2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe
2-door coupes have long sold at a fraction of the pace compared to the sedans they are usually based on. But, if German brands have their say, they are not likely to go away anyway soon. Over the years, they have perfected the art of the luxury sport coupe. And, now Mercedes-Benz adds fuel to that tradition with the new C300 coupe.
While the compact chassis that underscores this 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe now carries all kinds of vehicles, this 2-door is by far the most dynamic looking of the bunch. Certainly more agile and muscular looking than its sedately appearing sedan stablemate.
The Coupe’s hood and grillwork are the same as the Sedan, but everything else is unique, including a lower roofline that makes almost one complete arch from A-pillar to tail.
Those hindquarters have much more in common with the larger S-class Coupe than the C-class Sedan; and due to sportier tuning, it sits about ½ and inch lower.
It’s a great-looking sculpture, clearly designed to be a true Coupe from the beginning and not a 2-door step child of a 4-door saloon.
The available Sport Package features a host of AMG add-ons for both the interior and exterior, and 19-inch AMG wheels can replace the standard 18s.
The ubiquitous German 2.0-liter turbo-4 handles power delivery, sending 241-horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, or all four if you chose to go the 4MATIC route.
It’s easily one of the better turbo-4’s out there right now, feeling more powerful than many V6s. Benz’s 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission is your only route but it’s a good one.
Base suspension is equivalent to the Sedan’s sport setup, and ride quality is on the sporty side of comfortable; not harsh, and with just enough roll to keep it from feeling like you’re in a race car.
Still, smooth and steady are the themes here, more than quick and deadly. Upgrade to AIRMATIC suspension and you get sportier settings for even more aggressive maneuvering. Anything more, and you’ll have to wait for the AMG versions which are obviously on the way.
Most everything in the front compartment is straight C-class sedan, which is a good thing. There’s a great looking twin bezel gauge cluster, and lots of real knobs and buttons on the center stack; and a tacked on-style tablet just above.
The screen does look awkward, but it functions well through the COMAND controller.
There are minor trim updates, to go along with the obviously larger door panels.
Front “sport seats” are unique to the Coupe, and are very comfortable with plenty of adjustments. Rear seat space and access are pretty much standard Euro-coupe. Its tight getting in, and only set up for 2 moderately-sized physiques. So you might want to just fold them down to expand a very tight 10.5 cubic-ft trunk.
In track tests, despite a hefty feel, the C300 Coupe proved easy to point and shoot through the cones. Understeer became a problem as we pushed harder, but the rear didn’t so much as slide out as bounce around; as there always seems to feel like there’s some kind of electronic intervention present.
Steering was super-quick, but also a bit numb. Still, both that steering and overall performance felt sportier than the last BMW 4 series we sampled.
There’s also plenty of power to keep you satisfied; good thrust down low, and it keeps it up pretty well down the whole track. We hit 60 in 6.4-seconds.
Shifts happen very quickly and firmly; but better enjoy it while you can, Benz’s 9-speed will probably be coming shortly. All-in-all the car feels sneaky fast, quicker feeling than our 14.9-second ¼-mile time at 94 miles-per-hour.
A 120-foot average stopping distance from 60 is certainly acceptable. Pedal feel was nice and firm, and the car very stable.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings with all-wheel-drive are 23-City, 29-Highway, and 25-Combined. So, our 27.2 miles-per-gallon average of Premium was pretty good. But it only rates an average Energy Impact Score of 13.2-barrels of yearly oil use with 5.9-tons of CO2 emissions.
C300 Coupe prices start at $43,575; only a couple hundred dollars over a BMW 4 series Coupe, and we think well worth it. Add 2-grand more for all-wheel-drive.
