alyshehata

Just picked up a 2017 C300 loaner from the dealership that I'm expecting to have for a few days. I instantly noticed more peppy take off and significantly tighter steering wheel. The car feels very very good at high speeds and it's interesting that it's so different from my 2016. It may be that it has 18" wheels whereas I have 17", but I don't know if that should affect the handling so much.

I also noticed the transmission is quite a bit smoother when going from 2nd to 3rd gear, as well downshifts seem to be less jerky and much less noticeable. One thing I noticed was that the glasses container was plastic in the 2017, whereas on mine it is padded with felt. I guess I got that going for me

Anyone have similar impressions?

andylaidb9

I think the jerky transmission depends on the software (since 2017 C300 is still the same 7G transmission)

After I got my 2015 C300 4M some software update, it shifts way smoother than before.

Mike5215

Mechanically they're identical, but the 18" wheels with shorter sidewalls will definitely give you tighter feeling steering (and more road feedback in general). Sounds like a snazzy set of 18" rims are in your future. I picked up a nice set on EBay for $700 shipped and so far they've been great. Finish still looks new and they balanced up without a problem.

LOGOSDJ

The 2017 C300 is identical to the 2016 C300, inside and out. The only actual changes between model years are differences in standard/optional features, a different structure of optional Premium Packages, and a couple of differences in the various paint/trim options offered (ex: Selenite Grey Metallic replacing Steel Grey Metallic, Natural Grain Brow Ash wood trim available, etc).

I would honestly wager that some of the "differences" you felt were imagined, primarily due to simply driving a newer and different vehicle than your own. Otherwise, the only big difference would be due to the vehicle having 18-inch wheels (you mentioned yours has 17-inch wheels). If the loaner had a Sport Package with 18-inch wheels, then it also had a Sport Suspension, which could certainly provide a slightly different road feel than your own C300.

Mike5215

Yeah, forgot about the Sport suspension vs Base. Base leans more closely toward the soft (luxury) side, especially on 17's.