Those of you who have test driven or own a C400 please chime in
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Those of you who have test driven or own a C400 please chime in
It seems like every review I read on the new C-class prefers the C300 over the C400. They claim to prefer the more nimble handling and also that the 2.0L turbo provides adequate power.
However, after driving the C400 the power is just too tempting to resist.
My question is... do you guys have any complaints about the following in the C400
-Transmission lurching at low speeds or during braking
-Ride quality being too firm for comfort on not so smooth roads in the city (without airmatic).
Those are my two main concerns.
Yes, I know I can test drive the car again to decide what's right for me but I wanted your valuable inputs as well.
However, after driving the C400 the power is just too tempting to resist.
My question is... do you guys have any complaints about the following in the C400
-Transmission lurching at low speeds or during braking
-Ride quality being too firm for comfort on not so smooth roads in the city (without airmatic).
Those are my two main concerns.
Yes, I know I can test drive the car again to decide what's right for me but I wanted your valuable inputs as well.
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It seems like every review I read on the new C-class prefers the C300 over the C400. They claim to prefer the more nimble handling and also that the 2.0L turbo provides adequate power.
However, after driving the C400 the power is just too tempting to resist.
My question is... do you guys have any complaints about the following in the C400
-Transmission lurching at low speeds or during braking
-Ride quality being too firm for comfort on not so smooth roads in the city (without airmatic).
Those are my two main concerns.
Yes, I know I can test drive the car again to decide what's right for me but I wanted your valuable inputs as well.
However, after driving the C400 the power is just too tempting to resist.
My question is... do you guys have any complaints about the following in the C400
-Transmission lurching at low speeds or during braking
-Ride quality being too firm for comfort on not so smooth roads in the city (without airmatic).
Those are my two main concerns.
Yes, I know I can test drive the car again to decide what's right for me but I wanted your valuable inputs as well.
I don't understand those who say they prefer the C300 because the power is adequate, unless adequate is what they're looking for. I'm sure it's great, but the extra HP and torque of the C400 make the drive exciting. I enjoy the extra power. I considered going with the C300 because of the reviews you refer to, but they just didn't seem to make sense to me. I'm glad I opted for the C400.
Last edited by BenzC400; Nov 1, 2014 at 09:06 PM.
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Thanks for your response
I'm a little on the fence with airmatic but I've considered it
The comfort setting on airmatic would probably make the ride softer than the standard C400 suspension and that is a huge plus for me. When I test drove the C400 on standard suspension it felt firmer than a C300 with standard suspension but nothing outrageous. However, it was on relatively good quality road surfaces.
I'm glad you enjoy the power of your C400... it's definitely a beast!
I'm a little on the fence with airmatic but I've considered it
The comfort setting on airmatic would probably make the ride softer than the standard C400 suspension and that is a huge plus for me. When I test drove the C400 on standard suspension it felt firmer than a C300 with standard suspension but nothing outrageous. However, it was on relatively good quality road surfaces.
I'm glad you enjoy the power of your C400... it's definitely a beast!
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G37x Coupe
I test drove the 400 today and didn't find the transmission lurching. I've also read the articles stating that the 300 is smoother but haven't driven one. I will note that in S+ the gear changes are faster and feel more abrupt, which is a good thing I think, but it certainly didn't feel like it was lurching or clunky. Ride quality was comfortable, if a little soft, with the standard sports suspension. I'm coming from an AWD 330HP Infiniti G37 coupe so that's what I'm comparing it with. I found the steering very light even in S+ mode. Having said that, the car I had prior to the Infiniti was a Mazda RX8 and the steering in the Infiniti felt heavy compared to the RX8, so I'm sure it's just a matter of getting used to the feel. I'm still on the fence about ordering the C400 because the 360 camera won't be available until MY2016 and the C450 is just around the corner. Estimated delivery is March for one ordered today. By that time it would only be an additional 6 month or so wait for ordering a 2016. I'm also curious to see what the January auto shows will reveal about 2016 C class models and the all new Infiniti Q60 coupe.
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From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
2015 C400 4matic W205
You are not going to find a single person on here that has a c400 wishing they had ordered a c300. But you will find a few c300 owners wishing they had the c400. If it's within your means get the c400....