In the past, owning a C-class Coupe or any C-Class really, clearly felt like you were settling for less than Benz’s best. Not anymore. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe is a fantastic, sporty coupe; that, like the C-Class Sedan, now stands ready to take on all comers.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0 liter
- Horsepower: 241
- Torque: 273 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 14.9 seconds @ 94 mph
- EPA: 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway,
- Energy Impact: 13.2 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 5.9 tons/yr
2025 Buick Enclave
Buick’s Biggest Utility Gets More Premium Look, Less Premium Powertrain
Buick is now an all SUV brand with the three-row Enclave sitting at the top of their lineup. And for this all-new third generation, it looks like Buick has finally given it the true flagship treatment it deserves. Reason enough for us to see what else new this posh performer has in store.
Don’t think of this 2025 Buick Enclave as just a new third generation of Buick’s largest three-row SUV, but more of a total reboot for a luxury segment pioneer. Part of that reinvention is swapping out the 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, that has been the heart of this large crossover since it arrived on the scene for 2008, for a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Though using two fewer cylinders, it rates 18 more horsepower at 328. The gain in torque is even greater, climbing from 266 to 326 lb-ft.
Power from a start and when tooling around town feels pretty good, but you do notice that engine working hard under the hood; there is more engine noise and it’s not as smooth as many competitors who have also made the switch to turbo-four power. Max towing rating remains at 5,000 lbs. The new standard automatic transmission loses a gear, dropping from nine to eight, a simplifying move we applaud. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option with all trims.
The Enclave rides on the same front-wheel-drive based chassis that supports the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. It remains the most luxurious of the three, though all have made big upward strides. And that luxurious feel is very evident inside where things appear special without flaunting it. Materials are vastly improved over the last gen, especially in top Avenir trim which is the choice for most Enclave buyers.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel. It’s hard to miss the 30-inch ultra-wide display, similar to Cadillac’s. It is big, but not intimidating as operation is very logical and you can easily configure things as you want them, including bringing the nav screen up full in front of the driver.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel.
Between the seats is a very substantial console with lots of storage space and standard wireless phone charging. There is definitely room for full-size adults in all three rows of seating. Big, plush captain’s chairs with all trims for the second row; and a less plush but still comfortable three-place third row.
GM’s Super Cruise has now made it to Buick’s lineup, available as a standalone package for any trim. It remains a favorite of ours for hands-off highway cruising. Despite feeling adequately powered on the street, the Enclave’s turbo-four felt a little out of its element at our Mason Dixon Dragway test track. There was very little jump off the line, just a slow wind up to 60 of 8.0 seconds, with the quarter-mile completed in 16.0 seconds flat at 92 mph.
We could really feel the Enclave’s weight in our handling course, about 150-lbs. over last year, even with less motor under the hood. But there was very little body roll, and no excessive oversteer or understeer. In panic braking runs, there was good feel through the pedal, and solid stops from 60 averaging a fine 111 feet.
To all of our eyes, the Enclave is bigger yet much better looking than before. Now more sophisticated using Buick’s PURE philosophy which emphasizes Purity in design, Unexpected details, Refined finishes, and Exceptional execution.
With all-wheel drive, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19 City, 24 Highway, and 21 Combined; we managed a great 24.9 mpg of Regular. That’s a slightly below average Energy Impact Score, consuming 14.2 barrels of oil yearly, with 7.0 tons of CO2 emissions.
No more Essence or Premium Enclaves, as the new gen brings new trim names along with it; the base option now being Preferred which starts at $46,395, and unless you choose white, you’ll be paying extra for all exterior colors. Just a short step from there to the Sport Touring for $48,795, and then a much bigger bounce up to Avenir at $59,395.
With so many big utes now aimed at luxury and near luxury buyers, it’s getting harder and harder for Buick to stand out. Being an all-utility brand, with one of the freshest lineups in the industry, will no doubt help. The 2025 Buick Enclave is a very stylish, well-equipped, well executed large three-row crossover that’s priced right.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.5-liter turbo-4
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 328
- Torque: 326 lb-ft.
- EPA: 19 City | 24 Highway | 21 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds at 92 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 111 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 24.9 mpg (Regular)