See a short start-up video here

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC, MSRP as rented $41,825
GXAR (Full Size Elite)

Pros:
- Smooth, powerful engine
- Very solid feel
- Adequate (but not great) space for 4 adults with luggage
- Includes 4MATIC package (all-wheel drive)
- Large 7" infotainment display
- Lots of standard safety features including front collision-prevention (radar-based)

Cons:
- Eco Start/Stop was much more intrusive than I though it should be
- Trunk is relatively long, but not very deep
- Premium fuel recommended
- No backup camera (available as an option)

I picked up a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC (GXAR, Full Size Elite) from the Waikiki-Ala Moana location a couple weeks ago. It was relatively new, with less than a couple months in service and just under 1,600 miles on it. As I posted in the location thread, I had a Premium reservation and was told the C300 was being held for me.

After spending most of 2014 at the Emerald Club level and driving my share of base-model Altimas and Sonatas, I was excited at the opportunity to drive the redesigned C-series as my first rental of the year.



This C300 had just two factory options: 18" wheels and the 4MATIC all-wheel drive package. As rented, this Black with Black MB-Tex interior C300 had an MSRP of $41,825.

The C300 has a 2.0L turbo Direct Injection 4-cylinder engine coupled to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is extremely smooth. I'm sure the V6 in the C400 is even faster, but I think I'd have a hard time justifying choosing it over the C300. The 4MATIC AWD system is probably much more appreciated in snowy climates, but it also provides benefits in all climates by sending power to the wheels that can use it the most (e.g. during hard cornering).

One thing that I had to get used to: the C300 has an ECO start/stop system that shuts off the engine to save gas when you're idle, such as at a stop light. When I first drove it out of the parking garage without the radio on and with the window down, I almost thought something was wrong -- I'd hear the ignition firing whenever I'd start to accelerate from a stop. In stop-and-go traffic, you can hear the engine start and stop as you edge forward. With the windows up and the radio on at a reasonable level, it's much less noticeable. I'm sure the benefits outweigh the intrusion and it would be something that you don't even notice over the longer-term of ownership. Also, note that premium fuel is recommended.



The interior is well executed. Most surfaces exude quality. If I was buying one, I'd probably go for wood over the aluminum trim, which seemed closer to very nice plastic (and maybe it was). The driver's seat features a 14-way adjustment (with the standard Mercedes-Benz controller on the door), including one for additional thigh support. The steering wheel has power tilt and telescoping features (left side of the steering column, rear-most stalk).

I had 4 people plus luggage (3 suitcases and several carryons) -- this was definitely snugger than your more typical Impala or even Camry rental. Our three suitcases fit, with some squeezing, but the carryons had to ride with the passengers in the back seat.

I didn't take a picture of it, but the transmission shifter is on the steering column. Pushing up shifts into reverse, down into drive, and the button on the edge puts it into park. I'll admit -- I threw it into reverse at least once when I thought I was putting it in park. The emergency brake is electronically set and released using a button to the bottom-left of the headlights.



One omission that was odd in a $40K+ vehicle was the lack of a backup camera. It's available as part of a $2,690 Multimedia & Navigation package that also requires the $2,120 Premium package, neither of which this one had. Given that even the base model Honda Civic and Toyota Camry have this as standard equipment makes its absence in a 2015 model even more puzzling. On the other hand, the C300 features a standard frontal collision avoidance system that uses radar to detect, warn, and can even brake for you. Fortunately, I didn't have to test this during my rental.

Also missing was smart-key entry -- it too is an option, either as part of the Premium package or standalone. However, MB's website indicates that push-button start is standard. I'm not sure if my rental didn't have the button inserted during delivery prep (like the Dodge Durango I had previously rented), but there was a hole for the key where you'd expect the button to be.



Finally, this was my first experience with Mercedes-Benz's infotainment system, including its touchpad controller. This is probably another thing that would improve over a longer-term ownership experience, but I found it slightly confusing to operate over the touch-screen interfaces that I'm admittedly more used to.

This was a one-day rental with limited time for me to drive the C300. I wish I could have spent more time exploring all the features and learning more about the infotainment system. Hopefully, this is the start to an exciting variety of rentals in 2015!