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B200T
I test drove the 400 today and didn't find the transmission lurching. I've also read the articles stating that the 300 is smoother but haven't driven one. I will note that in S+ the gear changes are faster and feel more abrupt, which is a good thing I think, but it certainly didn't feel like it was lurching or clunky. Ride quality was comfortable, if a little soft, with the standard sports suspension. I'm coming from an AWD 330HP Infiniti G37 coupe so that's what I'm comparing it with. I found the steering very light even in S+ mode. Having said that, the car I had prior to the Infiniti was a Mazda RX8 and the steering in the Infiniti felt heavy compared to the RX8, so I'm sure it's just a matter of getting used to the feel. I'm still on the fence about ordering the C400 because the 360 camera won't be available until MY2016 and the C450 is just around the corner. Estimated delivery is March for one ordered today. By that time it would only be an additional 6 month or so wait for ordering a 2016. I'm also curious to see what the January auto shows will reveal about 2016 C class models and the all new Infiniti Q60 coupe.
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B200T
You have more fun pushing it around (since most areas won't allow you to explore a car's full speed/acceleration). Similar mentality to hot hatches in Europe: you push the car to its limits, but end up breaking less laws in the process, and save money over a real sports car.
You also save gas.
I can be enumerated amongst those people. In fact (without having driven one, ofcourse-which could change things), I would likely consider a C200/250 variant, if it were available here.
I would like to have some of the features that the 400 has over the 300 here, like air suspension, cooled seats, and active safety features, but a thirstier engine (that would arguably get me in more trouble with the cops) and extra associated costs of the 400 make the 300 my choice for the moment.
As for reviews, I've seen a tonne of them. Some reviews of people who liked the 300 because it felt more nimble, but I've seen equally as many reviewers who preferred the 400 because of the power and smoother engine.
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Well I figure the 2015 C Class debuted at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show in January, so I think it's likely the 2016 show will have 2016 models. The salesman I spoke to today said that C Class coupes, apart from the C63, are part of the 2016 lineup as well as a hybrid model. He didn't know when the C450 was coming out but confirmed that it is replacing the C400.
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I think you are right when you reference people on this site, but they probably aren't your typical buyer. I don't know why but I think that those on this site (I'm generalizing) are typically early adopters, want lots of power, change their vehicles every 3 or 4 years and lease. Mb estimates that 4 out of 5 buyers will purchase the c 300.
Last edited by vols1; Nov 2, 2014 at 10:35 AM.
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2021 Mojave Silver E450, 2024 Black on Black Jaguar F-pace P400, 2011 335d (RIP), 2010 E350 (sold)
If you are planning on adding Prem and Sport, the C400 is just under $3k more and 2 mpg hwy less. Since I would be configuring both of those options it seems like getting the C300 wouldn't make sense (again this is my opinion of course). I've driven them both and the C400 is significantly more enjoyable to drive.
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17 E43; 21 GLS580
30% more power is going to win over 1% less agility every time. 99% of buyers will not notice the difference in handling. 100% will notice the difference in power. I don't think anyone is buying this car to race it at the limit on a track, the only real place you could see any handling differences between these 2 cars.
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I have just leased a 2015 C400 with premium and sports package. My initial experience is that the extra grunt over the C300 is useful for passing maneuvers and off the line, and as far as agility goes, the car drives best in SPORTS mode with stop/start off, which allows a comfortable drive on average city streets, with good steering feel and throttle response. COMFORT mode is far too soft in this regard.
Most car reviewers test the car on the track, which gives a different impression than what most drivers experience on city streets. The C300 may be more agile in this regard, but who does high speed rapid turning maneuvers on city streets? I like straight line speed and comfort.
I previously drove a 2012 CLS63 AMG, a car which costs twice as much as the C400. I find the C400 a more comfortable drive than the CLS, which I found too harsh on city streets, and I never used the power on public roads/ highways. I am saving about $ 1700/ month in lease payments switching from a CLS63 to a C400. The C400 is one of 4 vehicles I own, and it is my daily driver, and I have no complaints (other than no sirius traffic) so far.
