Mercedes-Benz C300d Engine, Performance and Handling

The C300d features an all new 2.0 four cylinder diesel engine (OM654) and this is Mercedes’ first BS VI compliant four cylinder oil burner. It puts out a yummy 245 horses along with 500 Nm of torque. These were 6 cylinder engine figures a few years ago. Technology has come far and how. The C300d is quick from the word go and will keep pulling as you keep the accelerator pressed. The 9G Tronic auto box has super quick shifts and kick down response is impressive is as well. Turbo lag is not at all noticed as such. Mercedes claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 5.9 seconds, and that is pretty fast.  The motor is much more refined than the outgoing unit. It is very quiet at cruising speeds when you are hovering around 2000-2200 rpm. But push hard and it does tend to get noisy with the diesel clatter prominently audible. There are driving modes too – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, that alter throttle response, gearshifts, steering etc. The BS VI compliant engine can be run on BV IV fuel thanks to a diesel particulate filter and AdBlue supplements.

The C300d suspension feels softer than the outgoing car and while ride quality is a big improvement, sharp bumps do filter into the cabin. But most undulations in the road are taken care of with ease. And this is despite having those 18 inch wheels. The C300d has a well weighted steering that feels light at city speeds and gets heavier as the speedo climbs. Feedback is great too and corners are taken easily with body roll well controlled. High speed stability is excellent and the low profile tyres offer great grip.

Mercedes-Benz C300d Verdict

Mercedes-Benz has done a great job with the C-Class facelift. The styling updates have made a good looking car even nicer. What’s more important that the changes are more the looks. There’s more equipment on offer and the most significant update is the new engines which are ready for next year’s emission norms. The C300d in particular is a super combination of looks and performance. The car is a hoot to drive and will put a wide smile on the enthusiast’s face. It rides and handles well too and is as plush on the inside as you would expect a three pointed star to be. Mercedes gave the C-Class an update at just the right time and this shot in the arm should help it hold its own amongst its rivals for a long time to come.