I read reviews saying that the c300 is good enough compared to the c400, which has a slight lag for the v6. Anyone test drive both of them can comment?

I am debating which one to get and whether it is worth it to wait for the rear wheel drive. I heard 2015 is when the rear wheel drive is available. Being on west coast, we have dry weather here so may not need the 4 wheel drive.

 

In my opinion it's no contest. Go V6. Suggest you drive both and see what you think.

 

To my understanding, in the USA, 4matics only now and no RWD C400 is coming. This spring a RWD C300 comes. I've driven both 300/400 in AWD, and you have to test them both and suit to your individual taste and road types that you're really going to drive them on. A large difference in front end weight/balance and feel of the car,,,C400 feels significantly heavier and though clearly more powerful and 'faster' is less 'zippy'. C400 only comes with stiffest sport suspension unless you add airmatic. C400 includes sport and premium packages to justify some of the high cost, if you were going to add them on the C300 AWD either way.

 

I went C400...the difference in my optioned C300 and C400 was only about $3200.00...that made it a no brainer for me. I did test drive both and just enjoyed the C400 more. 4matic is really of no use to me here in the desert but there's no choice with the C400...good luck!!

 

I just picked up mine last night. I had previously tested the C300 and while I was very impressed at how powerful it was, it is no where near the V6. I've been having fun since last night lol

 

If it is within your means, get the c400. I think you would be hard pressed to find someone with a c400 that has buyers remorse. No one actually "needs" the extra power, but the same can be said about luxury cars in general.

 

also, IMO having extra power is one of the most luxurious aspects of a car.

 

I just had over one hour of sitting time inside a demo 400 about 1hour ago. didnt have AMG interior nor airmatic, had 18 wheels.

The car is very agile, braking is responsive and steering is soft. I can only imagine what sport package does. The room inside is good, but trunk space looked smaller compared to 328i. Burmester was a treat and I'm glad i changed my order to include premium package.

while there my sales showed me a c400 sitting in the lot which was what i had ordered originally. she is waiting for the new buyer......while i need to wait a couple more months

 

How is it that a C400 did not have AMG interior ?

 

oh i forgot to mention that was a canadian c400, and as such the amg interior is only included if you take sport package

 

LOL. I see.

 

Steering is soft? I've driven the w204. Handling was loose compared,to any BMW 3 series. I feel like mercedes always has a looser feel conpared to beemer. Was wondering how the new w205 improved steering response.

I did not know that the c400 was not getting a RWD in the US. Heard,a c450 was coming out.

 

No RWD C400 in USA. A C350 plug in hybrid is supposedly coming to the USA in the fall of 2015.

 

has anyone bought a Mercedes hybrid can comment on whether or not they drive differently and is worth the extra mpg savings? Is there a lost driving experience from the regular RWD models?

 

I have driven the new S Class Hybrid & the driving experience is seamless without loss of experience & feel other than possibly audible. The instant torque of the electric motors is obvious.

Carbon footprint arguments cradle to grave & long term cost of maintenance involving battery replacement etc would cover many volumes.

I consider hybrids to be a band aid but that is a personal opinion. e.g. some modern diesel designs negate most benefits of gasoline hybrid technology. Of course then one has to consider diesel hybrids.

 

I guess I have to test drive the hybrid to see if its worth the extra cost vs gas savings. Probably not. Might as well get the tesla model E for $40k in 2017.....

 

Just picked a C400 up this week.


I drove the demo C300 at the dealership about 3 weeks ago and while it's a very good engine I just knew I wouldn't be happy with it long term. I'm glad I got the V6. There is now comparison in power, refinement, and pure fun factor. If you can do it, go for the V6!

 

+1^