Sunday Drive: Experience luxury redefined in the 2024 Mercedes C 300 4Matic Sedan
“The letters C and S sit at opposite ends of the alphabet. However, in our portfolio they’re now moving closer together. The C-Class is already our best-selling sedan. Still, I’m certain our new C-Class will excite even more customers with a wide range of high-tech features derived from our flagship S-Class. With the latest generation MBUX and comprehensive electrification, our most successful model range will once again raise the bar as the most sophisticated offering in its segment.” — Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG
We could not come up with a better way of stating it than how Källenius did even after spending some time in many of the different letter classes in the Mercedes-Benz lineup over the past year. Getting into the C-Class or entry level Mercedes was just like getting into an S-Class. It is becoming very hard to tell the difference as they move closer together in the luxury sedan segment.
Having the C 300 over the extended Pioneer Day weekend proved to be very fortuitous for us as our calendar cleared up after Saturday morning and Deanne found a great last-minute deal for a condo at Wolf Creek Village in Eden. There really is no better way to get to know a vehicle than to spend an extended amount of time in it if we can. That seemed to be a great excuse to make a quick getaway for three days in Northern Utah.
Stepping inside the 2023 C 300 4Matic, we were embraced instantly by a symphony of luxury and craftsmanship. The interior featured very high-quality materials, including genuine leather upholstery and real wood trim. The well-designed and ergonomically laid out cabin exudes an aura of elegance that befits a true luxury sedan.
Going anywhere in a luxury sedan such as the Mercedes C-Class is going to be a great experience no matter where your destination may be, even if it is just to the grocery store. However, long distance is enhanced even more as we found seats that proved to be as comfortable as we could have ever imagined and also included an energizing mode that we really enjoyed.
With the seats set in this mode, after being in the sedan for an extended time they would move in different ways to help by stretching our backs and tired muscles from sitting. It was not like massage seats but was very invigorating on the 80-plus-mile drive to Eden.
We loved the cutting-edge technology that is included standard in the C 300 as Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and the 2023 C 300 4Matic Sedan proved to be no exception in this category. The infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch high-resolution tablet like touch screen display, which is intuitive to use and offers seamless integration with smartphones through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The included Burmester surround sound system delivered an immersive audio experience that had us listening to all kinds of great music throughout our extended weekend. Meanwhile, the digital instrument cluster and the COMAND system provide drivers with easy access to navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings via either controls on the steering wheel or by using the included voice commands by summoning our personal assist with the words “Hey, Mercedes.”
We were very impressed with the C 300 4Matics advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. These technologies enhance safety and provide a more relaxed driving experience, especially on an extended drive such as we did over the course of three days.
Under the hood, the 2023 Mercedes C 300 4Matic Sedan packed a punch with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, that generated 255 horsepower and 273 foot-pounds of torque. Pair that with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, the perfect combination we found to deliver swift acceleration and an extremely responsive power delivery, as a mild hybrid system helps negate all turbo lag when starting from a complete stop.
The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system enhanced grip and stability, ensuring confident handling in various driving conditions. With its precise steering and well-tuned suspension, the C 300 4Matic balances a comfortable ride with agile handling, making it equally adept at navigating city streets and cruising on the open highway, and it would perform admirably in a Utah winter snowstorm.
Considering its spirited performance, the 2023 C 300 4Matic Sedan still manages to deliver respectable fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine and advanced engineering help achieve an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. However, we managed a very nice 28.1 mpg for our total week of over 450 miles in the sedan. These figures ensure that the C 300 4Matic strikes a commendable balance between power and efficiency, appealing to drivers who seek both exhilarating drives along with sensible fuel consumption.
Safety was a paramount consideration for Mercedes-Benz, and the 2023 C 300 4Matic Sedan excelled in that area. The sedan came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive braking technology, attention assist and blind-spot assist. Additionally, the PRE-SAFE system prepares the vehicle for potential collisions by tightening seatbelts, adjusting seats and closing windows.
The available Driver Assistance Package added even more safety technologies, such as active lane-keeping assist, active brake assists with cross-traffic function and evasive steering assist. These advanced systems contribute to a safer driving experience, providing drivers with an extra layer of confidence on the road. With adaptive cruise, the C 300 would also change speed both down and up to the posted limit on our drive, and even slow for tight curves ahead when we were navigating the windy canyon roads.
The 2023 Mercedes C 300 4Matic Sedan sets the bar high for luxury compact sedans, combining elegance, performance and technology into a remarkable package. We had a great weekend not only enjoying the cooler temperatures of the mountains but also became very taken with the luxury sedan.
Base price: $46,850
Destination charge: $1,150
Price as driven: $58,355
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- Deanne stands after getting out of the Mercedes C300 as we got ready for a 5-mile hike in the Wasatch Mountains on our trip north to Eden.
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- The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
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- The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
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- The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
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- The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
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- The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.