2015 Mercedes C-Class starts at $38,400*

Tue, 29 Jul 2014

Mercedes-Benz just keeps dropping pricing bombshells on us. After unveiling the cost of the models of the upcoming GLA-Class compact crossover, now the 2015 C-Class, the German brand's bread-and-butter luxury sedan, is ready to unleash its secrets, as well.

The least expensive of the new models is the rear-wheel-drive C300 with a starting price of $38,400, plus a $925 delivery & destination charge, to bring the actual base price to $39,325. However, the two-wheel drive version doesn't hit the road until the first quarter of 2015. The first variants that people can actually buy arrive in September 2014, and they are the all-wheel drive C300 4Matic and C400 4Matic for $41,325 and $49,515, respectively, after the destination fee.

In addition to styling inspired by the S-Class, the 2015 C-Class models also have new engines. Both variants of the C300 use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful C400 uses a bi-turbo 3.0-liter V6 making 329 hp and 354 lb-ft. All models get Mercedes' 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic gearbox. Merc is holding back on fuel economy numbers and 0-60-miles-per-hour specs until a bit closer to launch.

As befitting a Mercedes, all versions come packed with luxury features. The C300 comes quite well equipped as standard, with dual-zone climate control, power seats, a seven-inch infotainment display and more. Moving up to the C400 adds standard heated front seats, LED headlights and an upgraded stereo. Of course, there's also long list of options including improved interior upholstery, a sport package, upgraded infotainment and a whole lot more.

Comparing pricing of the 2015 C-Class to the 2014 model is rather tricky. The rear-wheel drive C300 is over $2,000 more expensive than the current C250, but if you look at the 2015 C300 4Matic versus the more comparable 2014 C300 4Matic, the latest one is only about $1,000 more. The C300 is also more expensive than the base BMW 320i, A4 or Lexus IS250, but the Mercedes is bringing more to the table in terms of engine power.

? Multimedia Package featuring COMAND Navigation & Voice Control
? Driver Assistance Package featuring DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
? Lighting Package featuring Dynamic LED Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination ? Interior Package featuring Leather Upholstery, Ventilated Seats and Ambient Lighting ? Sport Package featuring AMG Bodystyling, 18" AMG-Wheels and Sports Suspension
? AIRMATIC Air Suspension
? Head-up Display
? PARKTRONIC w/ Advance Parking Assist
? Panorama Sunroof
? AIR BALANCE Package

Safety Feature Highlights

? DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist ? Active Blind Spot Assist
? Active Lane Keeping Assist
? PRE-SAFE Occupant Protection System ? BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist

? Crosswind Assist

Model Positioning

? The next generation of the best-selling nameplate in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio ? The new C-Class sets the benchmark in the segment

Main Competitors

? BMW 3 Series ? Audi A4
? Lexus IS
? Cadillac ATS

At a Glance

Quick Reference Guide 2015 C-Class Sedan

Customer Availability & Pricing

? C300 Sedan - Q1 2015; $38,400
? C300 4MATIC Sedan – September 2014; $40,400
? C400 4MATIC Sedan – September 2014; $48,590

*Above prices exclude $925 delivery & destination charge

Standard Feature Highlights

? COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (CPA+) ? ATTENTION ASSIST
? PRE-SAFE
? Media Interface

? KEYLESS START
? 7" Color tablet-style Display
? Touchpad
? AGILITY SELECT
? Power Driver Seat with Memory ? Power Folding Mirrors

Optional Feature Highlights

C300

C300 4MATIC

C400 4MATIC

MSRP	$38,400	$40,400	$48,590
Fuel Economy	TBD	TBD	TBD
Engine	2.0L Turbo I4	2.0L Turbo I4	3.0L Bi-Turbo V6
Drive Configuration	Rear-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Performance	241 hp 273 lb-ft torque	241 hp 273 lb-ft torque	329 hp 354 lb-ft of torque
Transmission	7G-TRONIC PLUS	7G-TRONIC PLUS	7G-TRONIC PLUS
0-60 (sec.)	TBD	TBD	TBD

Standard Equipment Comfort/Convenience

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Power front seats w/Driver Memory
Audio System with Single-Disc CD
USB Port with iPod interfaceBluetooth Audio Streaming & HD Radio

Bluetooth Interface for Hands-Free Phone Use Central Controller with 7" High-Mounted Display
Multifunction Leather Steering Wheel

Color Instrument Cluster Display
Front and Rear Cupholders
Power Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column Electronic Cruise Control
Power Windows with Express up and down Automatic headlamps with Twilight Sensor & Locator Lighting
Trip Computer
Auto-Dimming Driver & Rearview Mirror Power Folding Mirrors
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Intermittent Wipers with Rain Sensor Split-folding rear seats
Touchpad
KEYLESS-START
AGILITY SELECT
Heated Front Seats
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Burmester Premium Sound
LED Headlights
KEYLESS-GO

By Chris Bruce