Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC 2014 Review

Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC

The mid-sized C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s bread and butter. It outsells every other passenger vehicle the three-pointed star brand builds and now, an all-new model looks set to continue that trend, arriving leaner, greener, stronger and longer than any C-Class before it.

Topping the new W205-series line-up, at least until the C63 AMG arrives next year, is the cracking C 400 4MATIC variant, which brings a twin-turbocharged V6 to the C-Class party. The 3.0-litre unit formerly starred in E and S-Class variants, neither of which is as small, light or lithe as the stylish new C.

As well as being smarter and safer than before, the C 400 4MATIC offers even better dynamics and comfort than the outgoing C 350 it more or less replaces. Special attention has been placed on increasing occupant and cargo capacity, Mercedes growing the wheelbase 80mm (to 2840mm), body length 95mm (to 4686mm) and overall width 40mm (to 1810mm). Boot space is up five litres to 480.

Styled to resemble Mercedes’ flagship S-Class limousine, the new C-Class is almost 100kg lighter than the outgoing model; utilising as much as 50 per cent aluminium (up from less than 10 per cent) in the construction of its frame. This new architecture -- referred to as Mercedes Rear-drive Architecture (MRA) -- is not only lighter, but more rigid, greatly improving vehicle dynamics and safety. All reassuring in a medium car boasting 245kW and 480Nm!

Mercedes reckons the C 400 4MATIC is more than capable of hitting its electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, but when driven frugally will use less than 8.0L/100km on the combined cycle. Think of it as Merc’s answer to Audi’s supercharged 3.0-litre V6 (as in the S4) or BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six (as in the 335i).

Power is put to the road via Benz’s 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system and seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, operated via a column-mounted shifter or nifty steering wheel-set paddles. The bad news for Aussie buyers is that the all-paw option won’t initially be offered on locally delivered variants when they arrive in July. The C 400, like the rest of the local line-up, is set to be rear-wheel drive only.

Pushing that torque to the road is a new four-link independent suspension at the front and a five-link system at the rear. The steel suspension is offered with DIRECT CONTROL adaptive damping, and can be lowered 15mm from the factory should you so desire. Failing that, an impressive, and optional, segment-first self-levelling all-air system dubbed AIRMATIC is also available.

Mercedes-Benz has also done away with the clunky foot-operated park brake in favour of an electric unit for all models. Direct Steer speed-sensitive electromechanical steering is also standard and, depending on variant, adjustable for resistance through two settings, Comfort and Sport.

Tested on AIRMATIC suspension the C 400 4MATIC is quick, but impressively composed, and rides quietly in spite of rolling on optional 19-inch rubber (18s are fitted as standard).

Acceleration is linear and rapid, rather than urgent, but we expect a 0-100km/h time of just more than five seconds all the same [sadly, Merc is keeping mum of these figures right now].

The electro-mechanical steering is perfectly linear in its weighting and assistance, although in Comfort mode feels a little too light for the vehicle. We reckon Sport mode is just about right, and in conjunction with torque vectoring rear brakes, does a good job of keeping the nose tucked in to corners. The rack is quick at higher road speeds, directing the car through bends with precision while remaining free and easy at parking speeds.

The air dampers soak up all but the harshest of bumps very well and rebound quickly to keep rubber to road. Even if unsettled momentarily ahead of a corner, the AIRMATIC system responds with near-instant effect. This is less of an issue in Sport mode, which although firmer is not uncomfortable, and keeps the car flatter across small undulations and surface discrepancies.

Combine all that with all-wheel drive traction in the cracking C 400 and the drive from corners is simply astonishing, although as mentioned earlier it’s not something Australian buyers will be able to appreciate.

Strong braking comes courtesy of all-wheel discs and, with a beautifully modulated pedal soft, almost S-Class-like stops are easy to achieve.

Noise, vibration and harshness attenuation is noticeably improved from the previous-gen C-Class with only a hint of wind noise experienced at freeway speeds, and then only at limits we’ll never (legally) encounter back home. However, those that enjoy some aural feedback will be pleased to know there’s a little bit of ‘whoosh’ from the C 400’s exhaust during heavy throttle inputs.

Inside, the stunning new cabin feels cosseting yet commodious. The architecture of the dashboard and door cards appears visually uninterrupted around the driver and front seat passenger, who are separated by a one-piece, gearshift-free console.

Dominating the console is an ergonomically placed central controller with handwriting recognition, which commands a free-standing infotainment screen measuring up to 8.4 inches, depending on the variant. Although this piece of wizardry controls just about everything you care to mention, it does take time to get used to.

That small criticism aside, the C 400 4MATIC is really quite something, and is sure to give rivals something to aspire to. Mercedes has lifted the mid-size prestige-performance bar considerably with its latest model, and we’re certain Australian buyers will feel the same come July... even if they do miss out on the 4MATIC piece of the puzzle.