by: Jimmy Gill
The true image of pure power and elegance was showcased when the 2011 C300 4-Matic Mercedes-Benz was launched. When my brother and I purchased the 2011 C300, it was supposed to be a surprise for our father on his 60th birthday. However, I was the one who went and test drove the C300 and it was love at first site. Our C300 has a pearl white exterior with black leather interior and is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine which produces 228 horsepower and 221 ft-lbs of torque and has a seven-speed automatic transmission with the option of tiptronic.
This model of the C300 comes with the 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a power adjustable steering wheel with volume and Bluetooth controls, auxiliary audio jack and a nice display screen. Moreover, this model has the Premium Package which adds auto-dimming mirrors, a 10-way power driver seat, power driver lumbar support, driver memory functions, automatic wipers, heated front seats and split-folding rear seat. The lighting package adds active xenon headlights with washers and LED running lights.
This C300 comes with the premium Harmon Kardon stereo system with a six-disc cd changer. It also includes the multimedia package which has the COMAND electronics interface, a hard-drive based navigation system with real time traffic updates, and iPod interface.
When it comes to the driving of this vehicle, steering and handling are precise. I enjoy how this car is silky smooth, from stand still to when it is revving high. The C300 will not set any records for being a speed demon on the freeway; however, it can tackle long road trips with ease. I witnessed this first-hand when we took it out to Seattle one summer. Once we hit the I-5 after crossing the US border, then the real drive began and this vehicle lived up to its reputed name of being a Mercedes-Benz. It shifted effortlessly while being driven in automatic or tiptronic mode and the drive was flawless. One thing I liked was how the exhaust system was quieter than my other vehicles.
As for the interior of the C300, when you are pulling on the door handle to enter the car you are greeted with a lasting exhilarating expression as if you are a kid going into a candy shop for the very first time. The C Class’ interior is precisely crafted to perfection. The interior of C300 has a two-tone color scheme of grey and black, which matches perfectly with the white pearl exterior. I find the interior of this vehicle is spacious enough with plenty of leg room for the rear passengers, however, I am not a fan of the rear seat head rests because they are stiff and not easy to get accustomed.
When it comes to safety features this car is very well equipped. It comes with the standard front side airbags, side curtain airbags, front seat mounted pelvic airbags, active front head restraints, stability control, traction control and adaptive antilock brakes and it has rear side airbags. Therefore, you can take comfort in knowing you are driving a car in which the manufacturer has made the safety of its drivers and passengers one of its main priorities.
Moreover, this vehicle is an absolute beast in the snow and it made me forget about my SUV. The 4Matic capabilities of this vehicle I found were either similar or far more superior to even some SUVs.
I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a car which looks sporty, has great handling, and impressive 4Matic capabilities. Lastly, this C300 was for our father and to celebrate his 60th birthday and he thoroughly enjoys driving this vehicle any day of the week without having to worry about the weather or road conditions.
