The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class continued its legacy of blending luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology in a compact sedan package. Available in various trims, including Luxury and Sport sub-trims, the C-Class catered to a diverse range of preferences, distinguished by nuances in wheel designs, suspension tuning, and interior and exterior styling. Whether you prioritize understated elegance or sporty dynamism, the 2016 C-Class offered a compelling option in the premium sedan segment.
The base C300 model set a high standard with an array of standard features designed for comfort and convenience. Exterior highlights included 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, and power-folding side mirrors with a driver-side auto-dimming function. Inside, occupants were treated to dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Seating comfort was paramount with 10-way power front seats including 4-way lumbar support, driver memory settings, and MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery. Practicality was also considered with 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks. The COMAND infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller with an overlapping touchpad interface, provided seamless access to Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD radio.
For those seeking enhanced features, Mercedes-Benz offered a range of optional packages. The Premium 1 package for the C300 added keyless entry and ignition along with satellite radio. Stepping up to the Premium 2 package further enhanced the C300 with LED headlights, LED taillights, and a premium 13-speaker Burmester sound system, appealing to audiophiles. Luxury was amplified with the Interior package, which included leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, and heated and ventilated front seats, also adding power adjustments and memory settings for the front passenger seat. For drivers prioritizing advanced technology, the Multimedia package upgraded the display screen to 8.4 inches and integrated a navigation system, voice controls, and a rearview camera. The Lighting package enhanced visibility with adaptive LED headlights featuring automatic high-beam control, while the Air Balance package introduced filtered and scented cabin air for an elevated in-cabin experience.
Sportier aesthetics could be achieved with the Night package (requiring the Sport sub-trim), which introduced distinctive black-and-silver wheels and gloss-black exterior accents. Ride comfort and handling could be further refined with the Airmatic package, offering an adjustable air suspension. For advanced driver assistance features, the Driver Assistance package included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure intervention, partial autonomous steering, an enhanced collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection, and front and rear impact sensors. Maneuvering in tight spaces became easier with the Parking Assist package, adding front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel-parking system, and a surround-view parking camera system.
The all-wheel-drive C 450 AMG, available exclusively in the Sport sub-trim, delivered enhanced performance with a V6 engine, 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and steering, and an adaptive sport-tuned suspension featuring a wider front track. AMG-themed interior styling, sport front seat bolstering, and the contents of the Premium 1 package further distinguished this model.
For ultimate performance enthusiasts, the rear-wheel-drive AMG C 63 sedan boasted a V8 engine, wider 18-inch wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and performance software with a lap timer. The AMG C 63 S took performance even further with 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, larger front brakes, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, active engine mounts, and subtle interior trim enhancements.
The Premium 2 package remained optional on the C 63 trims, along with other previously mentioned packages. Additional options for the C 63 models (some shared with the C 450 AMG) included a dual-mode sport exhaust, carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim, race-inspired front sport seats, and two-tone leather upholstery. The C 63 S also offered the option of upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes for track-level performance.
Stand-alone options across the 2016 Benz C-Class range included a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking assist, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a power rear window sunshade, manual rear side window sunshades, and a power-closing trunk, allowing for a high degree of personalization to suit individual needs and preferences. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class successfully combined luxury, technology, and performance, making it a desirable choice for discerning drivers.
