Our content writing team here at Leith Marketing returned to the road for another round of test drives. Leith, Inc. Authorized Mercedes-Benz Sales and Service was kind enough to let each of us get behind the wheel of one of these superior German machines. We would like to thank them, particularly Robert Clark – our very cordial, well-spoken, and knowledgeable brand ambassador. Robert joined the team this past summer, but his enthusiasm and expansive reservoir of information was anything but novice. He gave a thorough presentation of the vehicle that felt like a proud father boasting about his child; absent were the pushy sales tactics we so often fear as consumers.
While the C-Class is the most diminutive in the line of models, let’s face facts: a Mercedes-Benz is a Mercedes-Benz. Despite the car’s smaller stature, the interior has such a smart design that minimizes the space the dash and consoles occupy without sacrificing the luxuries that set this brand apart.
This particular Mercedes-Benz C-Class had a very striking interior consisting of a two-tone color. A rich chestnut and smooth beige were separated by genuine wood paneling, which the German automaker placed aluminum reinforcements behind to prevent splintering in an accident. Modifications such as this are evidence of the meticulous care the engineers took to create a safe and secure vehicle. From a first-aid kit in the trunk to crumple zones to a warning system that identifies deviations in your driving pattern and promptly alerts you, safety is a top priority.
A push-button start is optional, giving drivers the option to use keys instead. Across the dashboard is a delineated, simple cluster. Control of the infotainment system, including the dash cluster, can be employed through various means: buttons for traditionalists, voice command for extroverts, and a toggle on the center console for the right-handed – because everything is made for you guys and gals. The information is displayed on a brilliant LCD screen. It is impressive and easy.
A secondary screen option is embedded in the speedometer. It displays trip information, fuel efficiency, navigation, and other vital information that can help you monitor the performance of the vehicle.
You will also find sundry features and options that come standard in a Mercedes-Benz:
- 3-position seat memory
- Full instrument panel on the steering wheel
- Dual-climate control
- Unparalleled sound system
- Automatic back-up camera
- Cables for USB and phone hookup
- Quality leather seats
While this list only previews all that this car has to offer, we don’t want to give you a laundry list of information you either already know or could assume.
What may be the most striking characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is how serene the cabin is while driving. Extra insulation lining the doors, which can be heard in the way the doors sound when they shut, and a mostly sealed engine compartment eliminate extraneous sounds. Remarkably, this design does not divorce you from the experience of the drive; a fortunate perk because the muscular exhaust note when you accelerate awakens every fiber in your body. The 1.8-liter V4 engine cranks out more than 200 horsepower and 229 ft-lb of torque, so it does not feel like a traditional four cylinder – even from the passenger’s seat.
A Sport Mode option adds even more growl to the acceleration and changes the dynamics of how the car handles, even tightening the turn of the steering wheel.
Robert (remember, our fantastic brand ambassador) took us to an empty parking lot. Earlier in the test drive, he hinted at an impressive ability of the car’s handling that every model in the Mercedes-Benz line can perform. He pulled into a parking space, turned the wheel hard to the left, and accelerated. The car gracefully danced a tight circle and returned to the exact position in which it started. We had never before witnessed a car exhibit such a stellar turning radius – just another reason why Mercedes-Benz is so popular and celebrated.
Actually placing your hands on the steering wheel of the C-Class gives you an undeniable feeling of grandeur. The surface throughout the interior is finely sculpted and smooth, perfectly accentuated by illumination in the clusters and displays. Its solid ride contributes to the aforementioned serenity of the cabin. You feel secure. Even more importantly: it’s a really fun ride.
We are confident that the white-knuckling acceleration and strong grip through corners and bends will make you reevaluate any notions you may have had about Mercedes-Benz. Our content team walked away from the experience thoroughly impressed that a vehicle could have both so much luxury and power at an affordable price.
You would do yourself an incredible disservice by not stopping by Leith, Inc. Authorized Mercedes-Benz Sales and Service to get behind the wheel of the C-Class with one of the dealership’s personable and knowledgeable brand ambassadors.