First Drives: Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC sedan 2015

The previous several years have found Mercedesbenz merchandise planners methodically make their way through the line, raising AMG's part, revamping the most effective-ledge S class, and including entry level lure in the likeness of the CLAclass sedan and GLAclass SUV. Until now, they've basically left the c class (W204 in Benz-talk) to its own products. A moderate makeover a few years back enhanced its appearances but didn't address its major shortcoming: The 3 Series was a much better car to operate a vehicle. The 2015 c class symbolizes the manufacturer in its Teutonic greatest, tenaciously addressing preceding wants with measured doses of engineering and fashion.

One appearance and it is clear the seed that bloomed into the c class was gathered in the same inventory as that of the s class. The extended, sculpted hood, the hallmark fascia, and also the posterior layout have powerful Sclass clues, even though the c class loses a number of the large automobile's grace in the C-column rear. Chalk it up to scale.

Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC sedan 2015

Our push was in C250 and C400 versions--U.S. customers will see the better C300 in host to the C250. Both automobiles get a longitudinally mounted 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that is a close clone of the sidewinder device within the CLAclass. When the C300 reaches the States, it will arrive packaging an estimated 241 hp and 272 pounds-feet of torque, together with all-wheel-drive; the trunk-wheel-push C250 we drove abroad had its productivity suppressed to 208 horses and 258 pound-ft of turn. A rear wheel drive C300 will follow the 4MATIC, as well as the lately confirmed C350 plug in hybrid vehicle is anticipated to get there in the autumn of 2015. A diesel is probably around the horizon too, but it is our experience that these given to the oil-burning life-style is going to have a number of years to scrounge up the deposit.

Son of Sclass

We took our first-turn in the wheel in a C250, also it was instantly obvious that the s class vibe proceeds to the inside. Five round ports scatter the dashboard, the central three resting atop a-one-piece centre cabinet that terminates just under the 8.4-inch (seven-inch with no Multimedia program) infotainment display. Teamed with leather and when underscored by the accessible wood or aluminum trimming, the environment goes enjoyably, tastefully up-scale. We discovered the switch-gear to possess the significant feel typical of superior hifi gear. Those comfortable using the Benz's COMAND infotainment apparatus, though, is likely to be surprised to discover a smallish, ergonomically-shaped guard placed within the COMAND handle wheel. Way from a cosmetic fixture, it homes a touchpad with haptic suggestions that enables the process of infotainment features using finger gestures.

(The back seats are unquestionably roomier, though.) A flexible seat and strength-adjustable tipping-and-telescoping steering-wheel are quite typical nowadays, but the manner that they intersect in the c class provides for outstanding seats versatility.

Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC sedan 2015

Smooth Operator

Making its introduction in the c class, Agility Choose is effective at fixing throttle reaction, steering-support degrees, damper firmness, and transmission change points. Parameters are established by picking Eco, Relaxation, Athletics, Activity Plus, and person settings, the latter that enable you to customize the different systems to private taste. Driving fanatics that we're, we ran through the menu several times before buying Sport Plus, which shown linear steering that weighted upward nicely under competitive cornering. In regard to show-in crispness, it had been finally the vehicle's multi-link rear suspension that let's down by squishing and squirming under stress. Nevertheless, the C250's atmosphere-sprung trip quality to the main road was tranquil and composed. The gearchanges get slightly more noticeable below a large foot. Brakes are text book Mercedes: business, with sharp braking activity near the top of the pedal journey.

The C400 felt mostly the exact same, but its reactions to stimulations were not rather as sharp, as if somebody had eased a saturated loofah involving the body and suspensor contact points. Speedup is of course enhanced, the V6's somewhat rowdy exhaust burble changing the four-cylinder's courteous woofle. Braking felt less processed in the C400, softer in morsel and more difficult to modulate; afterwards, a technologist confided that you'll find constantly "concerns" viewing pad formulas for the American marketplace, where brake sound and wheel dirt are large grouse generators, so choose that as you'll. Nonetheless, Mercedes preserves that closing tuning of the C400 has been completed and also the automobiles that go on-sale in September will probably be unchanged from our evaluation auto.

Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC sedan 2015

Regrettably, it is really not that straightforward. While Mercedes was tough at work producing the 2015 Cclass, the planet transformed. The 3 series mutated and propagate throughout the section in an attempt to attract a broader spectral range of purchasers, and new rivals like the exceptional-to-push Cadillac ATS and Lexus IS350 F Activity joined the affray. However, to get a maker with an established history of understanding its crowd and unafraid to wander an unique well-recognized trail to please them, this c class ought to be appropriate on target.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C400 4Matic - Exterior, Interior Walkaround - 2014 Toronto Auto Show