If we compare the space, finish and choice of materials of the new Mercedes C 300 4Matic with those of the Audi A4 45 TFSI quattro and BMW 330i xDrive, it is secretly a bit disappointing.
The new Mercedes C-Class, like the flagship S-Class, is based on Mercedes’ scalable MRA 2 platform. This has been developed primarily for cars with rear-wheel drive. The C grew compared to its predecessor: it is nine centimeters longer, so that the length is now 4.75 meters. The appearance is derived from the S-class. Unlike the old C, the taillights are now split in two.
Mercedes without star
We have bad news for nostalgic Mercedes enthusiasts, because a star on top of the hood is no longer available. Mercedes is consistent with the internal designation W206, it cheerfully continues on from the W201 (Mercedes 190) with which the brand entered the D-segment in 1982.
Space in the Mercedes C-class is limited
The S-class was also used in the interior design of the new Mercedes C-class. You can tell by the digital instruments, the large display in the middle that resembles a tablet and the round ventilation grilles.
“
The Mercedes disappoints with cheap materials.
”
Compared to the C-class, the dashboards of the Audi A4 45 TFSI and the BMW 330i look almost antique. But don’t write off both cars, because they are more spacious. Headroom is sufficient in all three cars, but the high center tunnel limits freedom of movement in the C 300. You can therefore lose your legs less well and you feel very far away from the co-driver. That’s nice if you give an annoying colleague a lift, but less fun if you want to go for a drive with your loved one. Moreover, you sit closer to the doors than in the Audi and BMW.
BMW 3 Series is more spacious than Audi A4
In the back, the Mercedes C 300 makes up for it a bit, with more head and legroom than in the Audi A4. Yet you sit at the back of the BMW 3-series the most spacious. The trunk of the C-class is also not so spacious, with 455 liters he has to tolerate the Audi (460 liters) and the BMW (480 liters). The Mercedes knows how to make up for it with its maximum payload of 553 kilos.
Do you find this story interesting? Have you ever thought of our free newsletter?
Finish Mercedes is below average
The new Mercedes C-class simply disappoints with its finish and use of materials. Many hard plastics have been used. The less visible to the eye, the more Mercedes has cut back. Your knees press against hard plastic and the lid of the glove compartment also makes a shabby impression. In addition, it is not lined.
We wouldn’t complain about these kinds of details if we tested affordable city cars, but hey Mercedes, do you want to radiate class or not? Our disappointment reached its boiling point when the lighting unit in the headliner started to rattle while driving.
Mercedes and safety
Mercedes cares more about safety than space and finish, because the competition can’t match the arsenal of the C-class. For example, it has an extra airbag between the driver and co-driver, he can overtake autonomously (optional) and the Digital Light headlamps (also not free) work excellently.
Antique Audi A4
The optional 11.9-inch touchscreen has a high resolution and large icons, so you can keep your attention on the road in the Mercedes C-Class. Unfortunately, for some functions you have to go deep into the menu structure and then you quickly get lost. The Mercedes must therefore give priority to the BMW with its controls. The BMW 330i still has rotary/push buttons and that still works best and safest. The Audi A4 45 TFSI quattro has logically arranged physical buttons. Very old-fashioned, but also very pleasant.