C-ing is believing
Mercedes-Benz offers all the luxury goodies expected in a premium automobile
Russell Purcell tests out an affordable,
yet luxurious, 2015 Benz
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been completely revised for 2015 and the resulting car is much more impressive in virtually every category.
The car itself is slightly larger, which will be appreciated by passengers front and rear, and should help enhance the cars overall dynamic stability. It is also substantially lighter which helps with efficiency.
The C-Class features all the opulence, comfort and technological goodies expected in a premium luxury model as well as surprising acceleration and performance. There are two models available and both are equipped with the company’s well sorted, permanent, 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as standard which makes them very practical for Canadian road and weather conditions.
The entry level C300 is fitted with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine that produces 241- horsepower and 271 foot-pounds of torque, while the C400 (as tested) features a 3.0-litre, Biturbo V6 engine good for 329-horsepower and 354 foot-pounds of torque. Both cars utilize a very smooth 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS) which is operated via a column-mounted shift lever but also employs secondary paddle shift controls mounted to the steering wheel.
In an effort to improve on the car’s overall efficiency the engineering team has made careful alterations to both available engines as well as the transmission, including to operational software, which has helped the C-Class deliver a more refined driving experience than previous models.
At the wheel the C400 feels very competent as you toss it into corners and power delivery is smooth and predictable. The twin-turbo V6 delivers V8 performance once the turbochargers spool up and bring on a healthy surge of power but without the excessive thirst associated with the larger engine. Acceleration runs from a standstill can be easily executed in under five seconds.
Handling is very precise as the optional AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension fitted to our test vehicle quickly adapts damping to smooth out road irregularities and best suit the demands of the driver. There is however, a hint of under-steer triggered by the operation of the 4Matic all-wheel-drive, but it is predictable and didn’t interfere with driving enjoyment. Brakes are big, ventilated discs that proved predictable and fade free.
The 7-speed automatic transmission proved quiet and efficient when set to Comfort mode, but when operated in either the Sport or Sport+ modes the suspension quickly reacted to the more aggressive shift points and delivered a satisfying driving experience.
For those owners looking to further enhance the car’s efficient use of fuel there is also an Eco setting.
Many of the car’s styling cues have been borrowed from the company’s more prestigious siblings, as one look at the car’s profile and rear quarters reminds the casual observer of the sensual curves and aerodynamic lines of the gorgeous S-Class. The end result is a car high on style and curb appeal, but easier on the budget.
The cockpit environment has been carefully designed so that all controls and instrumentation are in the optimal position for most drivers. This is one of the things that sets Mercedes-Benz apart from lesser brands, as the company is well aware that most C-Class buyers come from a younger segment of the population and actually enjoy the act of driving an automobile.
The thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel feels perfectly balanced in your hands as you utilize it to guide the car from apex to apex on your favourite back road, and it offers just enough electrical assistance when dealing with more mundane tasks such as parking. Of course it is equipped with secondary controls for many of the cars comfort and entertainment features, as well as Bluetooth and cruise control functions.
The bucket front seats on the C400 were firm yet comfortable enough for long distance touring, and provide excellent side support. Those in the rear passenger compartment are a little tight for passengers standing over six-foot, but will more than suffice for average sized adults and children. There is no doubt that the passenger cabin now features more real estate than that of the outgoing car.
The test car’s interior was finished to a high level with gloss black and brushed aluminum trim, and the quality of the plastics, seating and surface materials was both luxurious and attractive. As the C Class buyer typically falls in the age category that has kids, or at least may find the need to transport them, it was nice to see that the interior panels and surfaces seem resistant to scuffs and scratches.
All the luxury equipment expected in a premium automobile was present and accounted for on my test car, but options included COMAND Online Navigation with MB Apps, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, keyless operation, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a really impressive surround sound system upgrade from audio experts Burmester.
I must admit that the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C Class is a very appealing package. Although the C400 is not a true AMG model the level of performance it offers is well suited for a daily driver and attainable for the budgetary needs of a rather broad spectrum of consumers. The optional Sport package added aggressive AMG wheels and interior elements to help sell the sport image carried by that division of the company, and for most Mercedes-Benz buyers that is what they are seeking.