Test Drive: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sedan

Okay, now the drive. The Agility Select switch offers several settings for drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and the marvelously named “Individual”. Predictably, it allows you to tailor the ride to your preferences.  Also predictably, my Individual would turn out to be virtually indistinguishable from the Mercedes engineers’ Sport+.

The C300 lovingly houses a peppy four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission. Yes, seven speeds in a mid-level luxury sedan, which explains how it can customize your Individual driving mode. After all, there are only eight notes in the western scale (speaking of black pianos).

Only four cylinders you say? If you’re wondering, the C does not represent chintzy-ness here. This engine releases a whoop-assed 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque at just 1,300-1,400 rpm.

So no wonder the C300’s combined city/highway fuel consumption numbers total 9 L/100 km.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC headlight, engine bay. Click image to enlarge

Add to that, the engine requires high-octane (minimum 91) premium gasoline. So if you find achieving that already chewy fuel-consumption number a challenge ­– I did ­– there’s an appropriately green conservation switch with all green’s extra meanings. When engaged, it turns off the engine during complete stops in traffic, which is most of the time in Toronto where I live. It comes back on when you remove your foot from the brake.

The three-spoke steering wheel (hey, that looks like a Mercedes-Benz logo!) feels great to grip. And the steering itself is magnifique, a real thrill to push aggressively between complete engine halts in traffic.

The handling (on preciously expensive run-flat tires) defies inertia in its precision. Pray for curves, hills and solitude.

Despite the fact that you don’t get all the bling you’d expect in a $46,000 car (minor stuff, like a fob you have to click for entry ­– having it on your person isn’t enough; non-heated rear seats and steering wheel; no satellite radio and static headlights) you are getting a wonderful ride. And as another author of another Mercedes-Benz review recently said in another publication, if you’re worrying about the baubles and bling you’re probably considering the wrong car.

Price: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic
Base Price: $43,000
Options: Premium Package – $3,700; Memory seats – $900
Freight: $2,075
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $49,755

Competitors:
Acura TLX
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Infiniti Q50
Lexus IS
Volvo S60