BlankProc

I'm currently in a W204 Sport and thinking about a W205 Luxury when my lease is up. Since my commute has changed from a high speed interstate run to back roads, looking for more comfort and I like the classy look of the luxury grill.

Couple things:

1) Anyone get one with Airmatic? How smooth compared to, let's say, a higher-end Benz is it? Do they have active seat bolsters like some older S-classes I've been in?

2) Do any C400s exist that are Luxury w/ Airmatic? Or are they basically Unicorns?

3) Anyone have any reviews of 17s or 18s w/ multispoke in terms of ride feel? I like the multispoke look the best.

BenzC400

There were no luxury versions of the C400, only sport with sport package.

clematis

I own the C300 lux with Airmatic and it is world of difference in comfort mode compared to the C300 w/normal or sport sus and C450(tried them all carefully just for the purpose of assessing the performance of Airmatic). I drive mostly in Manhattan so Airmatic was a must. It is almost as comfortable as S550 but it ain't S class especially in the back seat. If you want comfort, Airmatic is a must!!! It is a complete different animal for mere $1200 or so.

MBGeek36

1. My W205 has the AIRMATIC suspension, I have an EZPass tag (For tolls in the Northeast) from my old car and I drove close to 500 miles and it hasn't moved. That's how good the AIRMATIC suspension and ride quality is.
2. I don't think C400s have the luxury option. I maybe wrong.

3. I'm not a big fan of the 17 in. wheels, but it doesn't bother me.

Happy driving!

Mike5215

If you go Airmatic, the differences between Lux , Base, and Sport are all cosmetic, since mechanically those cars are the same save for the different stiffnesses of their respective steel suspensions.

I have a C300 Sport on air. Having come from three successive S Classes I had gotten addicted to a silky ride. The C doesn't have the heft, long wheelbase or extensive insulation of an S, but the ride on air in the W205 is completely different from any of the steel suspension W205 I'd tested, I had to custom order the car to get it since very few dealers have them as inventory cars. I have seen several used C400's with air on AutoTrader.

Trancebolt

Sounds like you hve that backwards =D

Going from high speed interstate to backroads = Sport suspension versus Lux/Softmode.


i wonder how the sport setting on airmatic compares to the regular sport suspension!

Mike5215

Comparable. Maybe a little more rebound on big undulations but it hunkers down pretty good on Sport and even more so on Sport +.

andylaidb9

Actually, there is a way to get a luxury C400 with air suspension

Just order sport C400 with air suspension, then retrofit the luxury package bumpers, side skirts & grill afterwards.

Big Wheel

This is great info. I currently have a 2015 C300 4matic with the base steel spring suspension (not a Sport, not a Luxury) with the base 17" wheels. The ride is decent here in southeast Michigan on our horrible roads. I had two Luxury versions of the previous W204 chassis, & the current base 2015 rides about the same. I did test drive a Luxury W205 before I got my current car & I must say it's pretty nice.


I am in the process of ordering a 2017 C300 4matic to replace my current car & will be getting the Luxury trim with the optional 18" rims. However, I am interested in the Airmatic suspension, but as most of you know no dealer stocks it so I can't test drive it. I don't really like getting something this important without a test drive. Is the Airmatic in the Comfort Mode equal to the Luxury steel spring suspension? Have their been any problems with the Airmatic suspension so since few are built? It's a lease/company car so I won't be keeping it forever, but I don't want any problems either.

Mike5215

I've owned three prior AirMatic cars. The system was reliable up into the 60k mile range. Well outside lease miles.

The beauty of the system, aside from the impact on ride quality regardless of setting, is the fact that it's variable. You'll easily find the sweet spot for your personal taste. I wouldn't hesitate to order an AirMatic car without a test drive. But if I had to approximate, drive a Base car on 17" and that's close to the AirMatic ride on 18" and Comfort. An Air car on 18" and Sport feels similar to a steel Sport.

Big Wheel

OK Mike 5215, thanks for the advice. I will take that in mind as I finalize the specs on my new car. I do like the variable aspect of the Airmatic, but I'm also looking for max comfort as well since the roads here in Michigan are simply terrible, & won't be getting better any time soon. I spend a significant amount of time in my car every day (1.5-2 hours) & want it to be as good as possible. I do know the Luxury car I test drove has a very smooth ride.

Mike5215

If aesthetics aren't a priority, a Lux on steel and replacing the run flats with Michelin PSS would give you the ride you're looking for.

Gungaslow

My wife bottoms out the airmatic suspension.. I'm gonna have to get stiffer springs

Mike5215

...or a skinnier wife