The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact sedan segment. Distinguished by its elegant design and advanced technology, the C 300 4MATIC offers a compelling blend of comfort, sophistication, and driving dynamics. Understanding the various trim levels, standard features, and optional packages is key to appreciating the full spectrum of what this model offers.
Trim Levels: Luxury and Sport
The 2016 C-Class sedan, including the C 300 4MATIC, was available in distinct Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These trims catered to different aesthetic and driving preferences, primarily differentiated by:
- Wheel Design: Each trim featured unique alloy wheel designs, contributing to their individual visual identities.
- Suspension Tuning: The Sport trim offered a sport-tuned suspension, providing a firmer and more agile driving experience compared to the comfort-oriented Luxury trim.
- Styling Details: Subtle yet noticeable differences in interior and exterior styling elements set the trims apart. These included variations in the grille design and steering wheel, further emphasizing the distinct character of each trim.
Standard Features of the C 300 4MATIC
Even in its standard configuration, the Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC was generously equipped with a range of premium features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Key standard features included:
- 17-inch Alloy Wheels: Providing a stylish and balanced stance.
- Automatic Headlights and Wipers: For enhanced visibility and convenience in varying weather conditions.
- Power-Folding Side Mirrors: Equipped with driver-side auto-dimming to reduce glare and improve safety.
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Ensuring personalized comfort for both driver and front passenger.
- Power Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel: Allowing drivers to find their ideal driving position.
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror: Further reducing nighttime driving glare.
- 10-Way Power Front Seats: Including 4-way lumbar support for optimal seating comfort.
- Driver Memory Settings: Recalling preferred seat, steering wheel, and mirror positions.
- MB-Tex Upholstery: High-quality synthetic leather upholstery offering durability and a luxurious feel.
- 40/20/40-Split Folding Rear Seatbacks: Providing versatility for cargo and passenger configurations.
- COMAND Infotainment System: Featuring a 7-inch central display screen controlled by a console-mounted dial and touchpad interface.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: For seamless phone and audio streaming.
- Comprehensive Audio System: Including a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader, and HD Radio for diverse entertainment options.
While the standard touchpad interface provided added control functionality, some users found it to be somewhat sensitive in everyday use.
Optional Packages for Enhanced Luxury and Technology
Mercedes-Benz offered a variety of optional packages for the 2016 C 300 4MATIC, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle with additional features and technologies. These packages included:
- Premium 1 Package: Adding keyless entry and ignition for enhanced convenience, along with SiriusXM satellite radio for expanded entertainment options.
- Premium 2 Package: Building upon Premium 1, this package included high-performance LED headlights and taillights for improved visibility and aesthetics, as well as a premium 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system for an audiophile-grade listening experience.
- Interior Package: Elevating interior luxury with leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting to create a personalized cabin atmosphere, and heated and ventilated front seats for year-round comfort. This package also added power adjustments and memory settings for the front passenger seat.
- Multimedia Package: Upgrading the infotainment system with a larger 8.4-inch display screen, a navigation system for turn-by-turn directions, voice controls for hands-free operation, and a rearview camera for enhanced safety and parking assistance.
- Lighting Package: Further enhancing visibility with adaptive LED headlights featuring automatic high-beam control, optimizing light distribution for different driving conditions.
- Air Balance Package: Introducing filtered and scented cabin air, creating a more pleasant and refined interior environment.
- Night Package: (Requires Sport sub-trim) Adding unique black-and-silver wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a more aggressive and sporty appearance.
- Airmatic Package: Incorporating an adjustable air suspension system, allowing drivers to customize ride comfort and handling dynamics.
- Driver Assistance Package: Significantly enhancing safety and driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure intervention, partial autonomous steering, and an enhanced collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection and front/rear impact sensors.
- Parking Assist Package: Simplifying parking maneuvers with front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel-parking system, and a surround-view parking camera system.
AMG Performance Models: C 450 AMG and AMG C 63
For buyers seeking elevated performance, the 2016 C-Class lineup also included AMG-engineered models:
- C 450 AMG: Available exclusively in the Sport sub-trim with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a V6 engine, the C 450 AMG featured 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and steering, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, AMG-themed interior styling, sport front seats, and the contents of the Premium 1 package.
- AMG C 63 and C 63 S: The rear-wheel-drive AMG C 63 sedan boasted a powerful V8 engine, wider 18-inch wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and performance software with a lap timer. The AMG C 63 S further enhanced performance with 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, larger front brakes, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, active engine mounts, and interior trim upgrades. The Premium 2 package and other optional packages remained available for the AMG C 63 trims.
Standalone Options for Further Customization
Beyond packages, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC offered a range of standalone options for individual customization, including:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors (if not included in packages)
- Automatic Parking Assist (if not included in packages)
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Head-Up Display
- Power Rear Window Sunshade
- Manual Rear Side Window Sunshades
- Power-Closing Trunk
In conclusion, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC provided a luxurious and well-equipped entry point into the C-Class lineup. With its range of trim levels, standard features, optional packages, and standalone choices, it offered a high degree of personalization to meet diverse customer preferences in the luxury sedan market.
