About this video

• Video Title: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 Review: A Smaller (and cheaper) Luxury Sedan
• Channel: Reoniz
• Speakers: Rio
• Duration: 14:29

Overview

This video provides a comprehensive review of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, focusing on its position as a smaller, more affordable luxury sedan. The reviewer, Rio, breaks down the car's exterior aesthetics, interior features, performance, and comfort, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. The review aims to help potential buyers understand what the C300 offers in terms of luxury and practicality compared to its competitors.

Key takeaways

• Exterior Appeal: The C300 boasts an upscale exterior design, often likened to a smaller S-Class, with attractive headlights and taillights, especially on the sedan model. The AMG body kit further enhances its sporty appearance.
• Interior Luxury vs. Functionality: While the interior design and materials feel upscale, certain functional aspects are criticized. The infotainment system (Command system) is described as laggy, and the absence of keyless entry on a nearly $50,000 car is noted as a drawback.
• Comfort-Oriented Performance: The C300 is primarily designed for comfort and luxury, not performance driving. While it has adequate power from its 2-liter four-cylinder engine, its weight and driving dynamics are less engaging than some competitors, with the "comfort" drive mode being the most recommended.
• Mercedes Quirks: The review points out typical Mercedes-Benz features that some may find quirky, such as the column-mounted shifter and a climate control system that requires looking at the screen for adjustments, creating a disconnect between physical buttons and visual feedback.
• Value Proposition: The C300 is presented as a good option for those seeking a stylish and comfortable luxury sedan at a relatively more accessible price point, especially if considering a lease. However, for performance enthusiasts, other options would be more suitable.

The "bad side" of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, according to the review, includes:

• Laggy Infotainment System: The Command system, despite having a large screen, is described as slow and not running very well.
• Missing Keyless Entry: For a car priced close to $50,000, the absence of keyless entry is seen as a significant omission.
• Subpar Standard Sound System: While an optional Burmester system is available, the standard sound system is noted as being "sucky."
• Artificial Steering Feel: In sportier drive modes, the steering becomes artificially heavy and lacks genuine feedback.
• Suboptimal Drive Modes: The car tends to hold revs unnecessarily high in sport modes, making the "comfort" mode or a custom "individual" mode the preferred choices for a smoother experience.
• Uncomfortable Dashboard Flare: The design of the dashboard, while aesthetically pleasing with its waterfall effect, flares out in a way that can impede legroom for taller drivers, causing them to constantly bump their leg.
• Column-Mounted Shifter: While some appreciate it, the reviewer personally dislikes the column-mounted shifter.
• Clunky Climate Controls: The climate control system involves numerous buttons and requires looking at the screen for confirmation, creating a disconnect and taking the driver's eyes off the road.
• Lack of Dedicated Manual Mode Button: The car defaults back to automatic shifting after about 30 seconds, requiring constant re-engagement for manual control, unlike some higher-end AMG models.
• Parking Brake Mechanism: The electronic parking brake's button placement and operation are found to be less intuitive than desired.