The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presents a diverse lineup, catering to various preferences with its sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, and a range of performance options. From the efficient C300 to the high-performance AMG variants, the C-Class offers a compelling blend of luxury and driving dynamics. This article delves into the specifics of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, highlighting its trims, features, and performance characteristics to provide a comprehensive overview for prospective buyers and enthusiasts.
Unpacking the C-Class Trim Levels
The 2017 C-Class journey begins with the C300, the base trim that sets a high standard for luxury and performance. The C300 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the latter denoted as C300 4Matic. For those seeking enhanced performance, the AMG lineup offers three distinct models: the AMG C43, boasting a twin-turbo V6 engine, and the more potent AMG C63 and AMG C63 S, both equipped with twin-turbo V8 engines in varying states of tune. Adding to the range, a plug-in hybrid variant, the C350e, was slated for release later in the model year, promising enhanced fuel efficiency.
C300 Sedan: Sport vs. Luxury
Within the C300 sedan trim, Mercedes-Benz provides further customization through Sport and Luxury subtrims. These variants offer subtle distinctions in suspension tuning, wheel designs, and styling cues, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their aesthetic and driving preferences without a significant price difference. Notably, enthusiasts of the classic Mercedes-Benz hood ornament can opt for the Luxury package, which features the traditional stand-up hood star.
Standard Features and Optional Packages
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is generously equipped with standard features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and technology. These include 17-inch wheels, automatic windshield wipers, a rearview camera for enhanced visibility, dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support and driver-seat memory settings. The interior is appointed with synthetic leather upholstery (MB-Tex), which is recognized for its quality and durability. Practicality is addressed with 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks, expanding cargo versatility. The COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller, provides access to Bluetooth connectivity, an audio system with CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio.
Moving to the C300 coupe, upgrades include standard 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof, adding to the sporty and open-air feel. However, it’s worth noting that the rearview camera becomes an optional feature on the coupe, whereas it is standard on the sedan. The convertible model, designed for open-top driving enjoyment, includes the rearview camera as standard, along with a power-folding fabric top, Mercedes’ Airscarf system that provides warm air to the neck and shoulders of front occupants for comfortable top-down driving in cooler weather, a removable wind blocker to minimize cabin turbulence, and a blind-spot monitor for enhanced safety.
To further personalize the C300, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of Premium packages. The Premium 1 package, available for both sedan and coupe/convertible, includes blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio. For coupe and convertible models, the Premium 1 package also adds the upgraded Burmester sound system, enhancing the audio experience.
For sedan models, the Premium 2 package builds upon Premium 1 by adding LED headlamps and the premium Burmester sound system. The Premium 3 package introduces advanced technology features such as an electronic trunk closer, voice controls, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded 8.4-inch screen with navigation, and a touchpad infotainment controller. The top-tier Premium 4 package focuses on safety and driver assistance, incorporating 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 is important to note that selecting these premium packages often requires opting for heated and ventilated, or at least heated, front seats.
For the coupe and cabriolet versions, the Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages align with 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 provides an air suspension system with adjustable tuning modes, allowing drivers to customize the ride quality and handling dynamics.
Standalone options for the C300 offer further customization, including a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display projecting key information onto the windshield, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and various interior and exterior trim options to personalize the vehicle’s aesthetics.
AMG Enhancements: C43, C63, and C63 S
The AMG models elevate the C-Class to new levels of performance and exclusivity. The AMG C43 comes standard with the Premium 1 package (as applicable to body style) and distinct interior trim, featuring 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 include the Premium 2 package as standard equipment, reflecting their higher positioning in the AMG hierarchy. Sport seats, red seat belts, and a specialized AMG head-up display are available for the AMG interiors, enhancing the sporty ambiance. For coupe models seeking ultimate performance, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, performance exhaust systems, and upgraded wheels and tires can be specified.
Engine and Performance Specifications
Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard, delivering power to the rear wheels in the standard configuration, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available as an option. Mercedes-Benz estimates the C300 sedan and coupe accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
The AMG C43 steps up the 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, enabling quicker acceleration, with Mercedes-Benz estimating a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds for the AMG C43.
The pinnacle of performance in the 2017 C-Class range is represented by the AMG C63 and C63 S models. These are powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the C63, and an even more potent 503 hp and 516 lb-ft in the C63 S. Both models utilize a seven-speed automatic transmission engineered for high performance. The AMG C63 is estimated to reach 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, while the C63 S achieves it in a blistering 3.9 seconds. Convertible versions of these models are marginally slower, typically by a tenth of a second in the 0-60 mph sprint.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is EPA-estimated 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 all-wheel drive version. These figures reflect the C300’s balance of performance and efficiency for daily driving. Fuel economy figures for the AMG models are naturally lower due to their performance-oriented engines.
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out as a compelling luxury vehicle, offering a range of body styles, trim levels, and performance options to satisfy a diverse range of buyers. Whether prioritizing efficiency and luxury in the C300, or seeking high-performance thrills in the AMG models, the 2017 C-Class delivers a refined driving experience and embodies Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality and innovation. Its comprehensive feature set, powerful engine options, and elegant design solidify its position as a strong contender in the luxury compact car segment.
