Mercedes-Benz is easily one of the most iconic automakers in the world, so we know whatever it does, will be done with class. Its newly redesigned 2022 C300 sedan is one of the most well-groomed midsize sedans in its class. 

It continues to be an excellent looking car with a masterful blend of bold, yet smooth body lines that entice the eye to follow those lines down the full length of the car. The boldly-stated MB logo stands prominent on the front grill amongst a great-looking trim that stretches across the blackened grill. The overall presentation is one that’s masculine, aggressive, yet very refined. 

Open up the hood and you’ll find a potent 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s turbocharged. Combined with its 48-volt hybrid assist, it generates a combined power output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the 48-volt system will – at times – add a 20 horsepower jolt, depending on driving demands. Look for 0-60 times in about 6-seconds or less. 

Power is delivered either to only the rear wheels or to all four if you opt for the $2,000 upgrade to all-wheel-drive and is delivered by Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic, nine speed automatic transmission. 

Our test car featured 18-inch wheels, wrapped in 225/45 tires up front and 245/40s in the rear. Look for fuel economy to hover around 23 miles per gallon around town and up to 33 on the highway for the 4-matic, all-wheel-drive version. 

The 2022 C300 is really ahead of the class when it comes to both the interior build-quality and available technology. Sure, it has features that you can find on other brands of vehicles, but few do it with the swagger that Mercedes does. For example, the way that its on-board navigation alerts you to pending turns is amazing. You’ll actually see it turn to a real-time street view on the 11.9-inch infotainment screen with an arrow, pointing you in the right direction. Additionally, the size of the screen and clarity of it, is top-shelf. Nothing is spared here. 

The gauge cluster is a 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel that allows for a good deal for customization to suit each driver. 

Many driver controls are on the steering wheel and use soft-touch buttons. These can take a bit to get used to over the more mechanical feeling buttons found in other vehicles. Once you do, you’ll see they work well and provide a great way of adjusting many settings while keeping your eyes on the road. 

Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, active blind spot monitoring, emergency front braking, pedestrian alert and parking aids are all here, however, the adaptive cruise control is an extra cost. 

There’s the sublime Burmester audio that uses 710 watts of power into 15 speakers that create a very good audio experience for everyone inside. Smooth highs, silky midrange frequencies and solid bass will make you want to crank the system up and be engulfed in great audio. USB-C is the name of the game for charging ports, you’ll find no traditional USB ports anywhere and wireless charging is an upcharge. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. 

You’ll find the front seats to be very comfortable and very accommodating with the many adjustments available. Both are heated/vented and offer really good lumbar support and the seat cushions can be lengthened for extra thigh support. 

Driving the C300 is a rather rewarding experience for most drivers. Road noise is well isolated, however, the steering feel may be a bit too soft for some. Additionally, the adaptive dampers the chassis uses help usher in a comfortable ride. Body roll is well handled overall, however, bigger bumps in the road can be felt a bit more because the C300 doesn’t have Mercedes’ Airmatic air springs. In all drive modes, the C300 was very responsive with a seamless transition of the added electric motor and makes driving those back roads very enjoyable. We only wish that there was a way to get the steering wheel with a bit more weightiness to it. 

When you consider that the price points of the C300 are $44,600 for the Premium trim, $46,850 for the Exclusive and $48,550 for the Pinnacle, it’s hard not to see how competitively priced the C300 is to the competition. Looking at the competitors from Lexus, BMW, Audi and others, the C300 offers a lot of comfort, tech and performance that’s hard to top in this price segment. Finally, Mercedes-Benz provides a four-year/50,000 mile basic warranty and 4-year/50,000 against corrosion, 4-year/50,000 roadside assistance and 4-year/50,000 drivetrain. Its hybrid/electric components have an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.