Why 2022 Mercedes C Class (C 300) looks the way it does . . .

MotoMan drives the all new 2022 ‪@MercedesBenz‬ C300 but can’t tell you how it drives until after May 16, 2022 - which does not stop us from talking about how it looks and even taking it for a drive in this DESIGN REVIEW of the W206 generation of ‪@mbusa‬ C Class . . .
#Mercedes #MercedesC300 #MercedesCClass #C300
Subscribe AND CLICK NOTIFICATIONS now to experience our adventures in the car world.
kzbin.info_c...
Want to see something similar to this vehicle?
Watch our BMW 430i Gran Coupe FIRST DRIVE REVIEW @ • 2022 BMW 430i Gran Cou...
- or -
Genesis G70 FIRST DRIVE REVIEW @ • 2022 Genesis G70: One ...
Or to see more Mercedes & AMG, check out our Mercedes Playlist:
• Mercedes
Want to support our work?
Easiest way to do that is to click ‘LIKE’ and we would greatly appreciate you guys sharing these episodes with your friends and tagging us on all your socials:
Facebook - / motomantv
Twitter - / motomantv
Instagram - / motomantv
MotoMan. Storyteller of Transport, Travel & Inspired People
MUSIC courtesy of the Kevin MacLeod/incompetech.com, Michael Bliss, Evan Schaeffer - / evanschaeffer & Jahzzar

[@RonSmith472]

You're crazy! That thing is gorgeous!

[@sridharprasad9689]

I don’t know why people complain about the screens?. We all know it makes the user interface very easy to use instead of trying to find which button works for what functionality. We live in the 2020’s and not in the 2000’s, common. Tech has evolved in all formats and it’s time that we start accepting it. Why no one complains when Tesla or other electric companies do it and when the Germans do the same, everyone starts bashing at them? Won’t it become too old fashioned when there is just buttons instead of screens🤷‍♂️

[@heroericxu1634]

Ikr, when it comes to teslas screens all of a sudden it's not a problem anymore.

[@andrewipp426]

Really good description I agree with needing some knobs for the basic functions, I try to be able to know where and make changes on controllers with out having to look at the dash knobs. A driving instructor once said you should be able to sit in your parked car and know where all your controls are ....with your eyes closed !!! Sounds extreme but driving is about focusing on the road not fishing in sub menus to turn on the A/C .. that’s my 2cents !

[@amy121209]

That's where MBUX comes in. Just use the voice command to turn on the AC! Learn and adapt with new tech! :)

[@TerraMp]

No, no buttons needed! All important functions can controlled by voice commands.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

C 220d, the classic.

[@Kelveron]

As ever, on point and nicely analysed review. Completely agree with you about the Russian doll styling and lack of differentiation in the looks of Merc sedans. If I paid for an expensive S-Class, I don't think I'd be very happy to see a much cheaper C-Class, which is from two classes down, looking exactly the same inside and out, only smaller.

[@avery4528]

Mercedes has had that philosophy since the inception of this class of car in the mid to late 80s. It's nothing new for the baby Benz to mirror the upper classes.

[@Kelveron]

@@avery4528 To some extent yes, but if you compare the previous S-Class to the C-Class, especially their interiors, you'd see the S-Class is much more upmarket. The new models are pretty much identical!

[@TML34]

Yeah, but if you get the C class you love it. 😀

[@thp94001]

Unfortunately I can't afford the S class so I settle with the C class but if I got the dough the S class all the way. The S-class looks more polish and much nicer. It's the entire package.

[@rrange]

As someone who’s owned 2 S550’s and 2 C classes I never minded the C looking like the S. End of the day there’s a HUGE difference in both cars with the feel of things and equipment materials so for the time being it’s not a problem..probably until the day a C300 costs $140,000 like a S class then we’ll talk again.

[@steamroller72]

I own a 2012 C300 sport. I'm pushing 50 this year. I appreciate your review, but it's out of touch for the modern buyer. 70 year old white guys and their tastes are NOT the primary market for the C300.

[@dct124]

Solid review, I agree with you on the up right emblem. I understand why they use the really old version but I think the 70s, 80s, and 90s really solidified what a modern Mercedes should look like. Also the console screen 10000000% agree 👍🏾 omg Mercedes definitely failed on that, so has Tesla and every other company that just puts a screen. Definitely needs a bit of switch gear.

[@garren588]

I don’t understand why we complain about not having a star on the grille, when when it was an option for the Luxury Package, no one bought them. We can’t keep complaining about how we want things the way they used to be but what we buy says otherwise.

