Mercedes-Benz trickled S-Class technology down to the C-Class, and it brought most of the same issues here as it did in that car — plus some new ones. You’ll find most of those problems in the 11.9-inch tablet-style touchscreen, which is also where most of the controls are located (the first problem). Fewer physical controls in or around the center console of a car can be mitigated by steering-wheel controls, but the C300’s steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls, including an especially aggravating volume slider.
We called out the S-Class for the needless complications in its MBUX multimedia system, and most of that carries over to the C-Class. I can forgive the C-Class a bit given its target buyer is likely more familiar with modern technology (millennials don’t usually field tech-support calls from other millennials), but it’s still needlessly complex. Bodies of water in the (optional) navigation map shimmer, and buildings are lit up at night. It’s distracting. Even more distracting is the augmented reality navigation display in the central touchscreen. In more expensive Mercedes, the AR navigation appears in the head-up display, but it’s relegated to the touchscreen here and distracts more than it helps. A camera system displays the view ahead of the car on the screen and places virtual navigation icons over the image. Keeping this in the driver’s line of sight via the head-up display isn’t perfect and takes some getting used to, but looking down and to the right to see them on a touchscreen is much worse.
What this all feels like is an attempt to compete with the Tesla Model 3. Features like AR navigation appear to exist simply because they can, not because they improve the driving experience. The lack of physical buttons feels more futuristic, but it’s hard to argue it’s luxurious; a lack of physical controls likewise makes the S-Class feel less luxurious.
One piece of tech that does feel like a highlight in the C-Class is the digital instrument panel. It’s easily configurable, clear and easy to read. There’s nothing to set it apart from a variety of digital instrument panels in more and less affordable mainstream and luxury vehicles — BMWs, Toyotas, Fords and the like — but at least it works well. The same goes for the voice command feature, which is activated with a simple “Hey, Mercedes.”
Interior Issues
Another problem with the C300 is that its interior just isn’t a very comfortable place to be. Other editors and I had issues finding a comfortable driving position, and the backseat felt cramped. A large center floor hump cuts into foot room back there, and head- and legroom are also on the smaller side. This isn’t unusual for the class, but that doesn’t make it any less aggravating.
Interior materials quality was also mixed. Not one of our editors believed the upholstery on the seats was all real leather despite the “Power Red/black leather” line item on our test vehicle’s window sticker.
On the positive side, there is some ability to personalize the interior to the driver’s taste thanks to a configurable instrument panel and adjustable ambient lighting. It’s one of the first times I’ve actually enjoyed adjusting the ambient lighting in a test vehicle.
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Safety
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2022 Top Safety Pick+, the organization’s highest designation. To earn that rating, a vehicle must ace a variety of crash tests, all trim levels must offer headlights that earn a rating of at least acceptable, and the car’s vehicle-to-vehicle and daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention systems must be rated at least advanced. The C-Class’ standard Active Brake Assist and optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function both meet the front crash prevention standards. Mercedes-Benz is known for its a la carte options structure — again, our test vehicle’s options added almost $15,000 — and while some safety features are standard, the more advanced systems remain added-cost options. Some luxury brands (Genesis and Lexus, for example) make many of these features standard.
Falling Further Behind
Five years ago, a C300 came in third in our comparison of seven luxury sports sedans. Since then, its competitors have improved while Mercedes seems to have lost its way.
What the C300 offers owners now is a frustrating, tech-laden package with a three-pointed star on the grille. There just aren’t enough enjoyable driving qualities to make the C300 worth a recommendation over its competitors; Alfa Romeo, BMW and Genesis all make cars that are more fun to drive, and if you’re simply looking to show off all the cool techy things your car can (but probably shouldn’t) do, get a Tesla Model 3 and shell out for Full Self Driving.
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