I know the new Mercedes Benz C class is in a different size class from the Genesis, but I know some people will cross shop these 2 cars due to the similar pricing.
Today I just test drove the 2015 C300 4Matic for about 20 min, both on city streets and freeway.
Appearance wise, the C300 definitely looks smaller. The exterior looked nice enough with a rounded rear end. It looked more cute than premium.
The Genesis, due to its longer and sleeker dimensions looks more premium in my eyes.
Inside, the C class looked just as premium as the Genesis, but the C300 had an edgier, more modern style.
What impressed me most about the C300 was the powertrain: it was so smooth. I'm amazed that MB has made a 2.0 4 cylinder engine sound and feel so refined. Easily this is the best 4 cylinder car I've driven, more refined than the 2.0 turbo in the BMW 328.
Compared to the Genesis V6, the little 2.0 motor was just as quiet in low to mid RPM range. At higher RPM, the Genesis clearly sounded better with a sporty engine note.
Ride comfort wise, the Genesis wins as it always feels composed. Perhaps due to its shorter wheelbase, the C300 sometimes felt a little jittery. Road and wind noise was very comparable between the 2, but I thought the C300 had slightly more tire noise.
Overall, I was very impressed with the C300, especially by its refined powertrain and the quiet, comfortable ride.
However, due to a larger engine and larger overall size, the Genesis is the better luxury car.
Today I just test drove the 2015 C300 4Matic for about 20 min, both on city streets and freeway.
Appearance wise, the C300 definitely looks smaller. The exterior looked nice enough with a rounded rear end. It looked more cute than premium.
The Genesis, due to its longer and sleeker dimensions looks more premium in my eyes.
Inside, the C class looked just as premium as the Genesis, but the C300 had an edgier, more modern style.
What impressed me most about the C300 was the powertrain: it was so smooth. I'm amazed that MB has made a 2.0 4 cylinder engine sound and feel so refined. Easily this is the best 4 cylinder car I've driven, more refined than the 2.0 turbo in the BMW 328.
Compared to the Genesis V6, the little 2.0 motor was just as quiet in low to mid RPM range. At higher RPM, the Genesis clearly sounded better with a sporty engine note.
Ride comfort wise, the Genesis wins as it always feels composed. Perhaps due to its shorter wheelbase, the C300 sometimes felt a little jittery. Road and wind noise was very comparable between the 2, but I thought the C300 had slightly more tire noise.
Overall, I was very impressed with the C300, especially by its refined powertrain and the quiet, comfortable ride.
However, due to a larger engine and larger overall size, the Genesis is the better luxury car.
