I wanted to post a quick review of a recent test drive I did of a 2015 C300 4matic with sport package. I currently have a 2012 E350 4matic (and before that a 2009 e320 bluetec). Size wise, the C class is close in size to my old E320, so I was considering moving to the C as I have a feeling the new E class will get even bigger. Since I viewed the C class as being more sport than luxury and the E class as more luxury that sport, I wanted to see if the new “mini S” C class would be a suitable option for E class owners who wouldn’t mind a slightly smaller car. This is not meant to be a comprehensive review and is just this one man’s opinion.

Exterior

The C300 has the looks of a sport sedan. It pulls the styling cues from the S class so well, that S class owners think it is an S when they see it on the road and are shocked to see it is a C. From most angles the car looks great, and the sport wheels visually match the proportions and lines of the car and do a good job showing off the big brake calipers.

On the other hand, the 2012 E class, although beautiful in its own way, is not as sexy as the C and has some design queues that a “quirky”, but do give it character and some historical grounding. However, the design looks dated in comparison and will looks more dated as more models are released with the new design philosophy.

Winner: C class because looking like the S is not a bad thing.

Interior

Pictures do not do the C class justice – the interior is even better in person. I have absolutely no problem with the “ipad” type display. It actually felt like a well-integrated part of the interior and was not a distraction to use due to its high mounted position. The seating felt tight but comfortable and the steering wheel although small, just felt like the right size when driving. The dark ash open pore wood centre console was a beautiful sight, but I wonder how it will stand up to abuse. Seat heaters are powerful but the lack of a heated steering wheel spoke volumes about the less visible cost cutting in this car. Rear seats have leg room, but not enough head room due to the panoramic sun roof which in Canada is not a separate option. This may be me and my ears, but the audio 20 belongs in a Toyota Corolla, not a Benz. It is good for talk radio I guess. I have not heard the Burmester on the C (sounds great in the S though).

The 2012 E is a different design philosophy, so I do not fault it for its Teutonic edges and angles. However, after looking at the C, it looks severely dated and some hard plastics that I did not notice before, I notice now. My E has the ARTICO stitched dash. This adds so much character to the car, that every MB should have this as standard in the C or at least in the premium package. The seats are broad and are less supportive for spirited driving (but I find them uncomfortable for long trips over 3 hours). The cabin is much more airy than the cozy C class.

Winner: C class because the interior is a step up beyond the E class.

Driving

AGILITY SELECT is a fantastic tool that I cannot see as not being standard in every Mercedes. Even without AIRMATIC to change the suspension settings, AGILITY SELECT changes the character of the car so much that you can get the best of many worlds. ECO and COMFORT lets you save gas and the environment. Yes, it will blunt the performance of the car, but if you go easy on the pedal, it becomes less bothersome. Steering is easier and less precise which for a less engaged driver, makes the car very civilized. SPORT and SPORT+ however, lets you have your sports car. The transmission keeps the engine turbo well spooled and the car on the right gear to make the best of the engine. Steering becomes super precise and accurate, with acceptable feel. So yes, you can have your grocery getter and your sports car in the same chassis now. The car is a little slow off the line (more so in ECO or COMFORT) and the 4 cylinder off the line does not make a pleasant sound although it is quite acceptable once you are underway. The Sport suspension however, is very stiff. Although this gives you very good and precise handling, poor concrete pavement made me bounce in my seat like I was in a storm on the ocean. Given the damage many roads have suffered, feeling every bump and pavement join did not seem good for the long term. AIRMATIC may be a good option to consider here (but I did not have a C300 AIRMATIC to test).

The 2012 E class has the direct injected 3.5l v6 and it is well matched to the car. The car is odd in that sometimes it will give you too much torque off the line and other times it seems lacking. In SPORT mode, modulating the pedal for smooth starts takes some practice. The engine is smooth and the sound is very pleasant when accelerating. The C300 seems evenly matched against the E off the line, but the C is likely more responsive and powerful when already underway. The 2012 E has the AMG sport package with the 18” wheels. I always thought that for a v6 E class, the suspension was a little stiff. That was, until I drive the C class. Although the C class handles maybe a little bit better than the E, the E gives a more comfortable and quieter ride. Although I did not push the C to the same limits as my E, the nannies in the E activate in a smooth and unobtrusive manner that actually seem to give the E that little extra to help it get through the curve, rather than the as a strong hand that pushes the car back into its envelope (yes you Lexus).

Winner: E class because it can do almost all the C can do, but with more comfort.

Make the Move?

Moving from an E class to a C class is not for all E class drivers. Although the luxury aspect of the C class is much improved and in many cases surpasses the E class, I feel that those who choose the E class for its space, comfort and quietness, will need to see if the compromises in the new C are sufficient to dissuade them. For me, the C class I drove did not meet those expectations, but it could be resolved with AIRMATIC. I will be test driving a C400 with AIRMATIC in the next week or so, but I am not sure if that will answer all my concerns with the C300 I drove.

Overall Winner: C class for many, but probably not all E class drivers.

