The word ?luxury? comes to mind when thinking of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In keeping with this perception, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was designed to offer the engineering and design that consumers have come to expect when driving such a vehicle while also remaining competitive. Indeed, the C-Class is the make’s most accessible option sold in the country. Consumers appreciate the extensive menu of safety features and comfortable styling that make it an optimal choice for families seeking a luxurious yet responsible option. This does not mean, however, that Mercedes-Benz has foregone the performance and impressive drive experience that still make this vehicle ideal for driving enthusiasts.
New For 2013
The C-class got a thorough refresh last year, headlined by the addition of a four-cylinder engine and a two-door body style. Accordingly, there are few changes this year for Mercedes’ smallest model. The new AMG Sports Package Plus bestows the C-Class with a specially tuned exhaust, a sport interior with contrasting seat belts, 18-inch wheels, and, on coupes, a revised front suspension.
Exterior
The make may be known for flashy convertibles and sizeable sedan models, but the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a departure from the expected without veering too far from the sophistication and beauty of this family. The C-Class has a decidedly sporty feel with styling that speaks to the effort that Mercedes-Benz has been putting into improving its line. The exterior is subtle, giving elegance and maturity to the sport-reminiscent sedan. The front end of the vehicle is a precision designed arrow shape with lights that meld into the smooth aluminum hood. This creates a look of speed and luxury that is emphasized by LED running lights. Mercedes-Benz took care in creating an exterior that is unobtrusive yet offers sharper angles and a more aggressive feel than the softer, more organic curves of the similar BMW 3 Series.
Competitors such as the Lexus IS and Infiniti G37 have stronger, bolder styling common to Japanese design aesthetic, but the subtlety of the C-Class makes it less prone to becoming outmoded. With 17-inch aluminum wheels and standard daytime running lights, the C-Class is poised to be as attractive and appealing in future years.
Interior & Cargo
The interior of the 2013 Mercedes Benz C-Class was not forgotten in terms of luxury and stylish details. A listed capacity of five passengers for the sedan model and four for the coupe model may be too generous for adult passengers, as the back seat is fairly restricted and may not offer enough room for larger passengers to ride comfortably for a long time. Despite this, the cabin is fairly roomy with a higher roof that gives even taller drivers and passengers a comfortable amount of headroom. The careful detailing of thin roof pillars provides open visibility that creates the sense of an even larger cabin space.
The materials used for the interior of this vehicle are attractive and add to the feeling of comfort and luxury. Leatherette upholstery is standard, with an upgrade to leather as an option. Also, optional 14-way adjustable and heated front seats provide additional comfort considerations for the driver and front-seat passenger. Dual-zone climate control allows for passengers to adjust the temperature for optimum traveling comfort.
Drivers appreciate the COMAND navigation system and infotainment display, which features a 5.8-inch LCD screen. These allow for simple, clear adjustments and can be used with an iPod for full control of entertainment. Intriguing technology options include push-button start, parking sensors, satellite radio, and a backup camera.
The cargo space of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class does leave something to be desired. At only 12.4 cubic feet, the trunk space of this vehicle is rather limited and may prove insufficient for families or those that want to carry more than a few small bags. Folding rear seats, however, allow for increased space if full passenger capacity is not needed.
Safety
While not rated in front or side-impact tests, the safety features of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offer peace of mind in the form of both traditional features and technology. Features such as driver, passenger, side and rear head, and rear body airbags protect the driver and passengers in the event of a collision, while four-wheel anti-lock brakes improve driving safety.
Safety technology has been implemented to improve control of the vehicle and reduce instances of collisions. These features include attention assist and lane-keeping assist. These features alert the driver to unsafe activity by way of vibrations in the steering wheel. The somewhat unusual addition of driver knee airbags provides welcome protection for the vulnerable knee area during front collisions.
Driving Experience
The drive of the 2013 Mercedes Benz C-Class is smooth and calm with a confident responsiveness enabled by supportive shocks. The 201-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission provide impressive performance without being too aggressive. An acceleration of less than 6.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph is respectable for this class. This speed resists the sluggish feeling that some entry-level luxury sedans have and allows for seamless passing on the highway and smooth town travel.
Responsiveness is not as sensitive as competitors, like Audi, but the transmission provides shifting that is smooth and comfortable. The soundtrack for this vehicle is gentle and unassuming when used in normal driving, but can be worked up to a pleasant growl when pushed further in its capabilities.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Audi A4
- BMW 3 Series
- Infiniti G37
- Lexus IS