Test
Vehicle's MSRP: $49,000 (Base
Model: $44,550)
Seating
Capacity: 5
Standard
Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a
rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive highbeam
assist headlights; an electronic blindspot system; and rain-sensing wipers
Standard
Equipment: 18-inch wheels;
9-speed automatic transmission; leather-like seating; power heated front seats
with lumbar support; 3 position memory setting front seats; an oversized power
sunroof; a keyless entry system; a push-button start ignition system; a dual
zone automatic climate control system; a power operated tilt/telescopic
steering wheel; grain walnut wood trim; power folding side mirrors; and a
start/stop engine fuel saving system
Options:
illuminated door sill panels; SiriusXM radio; acoustic glass;
enhanced ambient lighting; wireless charging; a heads up display system;
augmented video for navigation; Burmeister 3D surround sound system with online
music streaming; parking pilot with surround view system; parktronic with
active parking assist; and a surround view system
Other Trims:
Exclusive
Pinnacle
Standard
Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM radio
Bluetooth
Connectivity: Standard
USB
Connectivity: Standard
Apple/Android
Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain
Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Standard
Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/255-hp
Recommended
Fuel: Premium
Standard
Fuel Mileage: 25-cty/35-hwy
What’s
New: The
fifth-generation C-Class is all-new for the 2022 model year.
Why:
A fuel-efficient 4-cylinder, which garners upwards of 600 miles on
a tank of gas
A smooth-shifting 2.0-liter turbo hybrid-like engine
A balanced ride due to the suspension system with a variety of
driving modes/characteristics
Optional sound system is crystal clear
Music streaming can now be integrated into the sound system
When in reverse, the back up image is one of the clearest we’ve
seem
Comfortable seating
Huge computer-like infotainment screen
While the traditional radio knobs have been removed, M-B has optional means to easily
adjust the volume.
An easy-to-use infotainment screen
Optional augmented navigation system
Natural grain walnut wood trim
All-wheel drive availability
A power pull down trunk with a locking feature for the doors too.
Available with a number of high tech driving aids (e.g. lane change assist; video recording)
But:
For a near $50,000 price tag, a radar activated cruise control
system should be standard on the base trim
Conservative exterior styling
Only available with one 4-cylinder powertrain
SiriusXM is not standard
No performance powertrain or electrification
This year’s hybrid-like model is available with one powertrain, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, seamless shifting engine. The conservatively styled C 300 sedan, which spews out 255 horses from underneath the engine, has a driving range nearing 600 miles. We must note this is the German brand’s first vehicle to be powered by the brand’s new 4-cylinder engine with an integrated starter generator and 48-volt technology.
Moreover, the new C 300 is available in three trim levels: Premium,
Exclusive and Pinnacle. Our model was outfitted with the standard Premium trim,
which included features ranging from heated front seats to an oversize power
sunroof to leather-like seating. Unfortunately, such items as leather seating,
SiriusXM, a navigation system and advance safety driving features such as radar
activated cruise control system are optional features on the C Class sedan. A number
of these aforementioned items are standard on a host of mainstream brands, which are in a
much lower price class. Unfortunately, this is the downside of purchasing an
entry level German luxury sedan. One has to pay extra for such features.
Despite that, for those seeking more premium features, they can opt to upgrade their trim to have access to such features as ventilated front seats, Nappa leather, a high end Burmester 3D Surround System, active lane change assist and augmented video for navigation. One must keep in mind these additional features will also drive up the price tag.
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has finally integrated the brand’s signature freestanding 12-inch digital instrument panel and a12-inch iPad-like central display system, which gives the vehicles a fresh and modern appearance. In fact, many of the features one can find in the brand’s flagship six figure S Class sedan is now available in the C Class.
Overall the new C Class sedan is longer, wider and roomier than its predecessor. The fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz also offers a balanced tuned suspension system, with a variety of driving modes, making for a great road trip vehicle.
Competition: 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia; 2022 Audi A4; 2022 BMW 3 Series; 2022 Cadillac CT5; 2022 Lexus ES; and Volvo S60
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