2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300

The smallest sedan in the lineup is only two years old-allowing Mercedes to make only minor equipment package changes, and redesign the exterior mirrors, for 2010.

• New 17-inch alloy wheels on C300 Sport
• All models receive premium leather steering wheel
• Enhanced tire-pressure-monitoring system is now standard
• Exterior mirrors are now smaller
• New optional equipment includes Keyless Go, rearview camera, tilting parking mirror, 4-way power lumbar and universal media interface
• New optional Dynamic Handling package for C300 and C350 models includes active damping suspension, speed-sensitive steering, 18-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel-mounted paddles

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in production since 1993, is the automaker's entry-level model for the US market. It's classed as an \"executive car\": a compact luxury vehicle. Now in its third generation, the C-Class is largely unchanged for 2010, but it adds a Dynamic Handling package and a few other options. The C-Class offers the consumer many choices in terms of power, styling, and levels of luxury.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered in four trim levels. The C300 Sport and C300 Luxury trims both feature 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, 8-speaker sound system, cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Sport and Luxury trims differ as to exterior and interior styling, but both offer a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The C300 Sport employs a 6-speed manual transmission and firmer suspension, while the C300 Luxury features a 7-speed automatic transmission. Many option packages are available on either the Sport or Luxury model.

The C350 Sport includes heated front seats, satellite radio, and more power functions, and adds a larger engine. The C63 AMG is the high-performance trim, and features a V-8 engine along with 18-inch wheels, sport seats, and a firm suspension, plus option packages not available on the other trims. Both the C350 Sport and the C63 AMG employ rear-wheel drive.

The C300 trims feature a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, according to the EPA. The C350 features a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and the C63 AMG's engine is a 451-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The C63 AMG delivers 12 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on all 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models include adaptive anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. Active front head restraints, front side air bags, side curtain air bags, and pelvic air bags are also standard.