2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300d First Drive Review

Crucially, this powertrain makes the C 300d sublime on the road. It is effortless and serene when you want to take things easy. All it needs is a light foot on the throttle and it will keep three-digit speeds without even trying. And this is in the Eco mode. Now, we didn’t have the time or the inclination to test the fuel efficiency of the C 300d, but given its nine-speed automatic, the mild hybrid system, and the fact that the engine is barely turning when cruising at 100kmph, we won’t be surprised if it delivered some shocking numbers like its ARAI figure of over 20kmpl suggests.

But, let’s be clear; if it’s fuel efficiency one is after, the C 220d with an ARAI figure of 23kmpl is the default pick in the new C line-up. So, to consider the 300d, one must either love a body kit, or a car that’s fast, precise, rewarding, and a joy to drive. And that the C 300d most certainly is. All it takes is toggling to the Sport driving mode, and the 300d comes properly alive. It is even more dialled-in now, into delivering immediate and potent performance.

The throttle responds without delay, and with such well-judged linearity, every prod of the pedal delivers the ‘go’ in the exact quantity you want. And when your right foot weighs in heavy on the throttle, the nine-speed auto ‘box isn’t caught napping; it picks a low enough gear in decent time to get the rear wheels squirming for grip. Then of course, in what feels like a split second, you shoot right onto the next corner while your lips slip a smile.

This is what makes the 300d special in our book - the unadulterated involvement, the unrestricted fun, and the fact that none of it is necessary, but when you do indulge yourself, it’s unquestionably rewarding.

Getting back to the 300d, you can hear the suspension thump a bit. And you also can feel it occasionally, especially when tacking sharp-edged bumps. However, the good news is - it isn’t bad enough to get you wincing or cribbing or rethinking your purchase decision. Additionally, it handles the undulations, and the less severe bumps and potholes quite well. It feels taut, but settled and absorbent as well.

The driving dynamics, however, are superb! The steering is beautifully weighed; it is quick; and it’s progressive and predictable. And therefore, you feel very much in control of the proceedings. The C 300d feels lovely in other ways too. The grip, the willingness, and the talkative nature of the C’s front-end not only makes for a car that has great turn-in ability, but it also allows you to gauge the boundaries of under-steer clearly. So, you rarely end up scrubbing the front tyres pointlessly. And then there’s the near-flat body control around a bend. Not to mention, a rear-end that’s lively, but in a let-me-help-you-along kind of way.

Bottom-line, it’s tremendously fun!

Speaking of seats, the new C might have sporty looking units, but make no mistake, these are sumptuous and very comfortable indeed. The rear one as well; it offers good back, side, and thigh support. Space again, has perceptibly improved over the older car, and is in fact, more than enough for, say, a five-niner like myself.

Features then, along with the look and feel of the interiors, is what cements the new C’s positioning as a baby S. Having borrowed these features and functionality from the S not only ups its luxury co-efficient, it makes the C more desirable now. But that’s not all, there’s a whole set of ADAS features, in addition to the latest generation MBUX system that allows the user to add biometric authentication, 3D maps, and have OTA updates, that’s borrowed from the S too.