the COMAND system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen controlled via a console-mounted dial, complemented by Bluetooth connectivity and an audio system equipped with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio.
Stepping up to the C300 coupe configuration adds 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof as standard features, enhancing the sporty and open-air feel. Interestingly, the rearview camera becomes an optional extra on the coupe, while remaining standard on the sedan. The convertible C-Class ensures open-top enjoyment with a power-folding fabric roof and includes the rearview camera as standard. Mercedes’ innovative Airscarf system, which provides warm air to the neck and shoulders of front occupants, is also standard on the convertible, alongside a removable wind blocker to minimize cabin turbulence and a blind-spot monitor for added safety during lane changes.
Option packages for the C300 are tailored slightly between the sedan and two-door models. The Premium 1 package enhances convenience with blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. For coupe and convertible models, this package also upgrades the audio system to a premium Burmester sound system.
For the C300 sedan, the Premium 2 package builds upon Premium 1 by adding LED headlamps and the premium Burmester sound system. The Premium 3 package significantly boosts technology offerings, including an electronic trunk closer, voice control functionality, ambient interior lighting to personalize the cabin atmosphere, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation for enhanced infotainment, and a touchpad infotainment controller for intuitive operation. The top-tier Premium 4 package focuses on advanced safety and driver assistance, incorporating a suite of active safety and collision mitigation systems, adaptive cruise control for relaxed highway driving, a cabin air purification and fragrance system to maintain a pleasant interior environment, and cornering headlamps with automatic high beams for improved visibility in varied driving conditions. Selecting these premium packages also necessitates opting for heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats for enhanced comfort in all climates.
In the coupe and cabriolet versions, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages mirror the sedan’s Premium 3 and Premium 4 packages respectively. Notably, a Premium 4 package is not offered for the two-door C-Class models. The Airmatic package introduces an air suspension system, offering multiple selectable suspension tuning modes, allowing drivers to tailor the ride quality and handling characteristics to their preferences.
Standalone options for the C300 provide further customization, including a panoramic sunroof for sedans, a head-up display projecting key driving information onto the windshield, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel for cold weather comfort, and a variety of interior and exterior trim options to personalize the vehicle’s aesthetics.
The AMG C43 models come generously equipped, including the Premium 1 package (as configured for the respective two-door or four-door body style) as standard. Interior differentiation includes unique trim elements such as natural grain black wood trim in the sedan and gloss black trim in the coupe and cabriolet, enhancing the sporty ambiance. The AMG C63 and C63 S sedan models further elevate the standard equipment level by including the Premium 2 package. Sport seats and red seat belts amplify the sporty interior theme across the AMG range, and a special AMG head-up display is available for optimized performance driving information. For the two-door AMG models, performance enhancements extend to optional carbon-ceramic brakes for superior stopping power, an upgraded exhaust system for a more aggressive sound, and enhanced wheels and tires to maximize handling and grip.
Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission choice, directing power to the rear wheels in standard configuration. Opting for the 4Matic system equips the C300 with all-wheel drive for enhanced stability and control, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Mercedes-Benz estimates the C300 sedan and coupe models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds, providing brisk performance for daily driving and spirited maneuvers. Fuel efficiency is rated by the EPA 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 variant, reflecting a commendable balance of performance and economy.
The AMG C43 significantly elevates the performance benchmark with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. A more advanced nine-speed automatic transmission is standard in the AMG C43, contributing to its quicker acceleration and responsiveness. Mercedes-Benz estimates the AMG C43 sprints to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, placing it firmly in the sports car realm.
The AMG C63 models escalate performance to even greater heights, featuring a formidable turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. In the C63 guise, this engine outputs an impressive 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The C63 S variant further refines the engine tuning to deliver a staggering 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both AMG C63 models utilize a seven-speed automatic transmission specifically engineered for high-performance applications. Acceleration figures are breathtaking, with 0-60 mph estimated at 4.0 seconds for the C63 and an even quicker 3.9 seconds for the C63 S. Convertible versions of these models are marginally slower, typically by a tenth of a second in the 0-60 mph sprint, due to slight weight differences. Both AMG C63 variants are equipped with a multiclutch, high-performance seven-speed automatic transmission, optimized for rapid gear changes and driver engagement.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and technology across its diverse model range. From the refined and efficient C300 to the exhilarating AMG models, the 2017 C-Class provides a premium driving experience tailored to individual preferences.
