Before the era of subcompacts like the EQA, GLA, and even the A-Class Limousine, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the quintessential entry-level luxury sedan. It was the car you bought when you started feeling successful but weren't ready for the full trappings of executive status—the original "Baby Benz." Fast forward to today, and the C 300 AMG Line continues to build on that legacy, now updated with a new engine and a refined approach to luxury and performance. So, what's the new baby S-Class got? Let's dive in.
Verdict:
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line is a worthy successor to the C-Class's legacy as the original "baby Benz." Prices for the C 300 AMG Line start at Rs 69 lakh; it is a car that provides luxury, technology, and performance that feels special without being over the top. For most buyers, the C 300 offers all the performance and thrills they could want without sacrificing the comfort and refinement that Mercedes is known for. If you have your eyes set on a C-Class, the C 300 AMG Line is the one to get!
Mercedes-Benz has changed the C-Class lineup by replacing the C 300d with the new C 300 petrol variant while retaining the C 200 and the C 220d. This transition reflects a broader market shift away from diesel engines, favouring cleaner, more efficient petrol options. Under the hood, the C 300 is powered by the M254 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which produces 258hp and 400Nm of torque.
While these numbers are slightly down from the outgoing diesel's 265hp and 550Nm, the C 300 petrol quickly wins you over with its on-road performance. The engine feels eager when you press the throttle, delivering strong, sustained pull well beyond the 100kmph mark, credit to the integrated mild hybrid tech. The overboost function, which temporarily adds an extra 27hp, is a nifty feature that makes overtaking a breeze. The engine revs happily past 6,000rpm, and although it doesn't have the raspy exhaust note of a full-blown AMG, it sounds purposeful on the inside.
The 9-speed automatic gearbox complements the engine aptly, delivering quick and seamless shifts. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the gearbox easily adapts to the driving style. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the paddle shifters allow you to take control.
The C 300 AMG Line, despite its sporty visual elements, remains true to the Mercedes-Benz core of prioritising comfort. The suspension is finely tuned to effortlessly absorb bumps and imperfections, ensuring a luxurious ride on the highway and a smooth journey on city roads. While there's some body roll in corners, the overall body control is commendable, even when you push the car hard through high-speed bends. This emphasis on luxury and comfort will make you feel pampered and at ease.
The C 300 AMG Line offers an engaging driving experience thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and well-weighted, electrically assisted steering. The steering, reminiscent of old-school hydraulic systems, provides good feedback but feels similar in Comfort and Sport Plus modes. The brakes, with their good stopping power, lack the initial bite that would have enhanced the driving experience. Overall, the C 300 AMG Line surely makes you feel excited from behind the wheel.
One of the key improvements in this model is the ride quality at low speeds. Mercedes has tweaked the suspension to add suppleness, making city driving more comfortable. The previous C 300d had issues with ground clearance, often scraping its underbody on speed bumps. Thankfully, I didn't experience any in the C 300!
Internally, the C 300's interior is furnished with high-quality materials, including supple leather, metallic embellishments, and ambient lighting, collectively offering a cosy and welcoming ambience. The metal-mesh-like finish on the dashboard and the sporty steering wheel add a touch of excitement to what is otherwise a supremely refined interior. The driving position is sporty and well-considered, with plenty of adjustment options to ensure comfort on long drives. The seats are now climatised and can be ventilated or heated for the front passengers.
The interior's centrepiece is the 11.9-inch portrait-oriented MBUX touchscreen, which controls everything from navigation to climate settings. The screen is vibrant, responsive, and easy to navigate, though it might take some time to get used to the sheer number of functions packed into it. The digital dials are equally impressive, offering a crisp and clear display that's easily customisable.
Mercedes has packed the latest MBUX infotainment system, which is intuitive and offers features like voice control, augmented reality navigation, and a 360-degree camera. The voice-activated controls work well, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road while making adjustments. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel can be frustrating. They're overly sensitive and can be tricky to use while driving. It's a slight annoyance in an otherwise well-executed tech package, but it's worth mentioning for those who prefer more tactile feedback from their controls.
Visually, the C 300 AMG Line gets sportier AMG Line styling bits, and Mercedes-Benz has offered two new colours- Sodalite Blue and Patagonia Red (optional). Our review unit is finished in Sodalite Blue and looks dignified and distinctly Mercedes. The AMG Line package adds sportier touches like a more aggressive front bumper, larger 18-inch wheels, and side skirts, but it stops short of being too flashy.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 AMG Line
Rs 69 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1999 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC
Fuel Type: Mild Hybrid(Electric + Petrol)
Max Power (bhp@rpm): 255 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Max Torque (Nm@rpm): 400 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Max Motor Performance:23 bhp
Drivetrain: RWD
Transmission: Automatic (TC) - 9-speed
Top Speed: 250 kmph
Acceleration (0-100 kmph): 6 seconds
