2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sedan test drive review

When Mercedes-Benz sent us a C300 last year, we called it one of the best luxury values on the market. And you know what? We still think so. But this time around, we were surprised by the sedan’s sporty side. Put this thing in Sport+ mode and it truly comes alive — much more so than we remembered. 

It rips and even snarls a bit, all the while returning excellent fuel economy and an interior that is top in its class. It’s still a baby S-Class, but this sedan likes to have fun when you open the door to some rowdy behavior — but it’s also perfectly content to loaf around in traffic.

Shop all new Mercedes-Benz C-Class listings on KSL Cars

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media Newsroom

Price and value

As we noted last year in our review of the 2022 C300, this entry-level Mercedes is an excellent value. It’s certainly not cheap, but it’s also not outrageous, especially considering the average new car price is nearly $50,000.

Our tester, which was loaded with all the things you want, priced out at $58,335. That includes options such as the driver assistance, digital light and sound packages and a panorama roof. The MSRP range for the Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic sedan is $46,850-50,800. 

It is available in three trim levels, with a suite of standard features that includes power tilt/sliding tinted glass sunroof, heated front seats, 64-color LED ambient lighting and more. Be aware, options add up quickly. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below. 

• Premium: $46,850 See listings

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

11.9-inch touchscreen central multimedia display

Blind spot assist with exit warning assist

• Exclusive: $49,710 See listings

Burmester 3D Surround Sound System

Enhanced ambient lighting

Illuminated front door sills

• Pinnacle: $50,800 See listings

MB navigation

MBUX augmented video for navigation

Head-up display 

The C300 feels like two cars in one. On the one hand, it’s a calm, luxury cruiser. On the other, it’s a rip-snorting fun-to-drive sports sedan — and it’s super economical and stylish to boot. For our money, we’d go with the Exclusive trim. The C-Class features a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. Complimentary maintenance is not included.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media Newsroom

Performance 

The C300’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder really moves when you push it, especially in Sport+ mode. The engine produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while a 48-volt hybrid system temporarily cranks out 20 extra horsepower. The torque is plenty to have a lot of fun with, and you’ll rarely be in situations where you wish for more power. If only it produced better sounds. The engine, especially at lower RPMs can sound coarse and unrefined.

The powertrain is also surprisingly economical. During our testing, we averaged 28 mpg and easily achieved more than the estimated 33 mpg highway fuel economy on longer commutes. 

If there is one area of the C300’s performance that’s lacking, it’s in its handling and braking. The car is relatively hefty, and the steering often feels numb, even in its more weighted settings. The $3,050 AMG Line package did seem to improve the dynamics over the 2022 we tested, but it still wasn’t totally communicative. Braking is likewise underwhelming, as there is a significant amount of brake travel before any real stopping power comes on. Shop Mercedes-Benz C-Class listings on KSL Cars

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media Newsroom

Interior comfort and convenience 

If the performance aspect of the C300 is a sleeper hit, the interior is the star of the show. The flagship Mercedes-Benz sedan model, the S-Class, has one of the most impressive interiors in the luxury segment, and the C-Class carries over many of those stylish elements. For $58,335, there’s truly nothing else like it. 

In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, the engineering, details and quality are top-notch. Everything feels especially premium for the price point, and the infotainment and digital gauge displays are especially impressive. Our favorite detail was the abundance of ambient lighting. Driving at night creates a private jet-like experience that you and your passengers won’t soon forget.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media Newsroom

It’s not all perfect, though. With all that technology comes several capacitive touch buttons, including hard-to-use volume sliders. Can we just have a traditional button or knob, please? Also, the back seat is tight. Two adults can fit, but front seat occupants will likely need to slide their seats forward to accommodate them comfortably. Three across the back would be a challenge, so we recommend you keep it to two. Lastly, the MB-Tex seat material seemed to take more time than traditional leather to cool down in the sun. See listings

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media Newsroom

Exterior appearance and functionality 

The 2023 C300 sedan condenses the best parts of the S-Class into a smaller, sportier package. We loved the cab-back design, with its long, flat hood leading out. We also love the low, athletic appearance of this generation. 

Our tester was fitted with the $3,050 AMG Line with Night Package, which we think is a must if you want your C-Class to look its best. This package includes AMG body styling, perforated front brake discs with Mercedes-Benz calipers and high-gloss black elements that include a front splitter, grille trim, a rear diffuser, side mirrors and window trim. This package, especially when coupled with 19-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels makes for an attractive, athletic and refined-looking luxury sedan.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media Newsroom

Other options also made our tester stand out, but they add up fast. A $1,000 panorama roof and $1,100 digital light headlamps are good examples. Both are attractive options, but balloon the base price quickly. See new Mercedes-Benz C-Class listings on KSL Cars

Our tester was finished in Polar White, one of eight grayscale paint options. If you want something other than white, grey or black, your only option is the $750 Starling Blue Metallic color.

Safety

The C300 is huge on tech, heft and thoughtful engineering. All of this combines for a secure, safe-feeling vehicle. For $58,335, which includes a $1,700 Driver Assistance Package, you get almost every safety feature Mercedes-Benz makes. Some of these include: 

• Active Steering Assist

• Active Lane Change Assist

• Active Blind Spot Assist

• Evasive Steering Assist

• Active Speed Limit Assist

Awards and ratings

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 had not been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing, but it did receive the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating of Top Safety Pick+.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media Newsroom

Final impression 

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 strives to do it all and mostly succeeds. It’s comfortable (if a little tight), economical, quick and fun to drive. The interior is stylish, unique and unforgettable. If you’re looking for the best value, we’d recommend the Exclusive trim — although it is difficult to not want to upgrade to the pricey AMG Line with Night package. Overall, the 2023 C300 will be everything most buyers need and want. It won’t win you any track days, but it will put a smile on your face, no matter your driving mood. Find your Mercedes-Benz C-Class on KSL Cars

FAQs

Is the C300 fun to drive? 

Definitely. One of the best things about the C300 is how its personality changes in different drive modes. Need to relax on the way home from a long day at work? Put it in Comfort. Want to rip down a backroad? Sport+ will have you giggling. There’s even an Individual mode where you can select your settings for a variety of driving preferences, ensuring your experience is always exactly what you want.

Is the C300 a good value? 

While it can get expensive with options, yes, the C300 represents a good value in the entry-level luxury segment due to its power, efficiency, luxury and styling.

KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist, and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com