 

Nice write up, I wasn't as disgusted by the iPad once I sat in the c class in the showroom ... Seemed more obnoxious in pictures

Newly designed e class should put to rest the 2015 c-class' good looks title I think with the design trends Benz has been showcasing

 

Thanks for nice perspective and write up.

Speaking of the E Is this the 'real interior' of the new E class? Found it on an internet search...

http://generalcars2015.shantel.netdn...or-610x457.jpg

 

Thanks for sharing your review.
I'd be interested in your ride and comfort thoughts on a luxury model C300

 

Hope so....a nav screen setup I can live with, although SWMBO is in charge of this next purchase decision!

 

Doubt it. Looks too spartan, and too sporty as well. Especially with those buttons beside the driver's lap.

 

I agree, looks conservative, but E's have been. The buttons seem to be their new thing...here's the upcoming CLS interior.

http://media.caranddriver.com/images...s-1280x782.jpg

 

agree the ride is too harsh for non full amg imo. but otherwise the interior is very nice and better the than the current E class.

that is the SLS interior

 

OMG man, of course not lol. Don't you see how outdated the interior is. SLS and old C-Class parts. Come on guys, think here....


M

 

The display doesn't bother me as much as not having a real gear shift lever. I really don't like the steering column mounted stalk.

 

I also felt the Sport Package ride was a bit harsh over rough roads. The base suspension meets my needs perfectly ... firm with enough compliance to stay composed over bad surfaces, and tight enough to offer very good body control through tight turns,

I do find the steering to be too light for me ... with Agility Sport+ offers much better weighting but also introduces very aggressive shifting. Unfortunately, Sport+ steering isn't available in Sport or Comfort modes.

I do like the 4 cylinder engine and it seems to be really opening up as the miles accumulate. The sound is improving, fuel economy is increasing, and the engine is starting to even feel quicker with time.

The W205 is not the ideal car for everyone, but it does offer a fairly sophisticated package in a compact sedan configuration ... with a touch of sportiness, quite a bit of luxury, and enough electronic goodies to satisfy even the most advanced tech geeks. Given all the available options, and the choice of two excellent motors, I think it's quite a competitive vehicle.

 

If you want to make it a complete no brainer, simply go with a 400 rather than a 300 it will solve any quibbles you may have with the propulsion system, given that the 400 will be a lot faster and as smooth if not smoother than the E.

 

Unfortunately, I was not able to test drive the 300 with the regular comfort suspension as my dealer stock is very limited. If one comes in, I will try it out as that would be easier to find than a c300 with AIRMATIC. On the other hand, I do like those sport wheels!

Is this not adjustable in the individual settings mode? I assumed the little engine icon meant drive train, so that you could select sport steering with the comfort transmission gear shifting.

 

Yes, but it does not solve the stiff suspension issue. AIRMATIC on the C400, in Canada at least, only comes with the 19" rims and summer tires, but I am looking to AIRMATIC too add comfort, not to increase handling even further, which seems the opposite of MB plans for the AIRMATIC package in the C400.

 

Thanks for the nice write up. I was wondering if an option would be to get the c300 with the 18 inch tire option. They may effect the ride a little, being larger of course and low profile I believe. In Canada,the c300 comes standard with the luxury suspension and 17 inch tires. They just don't look right at all in my opinion.

 

Yes, but the steering will only allow Sport, not Sport+ as an adjustment in Agility.

 

I have the 18's with my base suspension C300. Slightly harsher ride, but easier than Sport.

 

To natman316: What is your point with the animation? Even if it is merely humor, I don't get it.

 

Buy one here in the "states" we get the 18 inchers with airmatic, the 19 is optional.

 

I found the regular suspension excellent, very nice combo of sport and smooth. Its not the S magic carpet ride but you have to consider it has more than a foot less wheelbase. A lot of reviewers have actually preferred the base over the airmatic. I haven't tried airmatic, but since I garnered that its probably an improvement (if slight) over the already excellent base one I ordered it.

 

Unfortunately although we could import one from the US, for a lot less than than what it costs to buy one here, the problem is that the US still uses MPH for everything. Canada is on the metric system.

 

Should not be an issue, you can display in metric if you wish. The speedometer has both. Thhe issue is warranty service. Unless you live near the border that can be a major problem

 

I believe the warranty would be covered in Canada as well. It's more the annoyance of having mph on the speedo. From what I've seen in pictures and videos there is no inner ring of KM/h on the US spec W205s. The Canadian ones don't have a mph inner ring. Also dealing with F vs C in temps and navigation in miles (not sure if you can change that in comand), mpg vs l/100km etc. The car would also be harder to resell. There are significant savings in buying from the US, up to 25% -30% in some cases depending on the make, even after paying applicable duties and having them certified for registration here, but sometimes it's just not worth the hassle. I don't know why MB Canada decided to offer less flexibility with trims than the US but it has definitely stopped me from pulling the trigger on the 2015 C400. I want the AMG interior but not the airmatic with 19's and that's the only way to get it here. If the C450 is significantly more expensive than the C400 is now, I'll probably just go with another make.

 

Gee, it seems you are right, the MPH speedo does not have KMH markings! I thought there was a regulation mandating that.

 

I believe what you're referring to is the gif in his signature