Although there is a more affordable option with the C 200 Avantgarde, the C 300 ups the game in terms of power, safety and comfort as it comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and Airmatic suspension, among others.
For those with deeper pockets and a thirst for speed, there is the Mercedes-AMG C 43 AMG 4Matic. We had the opportunity of driving the C300 over the weekend.
Exterior
The C-Class range underwent a facelift late last year and changes for the C 300 include new bumper designs for the front and rear, new five twin-spoke AMG 19-inch alloy wheels and the most distinguishing element, the diamond studded grille.
The review unit came in Obsidian black metallic colour, which automatically highlights the shiny grille as well as giving the car an overall stealthy appearance.
The headlamps consist of the Multibeam LED with Ultra Range and LED tail lamps in the rear. The C 300 has a clean and slightly muscular look as a result of a creased belt line.
While the exterior doesn't scream sporty, it has the advantage of being considered a sleeper car since it has all that muscle under the hood.
And because it's black, another eye-catching element is the chrome trim at the rear especially the housing of the dual exhaust pipes.
Interior
The black theme continues inside the cabin, what with the black leather upholstery and and black Ash wood trim as part of its AMG Line treatment. There are two other interior colours to choose from — brown and red but black keeps it very consistent in our opinion.
There is also the new AMG sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, the Burmester sound system and if you feel it's too gloomy inside, you have the electronic panoramic sunroof to let in some natural light and air, too.
The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel offers three displays styles — Classic, Sport and Progressive — to choose from and there is also the free-standing 10.25-inch infotainment screen right in the centre of the dashboard, which includes the Audio 20 GPS system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The car also offers othe amenities such as a push start button and Keyless Go, which allows for hands -free opening and closing of the bootlid.
Drive
This is where the fun begins. With its 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine spewing 258hp and 370Nm of torque from 1,800rpm, the C 300 is raring to go.
Mated to a a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, the exhaust lets out a roar that is sure to thrill.
More often than not, I found myself driving more enthusiastically than I normally would.
It's an easy car to handle though and the Airmatic suspension offers a cushion-y experience without compromising the firmness one needs for the corners.
Rear passengers have plenty of leg and headroom as well as its enough cool air flowing from rear air-vents.
While the noise levels are well-damped in the cabin, the exhaust note is noticeable and that's just how the C 300 rolls.
There are driver assistance features such as the active parking assist, cruise control, a surround view camera as well as active lane keeping assist and blind spot assist.
It's also well-equipped in terms of other safety features such as active brake assist, autonomous emergency braking and seven airbags.
Summary
The C 300, priced at RM304,888 (on-the-road without insurance), lets you have the excitement behind the wheel while at the same time offering high amounts of safety, comfort and functionality for everyday use.
If you had to pick a C-Class sedan that adds fun and comfort to the equation, the C 300 AMG Line is the way to go.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line
Engine: 1,991cc twin-scroll turbocharged petrol
Maximum power: 258hp at 5,800 to 6,100rpm
Maximum torque: 370Nm at 1,800rpm to 4,000rpm
Transmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission
Features: Artico leather upholstery, Air Body Control, Multibeam LED headlamps with Ultra Range, AMG 19-inch alloy wheels, Airmatic suspension, Burmester surround sound system, powered panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Active
Parking Assist, cruise control, surround view camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist
Price (without insurance): RM304,888