The problem with the C400 is that this car is so good, I don't see why anyone would want to move up the range, to an E class, for example. I could certainly afford a much higher end vehicle from Mercedes, but I don't see the point. In my younger days, owning an expensive car was I way of telling the world I made it, and maybe to say I'm better than you
, and in my life I have owned a Porsche C4S cab, Maserati GTS, a Ferrari 430 spider and a Ferrari 458 Italia.
But now with a family and young kids, I feel like I have nothing to prove. The C400 fits the bill for me.
Most car reviewers test the car on the track, which gives a different impression than what most drivers experience on city streets. The C300 may be more agile in this regard, but who does high speed rapid turning maneuvers on city streets? I like straight line speed and comfort.
I previously drove a 2012 CLS63 AMG, a car which costs twice as much as the C400. I find the C400 a more comfortable drive than the CLS, which I found too harsh on city streets, and I never used the power on public roads/ highways. I am saving about $ 1700/ month in lease payments switching from a CLS63 to a C400. The C400 is one of 4 vehicles I own, and it is my daily driver, and I have no complaints (other than no sirius traffic) so far.
The problem with the C400 is that this car is so good, I don't see why anyone would want to move up the range, to an E class, for example. I could certainly afford a much higher end vehicle from Mercedes, but I don't see the point. In my younger days, owning an expensive car was I way of telling the world I made it, and maybe to say I'm better than you
, and in my life I have owned a Porsche C4S cab, Maserati GTS, a Ferrari 430 spider and a Ferrari 458 Italia.But now with a family and young kids, I feel like I have nothing to prove. The C400 fits the bill for me.
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I have just leased a 2015 C400 with premium and sports package. My initial experience is that the extra grunt over the C300 is useful for passing maneuvers and off the line, and as far as agility goes, the car drives best in SPORTS mode with stop/start off, which allows a comfortable drive on average city streets, with good steering feel and throttle response. COMFORT mode is far too soft in this regard.
Most car reviewers test the car on the track, which gives a different impression than what most drivers experience on city streets. The C300 may be more agile in this regard, but who does high speed rapid turning maneuvers on city streets? I like straight line speed and comfort.
I previously drove a 2012 CLS63 AMG, a car which costs twice as much as the C400. I find the C400 a more comfortable drive than the CLS, which I found too harsh on city streets, and I never used the power on public roads/ highways. I am saving about $ 1700/ month in lease payments switching from a CLS63 to a C400. The C400 is one of 4 vehicles I own, and it is my daily driver, and I have no complaints (other than no sirius traffic) so far.
The problem with the C400 is that this car is so good, I don't see why anyone would want to move up the range, to an E class, for example. I could certainly afford a much higher end vehicle from Mercedes, but I don't see the point. In my younger days, owning an expensive car was I way of telling the world I made it, and maybe to say I'm better than you , and in my life I have owned a Porsche C4S cab, Maserati GTS, a Ferrari 430 spider and a Ferrari 458 Italia.
But now with a family and young kids, I feel like I have nothing to prove. The C400 fits the bill for me.
Most car reviewers test the car on the track, which gives a different impression than what most drivers experience on city streets. The C300 may be more agile in this regard, but who does high speed rapid turning maneuvers on city streets? I like straight line speed and comfort.
I previously drove a 2012 CLS63 AMG, a car which costs twice as much as the C400. I find the C400 a more comfortable drive than the CLS, which I found too harsh on city streets, and I never used the power on public roads/ highways. I am saving about $ 1700/ month in lease payments switching from a CLS63 to a C400. The C400 is one of 4 vehicles I own, and it is my daily driver, and I have no complaints (other than no sirius traffic) so far.
The problem with the C400 is that this car is so good, I don't see why anyone would want to move up the range, to an E class, for example. I could certainly afford a much higher end vehicle from Mercedes, but I don't see the point. In my younger days, owning an expensive car was I way of telling the world I made it, and maybe to say I'm better than you
, and in my life I have owned a Porsche C4S cab, Maserati GTS, a Ferrari 430 spider and a Ferrari 458 Italia.But now with a family and young kids, I feel like I have nothing to prove. The C400 fits the bill for me.
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For refinement, power & comfort the C400 wins hands down. The extra weight makes it feel more planted. Must be with Airmatic or "Exclusive" steel suspension ~ not Sport steel suspension.
