The Indian market is moving towards a more SUV-centric approach to motoring. Everywhere you see, from new launches to segment-leading cars, it’s likely to be an SUV at the top of the food chain. The benefits are many like added ground clearance and more cabin space, which means other segments are shrinking alarmingly. Sedans, in particular, have been affected badly, but proving to be a ray of hope is the C-Class. It’s a sophisticated premium sedan that will compel you to give up on buying an SUV. It promises to offer more than its rivals (regardless of their body style) in terms of classy appeal and driving fun, the latter especially in the C 300 guise. We take the Mercedes-Benz sedan for a spin to understand if this can indeed fit in the definition of a good sedan.

Premium look

The ‘baby S-Class’ design works well on the C-Class, lending it a premium look compared to its previous iterations. The way the bodywork is designed to be smooth, without sharp lines is worth applause. The AMG Line package gives it a touch of sportiness, which is further accentuated with blacked-out elements instead of the usual chrome trims. The Mercedes Digital Light tech bestows each headlight 1.3 million pixels, which results in a lighting system that’s adaptive, offers brilliant illumination and complements the car’s unique styling.

The cabin feels like a scaled-down version of the S-Class, although the touchscreen here is vertically placed. This 11.9-inch unit runs on Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment and comes loaded with apps and features that are not just limited to wireless suites like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You get those, too. Also included in the AMG Line package are bolstered seats, which prove to be excellent, especially during spirited drives, and brushed metal accents. There’s also a nice Burmester sound system and a lot of cabin room, although the low roofline means headroom is limited for tall passengers.

A 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers the C 300 and is complemented by Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The overall output for the engine is 251 bhp and 40.78 kg-m. The near-instantaneous power, thanks to an additional 27 hp on demand by the EQ Boost system, feels seamless and becomes particularly useful when overtaking. The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and despite respectable power available, the car feels refined and can be driven calmly without any issues whatsoever. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the car can do 0-100 km/h in just six seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.

Easy to manoeuvre

The steering is responsive, and its relatively compact dimensions (especially compared to the E-Class and S-Class) ensure it’s never too difficult to manoeuvre. Its well-balanced suspension might feel firm, but the C-Class allows its occupants to enjoy a comfortable ride without compromising its handling. High-speed stability, too, is impressive and just goes on to show the wonders that a low centre of gravity can do.

That’s the thing about sedans: while they’re constantly under huge competition from SUVs, they can deliver better dynamic capabilities. The C 300 makes a strong case not just for itself but for sedans in general. It’s equipped well with a mix of sporty character, overall comfort, and even new-age features. It might not be as spacious as a similarly priced SUV, but when you get behind the wheel, there’s no looking back. Prices for the new C-Class start at ₹59.40 lakh, whereas the C 300 AMG Line is available at ₹66.25 lakh, ex-showroom.