[@steamroller72]

Spot on... I bought the sport over the luxury and that stale front end.

[@MaestroWenarto]

GREAT HONEST REVIEW!!!!

[@kevinranders]

I just purchased a 2022 c-class pinnacle trim. I love the car. Drives great and is fun to drive. The tech (for the most part) is great. What I don't like, even with the pinnacle trim, is the lack of driver safety and driver tech as standard features. I also have a 2020 hyundai limited and it has highway drive assist, speed adapted cruise, etc. Zero reason for these to not include several driver and safety features as standard.

[@johnmikhail8720]

Agreed they don’t give you basic safety features! It’s like they aren’t the best anymore!

[@faran1684]

This is the best looking c class since 2014 Finally for US and a great review

[@MrSchn3ll]

I was literally just wondering when you would post something on the new C - and here it is! I am very strongly considering a new C63 - it might be a very compelling package with full EV option for short trips and big power when you want it + fuel efficiency from the 4 cylinder.

[@phillm156]

Absolutely agree with the safety issues of the iPad center console. I have disregarded many vehicles because of it.

[@andyx7488]

looks amazing in and out

[@jeffs6090]

I'm waiting to see the new updated GLC with the interior!

[@dommeees2175]

especially this "Tablet", i like so much

[@jareknowak8712]

I cant wait to see the Coupe version.

[@kevinclavijo6954]

I do agree about the physical buttons/knobs. I find it very tricky to get my idea volume especially if I’m pulling in somewhere while blasting music and the touch volume is just not it for me.

[@VforVolusia]

Still in love with my 2016 E350 … the last great E with its own independent styling and digital analogue cabin.

[@karlopeternel7685]

I love that car I bought it December last year, just enjoying it, mine is C300 4MATIC selenitgrau full equipment AMG, my son my wife we all love it, it's really beautiful great car

[@Affalterbach1967]

1:11 "It has to kind of look like a Mercedes". The view with the pagoda SL in the background shows how similar the grilles are, at least from 40 feet away.

[@clickynote]

This car looks OKAY. However, I think it has a lot of potential in full-fat AMG trim. The new C63 could be a masterclass in compact car design.

[@StevenLiaoT]

Would you say this is as smooth and/or quiet as the Lexus ES300h with noise reduction wheels?

[@ryans7097]

Definitely like the lines for the exterior and the lines on the AMG recently revealed but I am not a fan of the touch screen only interior. Would like if they had gone more with the current e class where you have your touch screen but also keeping physical buttons. Also feel like this video showed how evident the fingerprints will be on this. Hoping Mercedes’ goes back to a smaller screen and more physical buttons for 2024.

[@barneysman9116]

Are they launching a coupe?

[@twilson1973]

Nice review, even though I like the styling of both the new S Class and C Class, I just don’t think that they should look so similar.

[@drplando14]

Maybe an hvac button/knob but volume? Use the one on the steering wheel. I never use the volume knob on my radio and use the steering wheel for the majority of functions

[@MotoManTV]

The steering wheel controls are haptic feedback and frustrating to operate. Frequently, you inadvertently find yourself operating a function you don't want in the same application.

[@mithritades]

I loved the last C-Class design, that's the best they've looked in years and I'm normally an E-Class kinda guy, and where's the darn shift lever?!...I'm with you on the screen thing, 2 knurled weighty knobs and a couple hard buttons would've put that interior design over the top

[@GTGamesoft]

The automatic transmission lever from the middle console is replaced with a handle on the right side of the steering wheel, it was the same for W205. Additionally you have shift paddles for semi-automatic gear shifting.

[@user-yb1eq9tl6u]

NICE CAR

[@Omnis2]

2:05 Lmao, he went there.

[@KeasavecA04]

Is this base model??

[@Carfan678]

Maybe it’s just me but I think it’s really easy to tell the difference between c, e and s 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@tsamme]

eventough i am mercedes guy and really like the amg trim packages i agree that the all the sedans kind of morphed into one generic mercedes look.. would love some differentiation as well!

[@renekomanns7449]

The fact that it looks like a baby s-class, is what's going to make the c-class sell. It showed in the previous generation. The s-class design works and so why ruin a perfectly good base/foundation to build on or to just sligtly change it's proportions?

