2022 Mercedes C 300 4Matic Sedan

The C 300 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine partnered with mild-hybrid drive system to deliver 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is a torque increase of 22 lb-ft compared to its predecessor.

The heart of the engine electrification is the Integrated Starter-Generator energized by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. It powers some components which are normally belt-driven, on top of supplying additional power and torque to the wheels. It also allows gas-free coasting, and energy regeneration from deceleration.

The resulting power is regulated through a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission that is smaller and 30% lighter yet more efficient.

The C 300 is rated for 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, for a combined average of 27 mpg.

Inside, the freestanding 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an all-new 11.9-inch infotainment control touchscreen help make the interior a more progressive and modern design.

The center display is slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees for the first time, offering a “holistic aesthetic experience.” I did find the positing of the screen easier to see and understand.

I liked the 4Matic all-wheel drive system because it has been advanced with a new front axle-drive, allowing for higher torque levels to be delivered with an ideal axle load distribution for improved driving dynamics.

The new MBUX Infotainment System features AI-enhanced Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding and “Hey Mercedes” keyword activation.

Quite frankly, I was never able to properly activate the system. In fact, I found the 11.9-inch central multimedia touchscreen most challenging. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was easy to see, but the clock was too small.

I never attempted the bio-metric authentication fingerprint reader for saving and recalling user settings profiles.

The multifunctional leather steering wheel with capacitive Touch Control Buttons place functions like sound volume, memory for heating, and headlights at the fingertip.

A Metal Weave Center Console anchors the interior color spectrum with the red and black Nappa Leather seating featuring settings memory. 64-color LED ambient lighting introduces variety and spice to the interior visual.

This C-class Mercedes offers more than two dozen standard safety features. Some were a little confusing to me because of a lack of technology skills on my part.

Available Active Lane Keep Alert Assist watches the road marking above a certain driving speed, and if it senses unintentional drifting from the lane, it warns the driver by means of steering wheel vibration. It takes corrective actions if the drifting continues. Also available dashcam records what’s happened in front of the vehicle onto a USB flash drive. The captured data includes the time and speed, which serve as key data to protect the driver in case of an accident. Recorded landscapes and sceneries can be easily transferred to a computer for editing and long-term storage.

Car-to-X Communication is a system in which the vehicle bi-directionally communicates with other vehicles. It can relay potential driving anomalies encountered by other vehicles, effectively allowing the driver to “see” much further down the road. The above are just some of the advanced assist features that help Mercedes offer better safety, efficiency, and comfort.

Yesterday, temperatures reached 108 degrees in North Texas. As I traveled the streets and interstates of Dallas, I saw numerous models, makes, and brands of cars on the side of the road. They had given up the ghost because of the heat. Some occupants huddled in fading shade nearby or waited near the vehicle for some assistance to arrive. Fast moving traffic kept me from stopping to assist. It was most fortunate to be feel safe secure and comfortable in the Mercedes C 300.

Outside, my Mercedes was painted Polar White with a “sporty appearance” cab backward design, power dome on the hood, and an aggressive grille. The taillights have a two-piece design. All this beauty rested on 19-inch multi spoke with black accents wheels.

The only downside: There appeared to be a degree of hesitation at the start which may have been caused by the electrified four-cylinder engine.

New Mercedes vehicles are completely covered for 4 year or 50,000 miles under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at [email protected].