2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250 Sport

What's New for 2013:

• C350 4Matic coupe model
• 3.5-liter V-6 engine for C300 4Matic Sedan
• Eco Start/Stop technology for V-6 models
• Standard Mbrace 2 telematics
• Optional Sport Plus package with 18-inch aluminum wheels, unique interior trim, performance suspension and exhaust, sport-tuned transmission with downshift rev matching, upgraded brakes
• Distronic Plus radar cruise control offered as a stand-alone option

Exterior Features
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an entry-luxury model available as a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan. Model designations include C250, C300 (Sedan only), C350, and C63 AMG. (The C63 AMG model is covered in a separate article.)

The Mercedes C250 Sedan is offered in Luxury or Sport trim, while C250 coupes are available only in Sport trim. Standard equipment for the C250 Luxury Sedan includes 17-inch split-spoke aluminum wheels, LED running lights, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. This model also has a traditional stand-up Mercedes-Benz hood ornament. The C250 Sport model adds a lowered sport suspension, staggered-width twin-spoke aluminum wheels, and LED taillights.

Interior Features
Continuing the discussion of differences between the C250 Luxury and Sport models, the Luxury Sedan is equipped with a 4-spoke steering wheel and genuine wood interior trim, while the Sport Sedan has a 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum interior trim, and a pair of sport-bolstered front seats. To this, the C250 coupe adds transmission paddle shifters and a power-adjustable steering column.

All C250 models are equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, power sunroof, and a universal garage door opener. The standard stereo includes HD Radio, auxiliary audio input jack, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming capability.

Optional Features
The C300 4Matic Sedan offers Luxury or Sport trim in combination with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. This model is available with the optional Premium package.

The C350 coupe and C350 Sport Sedan are equipped with a more powerful V-6 engine, AMG-design aluminum wheels, rear spoiler, and Black Ash wood interior trim. Additionally, the C350 models are equipped with the same features offered in the Premium package for C250 Sedan models: 14-way power front seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable steering column, memory for the driver's settings, premium surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, iPod connection, and split-folding rear seats.

In addition to the C250 Premium package, the C-Class models can be upgraded with a Full Leather Seating package (leather and 3-position memory for the front seats); Lighting package (bi-xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, headlight washers); Multimedia package (7-inch in-dash screen, rearview camera, navigation system with enhanced voice control, traffic and weather reporting, music hard drive, Gracenote music database, SD card reader); Lane Tracking package (Blind Spot Assist system, Lane Keeping Assist system); and a Driver Assistance package (Lane Tracking package contents plus Distronic Plus cruise control and Pre-Safe braking).

Two different performance-themed option packages are also available. The C-Class Sedan can be equipped with a Sport package that includes 18-inch AMG-design wheels, unique front seats with MB-Tex upholstery and Dinamica inserts, red interior accents, flat-bottom performance steering wheel, and a rear lip spoiler. A Sport Plus package is offered exclusively for the C250 coupe. It includes a performance suspension, performance exhaust system, upgraded braking components, and a sport-calibrated transmission with downshift rev matching.

Additional options include mBrace Plus services, Mercedes-Benz Apps services, Keyless Go keyless access and push-button ignition, genuine wood trim (Sport models), Parktronic with advanced park-assist, panoramic sunroof (Sedans), rear-seat side-impact air bags, and 18-inch AMG-design wheels.

Under the Hood
The Mercedes-Benz C250 is powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 201 horsepower. A 7-speed automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters on the C250 coupe, drives the rear wheels.

The C300 4Matic Sedan is equipped with a new direct-injection, 3.5-liter V-6 engine generating 248 horsepower. A 7-speed automatic transmission and new Eco Start/Stop technology are standard, along with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

The C350 models have a standard 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with new Eco Start/Stop technology and a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and C350 coupes can be optioned with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are:

Safety
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is equipped with 9 air bags, a traction and stability control system, and 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist. Additionally, Mercedes installs Attention Assist driver drowsiness detection, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive braking technology, advanced tire-pressure monitoring system, and the company's new Mbrace 2 telematics system into every 2013 C-Class model.

Optional safety features include rear-seat side-impact air bags, reversing camera, front and rear park-assist sensors, blind-spot information system, lane-keeping assist system, Distronic Plus cruise control with Pre-Safe braking, and bi-xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination.

As this overview is written, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed crash tests on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. However, the structurally identical 2012 C-Class Sedan was named a \"Top Safety Pick\" by the Institute.