[@ACURACALABAR11]

I understand what u saying but u know how many times i see a c class down the street with bigger tires thinking it was a s class...what about the s class buyers thou..they must feel some type of way😊

[@renekomanns7449]

@@ACURACALABAR11 They probably do feel some type of way.... but they still have bragging rights though🙌 they have the big daddy of luxury😂

[@ACURACALABAR11]

@@renekomanns7449 yeh yeh tru

[@wintermagebarthow8481]

Oh no....a lover of the rear!😉 The 911 rear is the best, almost Kardashian in purposefully presented proportions.

[@tough931]

make me wanna grab current gen E class, I'm onwer of current gen c class

[@azizkhaldi5445]

Wow une Mercedes

[@carmangeek8882]

I should not have to look at a screen and page through multiple tasks just to adjust the a/c of turn on the radio. Shove the screen, bring back some buttons.

[@Jrbettis]

190, baby benz, C Class. Any voice commands to do other features?

[@franzvanjulio5523]

I always love your reviews. I would love a Mercedes with an upright star on the hood…..like the old days…..sigh. The interior looks great. I’m sorry that you are the poster child for the dangers of the screen and I hood they one day listen to you.

[@LarryKippings]

Numero Uno

[@wintermagebarthow8481]

First the front looks like the product of an indiscreet meeting of a Focus and a Mustang.

[@johnmessina9721]

I agree with your assessment of this new Mercedes. First off, I really do not like the styling of the grill and especially the styling on the side of the car. I have a 2020 C class with all AMG styling/night package/panoramic roof/19 inch tires and amg rims. I love how on the 2020 there is a design line going down the center of the door from front to back and the stance of the car is very sporty. As for the screens....I definitely do not like this current version. As you said, they are not safe. I have the 10 inch screen and it gets controlled by a knob and I am careful not to spend too much time looking at it.. However, all the important functions are controlled by switches. I also do not like the screen for the speedometer and tach....I prefer the recessed version that I have. Also, I am clean freak and the massive screen had a thousand fingerprints all over it. So I guess I will be keeping my car for longer than 2023 for sure.

[@JakeDrives1]

The S Class is way more stately in the front end. I think this looks great. They are making too many models these days to not do the nesting doll thing to some extent.

[@artagain8977]

Not a huge fan of screens either but the MBUX system will take care of 90% of features for you anyway.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

At least Mercedes doesn't mess up their design.

[@mohammadusman6309]

Nothing beats 2017 for C, E or S.

[@macstone9719]

Some brands are already introducing more physical buttons etc. again. I think it is very shortsited to not offer the choice to the driver. My dad is 85 and he would be lost in this Mercedes. I really like you beeing critical of the unsafe input devices.

[@robpenna3994]

I like the exterior, including the grill. The large touchscreen is awful. I want buttons! And, I don’t want to talk to the car to turn on the defroster, the heated seat, etc. I’m interested in the new GLC but won’t want it if has the same awful screen. I can see finger smudges all over it. BMW still has a screen AND buttons. Thanks for the review.

[@rrange]

That wood grain is 🔥🔥🔥 but the center console piano black has gotta go

[@GY9944]

I don’t understand how the media embargoes work sometimes. The cars already on sale, there are already quite a lot of videos of it, yet why would Mercedes won’t let you tell us about it until sometime later? Or is there another reason?

[@MotoManTV]

It's confusing in a case like this because there was already a drive over in Europe. This was a drive for the US market car - in this market where the car is not on sale yet. The idea behind any of them is to give everyone a fair chance to publish their content.

[@christinalove1309]

is this a new generation? So this will be the shape foe the next 5 years

[@avery4528]

Hands down my favorite looking Mercedes Benz. They need to drop all those particle absorbing touch points. The center cupholder area, the seat controls, the center touch screen. Too bad Mercedes has the perception of a lease only car company. Only god knows how many labor hours it will cost when items start to wear and need replacement.

[@MetikalMan]

So sad this won’t get an inline 6.

[@charbelgharyos3371]

You are right Mercedes has to differentiate C class to the S Class

[@ronnymb67]

The last good looking C Class was the W202 C43.

[@GregoryWJones]

I cannot agree with you more on your comment on the screen; at the end of the day, MB has recently been “The Best or Nothing”, yes, but I’ll double down and say that your comment was truly trenchant because it highlighted the most important issue, and that is safety- and here, MB has ALWAYS been about safety (and world class safety at that). So if we are to convince them of the error of their way in terms of the screen, the tack you took is indeed the perfect tack to take. Because it’s true. And you’re right- the fix is as easy as boiling a knockwurst.

