A Fresh Take on Performance

A look inside the Mercedes-Benz C300 and S530

By Isaac Bouchard

2023 Mercedes C300

The latest Mercedes C-class is a consummate success. It stands at or near the top of its segment in almost all categories. Its styling is refined and well-proportioned, with elegant sheet metal and a classic long hood, short deck profile. Inside, the C300 has one of the most dramatic interiors in the segment, with material quality generally up to Mercedes standards and a sense of three-dimensionality to the dash and door panels that its very attractive. In all these aesthetic areas, the C-class is a clear relation to the new Mercedes flagship, the S-class (see sidebar). The air vents are statement pieces, and a vertically-oriented, 12.3in screen handles most all infotainment duties. One might wish for a few more hard buttons, as the screen and the few capacitive-touch surfaces don’t respond in as predictable a manner. But the latest MBUX operating system is intuitive, responsive and has beautiful graphics. The instruments are digital as well and can be configured in multiple ways. Front seats are very supportive and comfortable.

This C-class rides on a new platform; rear-drive or AWD, and it is exclusively powered by four-cylinder engines. Those badged C300 have 255 horses (a 48-volt mild hybrid system can add 20hp for brief periods) and a stout 295lb-ft of torque. Channeled through a 9-speed automatic that is smooth and swift in ratio swapping, 0-60 is dispatched in a fleet 5.3 seconds. The engine is smooth and refined and also returns excellent real-world economy. The C300’s chassis combines excellent ride and handling; though the steering lacks much in the way of feel, it is accurate, turn-in is responsive and body control superb. It rides our rough roads as one would imagine a Mercedes should, even when equipped with non-adjustable dampers, like the test vehicle. the C-class is also exceptionally quite; one hears cars around it on the highway more than any wind noise generated by the C300 itself. Compared to the arch-rival BMW, it has less trunk room and entry/exit to the otherwise comfortable back seat is more restrictive. The 3-series is also still available with 6-cylinders. But the Mercedes is—to these eyes—more elegant inside and out, and at least as compelling to drive.

 2022 Mercedes S530

It is obvious what inspired the C300; this latest S-class, Mercedes’ last internal combustion engined flagship sedan, is a tour de force of style, engineering, and electronics. Its svelte body has none of the controversial notes of the latest BMWs, instead defining elegance in the way many previous generations of S-class did. Its cockpit is stunningly luxurious, though it too relies overmuch on capacitive touch surfaces. The S530’s 4-liter, twin turbo V8 is an all-time great: effortlessly powerful at 496hp/516lb-ft, refined and sonorous. The S530’s chassis is very athletic for such a large machine, with graceful moves defining its overall demeanor and an amazingly tight turning circle thanks for four-wheel steering.

Transverse ridges and potholes can catch out the air suspension, however, undermining the sense of decorum otherwise present; this Mercedes actually feels better in Sport mode than Comfort over our admittedly awful roads. The S530 is a tech showcase, and its augmented reality head up display is compelling taste of things to come. Its Burmester audio system is superb and its seats amongst the most sybaritic extant. It is hard to know what to compare to the S-class; the BMW’s styling is now wilfully confrontational, the lovely Audi A8 is perhaps too retiring in its appearance and nothing from Asia with the possible exception of the latest Genesis flagship is as posh. If this is how Mercedes’ ICE-era flagship is to end its reign, one can imagine history being kind to this last monarch.

                                                 C300                            S530

EPA ratings:                        23/33/27mpg            16/25/19mpg

0-60mph:                              5.3sec                          4.3sec

Price as tested:                   $57,150                       $130,190

Rating:                                    4.5 Stars                     4.5 Stars

Here is what Mercedes has to say.

Automotive Editor Isaac Bouchard owns Denver-based Bespoke Autos ([email protected]; 303-475-1462). Read more of his automotive writing, reviews and recommendations on coloradoavidgolfer.com and bespokeautos.com.

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