The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, should continue to impress, remain the top-seller and make people smile, one acceleration or turn at a time…

Seattle, Washington.

Mount Rainier in Washington State stands 4,392 metres high.

Its majestic presence topped off with an icy garnish, as well as wispy tufts of clouds that surround its peak. It leaves onlookers in awe.

The crystal white hue of a Mercedes-Benz C400 seems to have a similar effect on people. They can’t help but stare. Some take photos. Some admire from up close, some from afar.

The C-Class is a staple product in the Mercedes-Benz lineup and is their most popular-selling vehicle in the family. It’s also one that plays a vital role in the Canadian market, one that usually involves snow!

While the all-new C-Class isn’t covered in snow (just yet), it can certainly handle it with minimal effort. All C-Class sedans come standard with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Though it’s summertime and that feature isn’t being put to use, there are plenty of other new fun things to play with in this five-person sedan.

First off, five people will fit more comfortably inside. It’s larger in every dimension compared to outgoing C-Class.

Then you’ll be able to bring out that smile more often when it comes to accelerating.

There are two all-new 4- and 6-cylinder turbocharged engines from which to choose.

The C300 features a turbocharged 2.0L, 4-cylinder that produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. (Note, this isn’t the same engine currently found in the CLA or GLA.

Then there’s the C400. With 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, this new V6 has more torque and better fuel economy in comparison with the outgoing 2014. Both engines are paired with a 7G-TRONIC transmission.

Whether using the steering wheel paddle shifters or just letting the car change the gears on its own, you also have the ability to change your driving modes thanks to the AGILITY SELECT system that gives you five choices. There’s Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. The modes are self-explanatory. Driving in the city and want to save more fuel? Pop it in Eco mode. Heading to a track and want the best access to power? That’s a Sport+ kind of day.

My weapon of choice, even for everyday driving, was the Sport mode. It gives the vehicle enough edge to make it fun and exciting, but without the harshness and abrupt gear changes that would be better suited for the track.

In Sport mode, the modified shifts and throttle response was sensitive enough to add immediate power but not overwhelming, especially in an urban setting. Then there was the steering response, whose curve is adjusted to give you a better grasp for the road, but without the abruptness, a Sport mode could potentially offer.

Regardless, whether I was in the 300 or 400, I was a happy driver. And I had a happy passenger because we both sat in comfort for the hundreds of kilometres we put on this next generation sedan.

Along with its new interior and exterior look, the C Classes are equipped with the next generation of infotainment systems. That comes complete with Touchpad, integrated Media Interface and MB Apps.

The touchpad and I still need more bonding time. I found it confusing to use at first and I ended up pressing buttons I shouldn’t have! But if that’s the harshest criticism of the vehicle I have, it’s not doing too badly.

Okay, the B pillars are quite wide and intrude on my blind spot visibility, but again, properly adjusting the mirrors and a shoulder glance will eliminate those anxieties.

When it comes to driving, it checks off all the boxes necessary to make it a luxury sedan. It’s quiet. Road and engine noises are kept at bay. Its interior materials are soft touch and pleasing to the eyes. And it feels great to drive at slow or high speeds.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, should continue to impress, remain the top-seller and make people smile, one acceleration or turn at a time.

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The C300 has a starting MSRP of $43,000, while the C400 has a starting MSRP of $51,400.

Visit mercedes-benz.ca for more information.

Contact:

alexandra [dot] straub [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca