This is the review from my drive of the C400. My previous review with the c300 is here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...rspective.html

Rather than break down the categories again, I will focus on the differences. I will not declare any “winners” between the E class and the C Class because many of the comparators with the C400 do not match my 2012 E350 (for example, I do not have AIRMATIC), so it would not be right to make any such call for the E Class owners who have those options.

Suspension

This C400 has the sport package with AIRMATIC. AIRMATIC really transforms the car. In comfort mode, the suspension was very forgiving over rough roads and wavy pavement, are rode very similar to the sport suspension in my 2012 E350, although I felt the E350 handled the curves better. That changed of course when put into sport mode. In sport, the comfort was less than the E350 but handling was better. Surprisingly, AIRMATIC in sport was more forgiving over rough roads and wavy pavement than the sport steel suspension in the C300. The 19 inch wheels in the C400 sport package did not take that much away from the ride, but the 18” sport package wheels in the C300 would likely give an even more comfortable ride with AIRMATIC.

Moreover, AIRMATIC truly gave me 2 cars to drive: a comfortable cruiser and a fast tight little sports car. Why take 2 spots in the garage when you can have the C400 with AIRMATIC? I would recommend AIRMATIC as the must have option on this car (if you are leasing).

Interior

I did enjoy the beauty of the C300 with the non-AMG interior. The AMG interior just kick it up a notch. Although the changes are subtle, it is just enough to really give the interior the “I am sitting in a Mercedes Benz” feel. The stitched dash, the flat bottom steering wheel, the better seats. It all adds up and it works. The seats were very comfortable and surprisingly did not feel more confining that the seats in the C300 I drove. In fact, the interior felt more open. Since I know MB did not break any laws of physics to do that, I assume that I am just becoming more used to the space in the C the more I drive it.

As before, the E Class just slightly surpasses the C Class quality of the interior, but lags behind it in design (not that there is anything wrong with that design). But again, the cost cutting in the C becomes evident when comparing to the E Class. The freezing weather over the last few days renewed my appreciation of the heated steering wheel in the E350 (which I consider indispensable rather than optional luxury), so shame on you MB for not having that as an option (or standard!) in the C Class. Does it not get cold in Germany?

Engine

Although impressed by the power of the turbo 4 in the C300, the bi-turbo V6 really makes this car come alive. With the low speed turbo giving the punch right from the line, the car instantaneously responds to your throttle input and quickly leaves all the rest of the cars behind. You do not notice your speed either (which is not unusual in a MB) and you very quickly start getting into dangerous territory where the only car not left behind is the cop with the flashing lights. Perhaps due to the fact that power delivery is so linear, it was actually more fun in the C300. The C400 surpasses the C300 off the line and is faster, but the torque punch as the C300 engine comes on the turbo was fun too. Yes, I know, the smooth linearly building delivery of power in the C400 is the ideal and the turbo lag and punch of the C300 is not, but still, if I am not racing, I might as well enjoy the torque all the way to the speed limit (and that trip is over much too fast in the C400).

The 2012 E350 has the direct injection V6. It gives great mileage for the power and is pretty good on the highway with great range (due to that huge gas tank – thanks E550!). Power can be slow off the line, but that is more a function of the transmission which starts you in second gear. Sport mode quickly takes care of that problem. The engine sounds great when accelerating too. However, it definitely has less power that the C400 (which I appreciate should be compared to the E550).

Sound System

The C400 had the Burmester sound system and it is hands (legs and feet and almost every other appendage) above Audio 20 for those who are audiophiles. I never really liked the HK as for my ears, the equalization was too strongly in the mids (painfully so at high volumes) with insufficient low end. Although I did not have better sources than FM HD radio to listen to, the sound to my ears was much better balanced although slightly biased towards lower mid. It is however, not the same system as in the S Class. I would take this Burmester over the HK system in my 2012 E 350.

 

Thanks for another well written review and perspective.

After half a dozen test drives on different roads, I have come to opinion that unless you live with track like roads (not in USA) if one can only afford one option in the new C Class, make it Airmatic. I know, I know, there's a few reviews that question if it's worth the cost and it is eventually a pricy fix, but so is everything on a Mercedes. Electrical gremlins more likely to get you. There will be plenty of aftermarket air and steel replacement options for those who bought and didn't lease or get the extended warranty.

Problem is so few Airmatic equipped are available and in some countries adds months to the build.

I wasnt able to appreciate the E interior after seeing the C. Felt in a different league in design and quality. To each their own though. Both engines had their merits IMO like you pointed out.