[@chrispashen6704]

I agree they all look the same just a different size

[@srtology]

Not a fan of the tablet only infotainment systems. I just see them breaking long term after the warranty is over and the car being useless until you decide to replace that screen since you can’t operating the car. I bet that thing is like 15k or something.

[@firefighterps2]

"Perhaps it's because I'm Greek......." Lol

[@makatron]

Why are they forcing you to hold the review when there's loads of reviews already from the guys in Europe? I'm looking forward to the C300e to barely touch the gas and run fully electric in the city.

[@MotoManTV]

It's confusing in a case like this because there was already a drive over in Europe. This was a drive for the US market car - in this market where the car is not on sale yet. The idea behind any of them is to give everyone a fair chance to publish their content.

[@makatron]

@@MotoManTV well in that case seems fair for everyone to have a ride and film. But still loads of videos already. I hated the C class and yet here I am waiting for it to be available for a test drive.

[@KyleHubb]

Looks like one of these Infiniti sedans I see.

[@TheHoth1]

I like each class has an unique look not just different sizes and price ranges. Now when you buy a C class, you are kind of telling people you can't afford a E or a S class. Not a great feeling after you cough up 50K or 60K to buy a car. I miss the old days.

[@paulhenner8914]

I want a car to looks and feels like a car in side .................NOT a kids computer game...................Merc that some lessons from Porsche !

[@dct124]

I think ppl buy it b/c it's a baby version of the S-Class.

[@M1911jln]

My wife is on her 3rd C-class. I agree with you about the screens and the standup hood ornament. As silly as it may be, I really miss that standup hood ornament -- it somehow added to the sense of occasion while driving.

[@allanlozano7481]

The stand up hood ornament is really old school. Wouldnt look right in a sporty car.

[@jorgheyer5645]

I enjoyed this review, look forward to the driving episode. What is disappointing with the interior design is the huge area of piano black plastic on the center stack. This will scratch in no time, not to mention the finger prints. Why so cheap Mercedes?

[@michaelopere5424]

Mercedes Benzes are definitely more elegant in comparison to modern BMWs that are increasingly becoming grotesque . Some of the design features in this Mercedes have been borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Giulia, and that's okay because they are both good looking cars.

[@skittles206]

BMW interior is more user-friendly. They didn’t completely ditched the knobs and buttons where you need them.

[@MotoManTV]

Agreed. BMW took the bullet in being the first one to change the paradigm on UX design way back in 2002 . . . and the first couple of versions were terrible. Now, one of the best.

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Unfortunately, BMW may be doing away with a lot of buttons as well. The iX, as well as the i4 have done away with the 8 programmable "favorites" buttons in their new design. The next generation 5 series interior spy shots looks like it's adopting the new user interface design as well. Cars are becoming a huge disappointment. It seems like their plan is to slowly transition the automobile to be a fully autonomous computer on wheels.

[@skittles206]

@@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow Yeah sadly. :( As a software developer I have to work with 4 monitors every single day (including weekend sometimes). The last thing I want is for my car to have 3+ screens staring at me after a long day of work meanwhile my vision is deteriorating at a rapid rate.

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

@@skittles206 -- hehe. I can relate: I use 5 monitors, but I'm a day trader -- or at least trying to become one.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

Wow, its big that a sedan dominates Mercedes sales in this SUV eat SUV world. That said 112 inch wheelbase!? So much for the “C” in C-class right? M-class is more like it thats long!

[@honeytgb]

It's May 17th. Where is the C-class review?

[@MotoManTV]

Tomorrow.

[@honeytgb]

@@MotoManTV Ok Then! 👀👁👁

[@omarpabon5751]

Dear Mercedes, Give me a Wagon and I will give you money.

[@tspidey007]

Government safety officials need to rein in this move to putting screens everywhere in vehicles. It is out of control! The only automaker that seems to still believe in physical controls is Mazda.

[@jpmackin]

The glare from the screen must be hideous…

[@sufyanshareef6302]

It looks beautiful inside outside at least it looks way better than the BMW and the Audi

[@malekzin4788]

the problem with the current mercedes design is my wife can't tell the difference between the A-class, to the C-class to the E-class to the S-class. to her, everything looks the same. this could be some problem with the car since there is a segment of people who wants to pay top dollar but if you can't show everyone you bought the expensive mercedes, why bother. might as well go porsche or BMW.

[@maisondav1d]

mercedes screens always have the biggest bezels

[@pokerfred68]

Rear looks like a Nissan Altima.

