2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 First Drive: A Car That Talks To Itself

2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 First Drive: A Car That Talks To Itself

In the 2019 C300鈥攖he base trim for U.S. 鈥攁 new 2.0 turbo-four makes 14 more horsepower than the old engine, for 255 hp, while torque stays steady at 273 lb-ft. Part of the horsepower increase comes from how the new twin-scroll turbocharger gets its twist on. Instead of exhaust gases hitting the turbine all at once, it's now divvied up into two cylinders at a time, providing a more even and metered flow of air. Think of it like blowing out candles on your birthday cake: A big heave of breath might have more power behind it, but it's the controlled exhale that lasts longer. The result is a happy little mill, delivering a healthy dose of grunt throughout the rev range with only small pockets of turbo lag on occasion. Even in the upper revs, Mercedes' 2.0-liter retains its composure, avoiding the thrash and clatter that befalls other four-cylinders.

Only at much higher speeds on the autobahn does the C300 begin to show any kind of strain. Throw it into a corner, and the C300 quickly reminds you that it's tuned for comfort, not agility, even with the suspension set to its Sport setting. Of course, if it's more chutzpah you're after, Mercedes offers the C-Class in C43 guise. And even though the nine-speed automatic delivers its gear changes in a mostly refined fashion, at times it was a little too eager to hold gears after a spirited start. Calm down, C300, I'm just leaving the mall at rush hour. Speaking of malls, C300 can also notify you if it's been broken into, or if someone smacks into it while it's parked, and can similarly tell you if the vehicle is being towed. Details of the incident are beamed to the Mercedes Me app as well as displayed on the center display during startup. In the event of an impact, this optional system uses the accelerometer and anti-theft sensors to determine where the car was hit and indicates the area on an illustration within the alert. Assistance can be summoned if the damage interferes with driving. It's also technically possible for the car's cameras to record the incident, though current privacy laws prevent this part of the feature from being activated. So although the C300 might not look that much different at first glance, the tech has taken a big leap forward. The 2019 C300 sedan will arrive on dealer lots later this year, joined once again by convertible and coupe versions. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect a slight bump in starting MSRP from the 2018 models. All that new tech comes at a price, after all.

Aggressively styled like a low-slung racing car, it features an unusually large Mercedes three pointed star on the front grille 鈥?for badge snobs. The exterior is 'mystic white', complemented by an AMG Anthracite leather interior, with two-tone nappa leather sports seats and contrasting top stitching. It feels rather racy for a girl about town 鈥?and the country. It's also safe and comes with dual stage and side airbags for driver and front-seat passenger. It handles well on the road and grips the corners. The height-adjustable steering wheel features user-friendly ergonomic controls to change CD tracks or radio stations. Decent visibility, even with the roof in place. It's cosy. A clever system called 'Airscarf' blows warm air around your neck, perfect for those, like me, who forget their Hermes scarf. When the sun comes out, you can transform your metal roofed coupe into a roadster in 22 seconds. Nice sound as a result of the high-revving engine, but it hums politely at speed. Performance is pleasing from the supercharged 1.8 litre engine, with six-speed manual gearbox and speedtronic cruise control.

Lease the Mercedes C300 Cabriolet today for the lowest price nationwide. The Mercedes C-class is composed of an impressive fleet of luxury models. The C300 Cabriolet is the 2-door convertible variation, providing an option for drivers who want to feel the wind blow through their hair without sacrificing the many perks that come with a luxury sedan. The C300 Cabriolet boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 241 horsepower and sends 273 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, giving it a zippy 6.3 second 0-60 time. The seven-speed automatic transmission is eager to shift up or down at the appropriate time, providing a smooth shift that gives you acceleration or quite comfort on demand. The Cabriolet provides a power-folding fabric top for easy raising and lowering of the roof. Those already accustomed to the top-down driving experience will appreciate the inclusion of Mercedes鈥?Airscarf system which blows warm air on the neck and shoulders of the driver and front passenger making the convertible experience that much more enjoyable. Combined with the removable wind blocker, the C300 Cabriolet manages to provide the thrilling, care-free attitude of a convertible in the most refined and comfortable fashion.

The C300 Cabriolet interior uses a combination of elegance design and high-tech aesthetics to make the cabin stand out as one of the most refined spaces across all brands. The high-quality leather and wood surfaces give it a classic appeal while Mercedes鈥?COMAND infotainment system sports a large touchscreen interface that provides excellent functionality while giving the whole cabin the modern touch. The COMMAND system also features Mercedes mbrace, a collection of services and features including remote smartphone access, additional safety features, and more. Q: Who else can drive my car if I opt to lease instead of buy? A: Only persons listed as lessee and co-lessee or drivers who are insured under your current policy may drive your car. Q: Am I responsible for renewing the vehicle鈥檚 registration? A: Yes, you must renew your leased vehicle鈥檚 registration in accordance with your state laws and are responsible for any associated fees. Q: Am I responsible for paying taxes on my leased vehicle?