2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300

The 2016 C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's compact luxury sedan, slotting between the CLA and the E-Class with a choice of body styles and a range of engines from a turbo four to a hand-built V8. It competes with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Lexus IS, but the C-Class counters with a more opulent cabin and a broader performance spread. The C-Class balances comfort with agility; the steering is precise and the ride is composed, though the sportier AMG versions are noticeably firmer. Inside, the cabin features rich materials like wood grain and aluminum trim, with supportive seats and a roomy trunk for a compact sedan. Standard tech includes a 7-inch display, Bluetooth, and a USB port, while options add a Burmester sound system and advanced safety aids like blind-spot monitoring. The C 300 trades the C 450 AMG's stronger engine and sportier suspension for a lower price and better fuel economy, making it the sensible choice in the C-Class range. Its 2.0L I4 makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, and returns 27 mpg combined. The DYNAMIC SELECT drive-mode controller lets you dial in a firmer throttle or a more relaxed one, but the C 300's standard suspension still leans toward comfort over cornering grip.