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B200T
I have just leased a 2015 C400 with premium and sports package. My initial experience is that the extra grunt over the C300 is useful for passing maneuvers and off the line, and as far as agility goes, the car drives best in SPORTS mode with stop/start off, which allows a comfortable drive on average city streets, with good steering feel and throttle response. COMFORT mode is far too soft in this regard.
Most car reviewers test the car on the track, which gives a different impression than what most drivers experience on city streets. The C300 may be more agile in this regard, but who does high speed rapid turning maneuvers on city streets? I like straight line speed and comfort.
Most car reviewers test the car on the track, which gives a different impression than what most drivers experience on city streets. The C300 may be more agile in this regard, but who does high speed rapid turning maneuvers on city streets? I like straight line speed and comfort.
The fuel savings, however, between the two engines, would always be present. As would the extra $3-9K (depending on how you'd configure your C300).
I also used to look at numbers when I was younger. And although I do need to make an impression on a client when I get there, C300 or C400 do not matter (especially since I hate letters on a car, and would have mine without any on the back anyways). I totally agree with you that having a flashy car at a certain age just loses much of its draw.
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But by that same token, on average streets, you can only go up to ~60km/h in the city and ~100km/h on the highway. Yes, accelerating here and there (where the difference would be felt), but those how often would you push your car to its limits to explore that difference?
The fuel savings, however, between the two engines, would always be present. As would the extra $3-9K (depending on how you'd configure your C300).
I also used to look at numbers when I was younger. And although I do need to make an impression on a client when I get there, C300 or C400 do not matter (especially since I hate letters on a car, and would have mine without any on the back anyways). I totally agree with you that having a flashy car at a certain age just loses much of its draw.
The fuel savings, however, between the two engines, would always be present. As would the extra $3-9K (depending on how you'd configure your C300).
I also used to look at numbers when I was younger. And although I do need to make an impression on a client when I get there, C300 or C400 do not matter (especially since I hate letters on a car, and would have mine without any on the back anyways). I totally agree with you that having a flashy car at a certain age just loses much of its draw.
100k in the highway? Preposterous! Your country should only get the diesel version!
Even France is 130 k on the highway and 110 when wet!
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From: Alberta, Canada
2015 C400 4Matic
I drove them both and ended up buying the 400...the extra power is what did it for me. I don't have the air suspension, but the car feels really comfortable on the highway for me. Its so comfortable in fact that I've only owned it for 2 weeks and I have already put 4,500 kms on it...point of the story, I prefer the 400, but you'll probably be just as happy with the 300 except on occasion when you need to pull a 3 car pass on a mountain highway.
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B200T
Just because the speed limit is 100 doesn't mean everyone goes 100, but still...my point stands, when speed limits of 100 (or 130) are there, C300 or C400 don't matter that much, in terms of top speed and overtaking around that speed.
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2015 c400 4Matic
I also test-drove both the 300 and 400. I came from an Audi A4 with a 4 cyl turbo, so I was well acquainted with the type of acceleration and handling one could expect from that size engine (albeit one with less HP and being a few years older). I instantly seized on the 400. It just felt effortless when accelerating whereas the 300, while still plenty quick, was straining in comparison. On the highway, the 400 is a beast. You're doing 80 mph without even realizing it.
And, as others have mentioned, to get the 300 where I wanted it, I was pretty close in $$ from the 400 that comes with so many things standard. The price jump wasn't significant enough for me to not get the 400.
And, as others have mentioned, to get the 300 where I wanted it, I was pretty close in $$ from the 400 that comes with so many things standard. The price jump wasn't significant enough for me to not get the 400.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
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+1^ ~ I find the M274 engine a little unrefined & diesel like. It protests when pushed & makes an un Benz like drone. It also persists with a simplex timing chain which I do not like after all the issues with the M271. They need to fit a duplex chain. It is of course fairly frugal however.
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G37x Coupe
Can anyone who has driven or owns a C400 with 19" wheels and airmatic describe the ride quality? In Canada the only way to get the AMG interior on the C400 is as part of the sports package which includes airmatic and 19"s. I like the AMG interior but there are no testers with that configuration that I can test drive. The last thing I want is to end up with a car that feels like it's running on roller skates.