[@SS-ug1qy]

Its all car reviewers fault. They all been complaining for years how screens are not touch screen and when manufacturers listened and gave touch screens now they hate. I always disliked touch screens and loved the controllers that controlled the center screens now they are moving away from it and giving touch screens and now they complaining about touch screens lol. I have and Audi and it has a controller wheel u can just use it to do anything and not be distracted, now its time to upgrade my car but I don’t want all touch screen. I hate how Audi’s went all touch screen.

[@MotoManTV]

Provide me one episode of this show where I asked for touch screen.

[@IamJay02]

That screen in my opinion looks hideous. The driver screen just looks like it was an after thought and I know I wouldn't like having to do many things on a screen that could've just been a physical button for safety and convenience.

[@aurorajones8481]

4:30 That is nice. Im not gonna bash it. BUT... I hate how they tack the screens on. We all know they do it for cost and because Tesla did it...FOR COST. I see it as a lame cheap cop out. Cadillac gives you a curved screen, other brands build it into the dash IP I mean come on. I expect the BEST from MB and this is not it.

[@jairocastellanos7790]

I don’t agree with most of your option in this review .. your way to undermine this car because it looks like a baby S class is precisely why people like me will be getting one.. anyway it noticeable how you personally describe this car.. this review is bios .

[@IceDree]

"Premium, Exclusive & Pinnacle". So generic. I miss the days of Classic, Elegance & Avantgarde.

[@MotoManTV]

I miss the days of toggle switches:)

[@IceDree]

@@MotoManTV and no screens in sight.

[@alaaino]

I'm trying to like Mercedes since years ... I couldn't ..

[@johnmikhail8720]

Guys this car has very few standard safety features. Kia, Hyundai, BMw, Audi, Etc give you so many more basic safety features that are standard. This car’s brakes are also very mushy I’ve test driven it. Are we just over paying for a symbol ?

[@oumaniac]

Want different looks/identities - hop over to BMW.

[@yass123]

A little better looking than that fugly new S-Class.

[@allanlozano7481]

Bruh, now u got mercedes assistant. U can just say “hey mercedes set the temperature to 72 degrees” and it will do it all for ya. It’s super responsive. No need to mess with the ipad like screen. Stop complaining so much.

[@MotoManTV]

Bruh . . . Having driven thousands of cars professionally for over 13 years after 15 years in the tech world - 5 of which at Apple, I have learned a very hard lesson: Voice control ain't there in ANY car. Tried every system in multiple environments and they all fall down - either due to the lack of processing power or horrific voice recognition. Simply not safe at this point to rely on technology meant for a tablet or a phone to control any aspect of a 4,000+ pound car going 55+ MPH. When you do, this is what happens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGfLaXttrMlpobs

[@jo0123]

I am not a fan of making everything touch screen, physical buttons are necessary for cars, especially for climate control and volume.

[@justthink5854]

it looks fine. better than the beamers and audis. but it's a lease car like all of them. and the screen is terrible. and disagree about the design. people want it because it looks like a baby S class.

[@DLPTonyATL]

Nice sneak-peak! Honestly...I cannot stand the eggy design language, reminds me of the 1st Gen Nissan Altima or Infiniti J30. #YuckMonster

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Too many touch capacitive and "screen buttons" -- totally kills the car.

[@TerraMp]

This is a flawed review. This car has some of the best voice control in the world! No, no buttons needed! All important functions can controlled by voice commands. From climate control to the panoramic sunroof and navigation, and seat heating. It's actually a lot safer than twiddling knobs.

[@zachg9065]

Oh great another good looking car with the infotainment ruined with touchscreen everything. No thanks!

[@TheBreakfastLover]

It looks droopy and meek

[@wintermagebarthow8481]

There is a fundamental difference between a unified design language and cut and paste engineering. The poser mentality is the reason the c class is so popular. Having everything look exactly alike cheapens the brand. Rather drive a much less expensive SUV and buy a boat.

[@nigelha3699]

can't tell the difference between c e & s class, especially the coupe. Dash is horrid, must be cheap to make for more profit.

[@Wasabi9111]

This segment has gotten so expensive. 10 yrs ago, c class and 3 series were everywhere, now they have been replaced by Teslas. Now that we’ve replaced all our cars w EVs, driving a ice car seems to unrefined. We used to be 3 series owners and had a new 330 to drive recently. It was about $55k, but felt cheap and missing a lot of key features. It didn’t handle particularly nice and the 4 cyl was so unrefined. For the same price or less, I would much prefer any other EVs (Ioniq 5, polestar 2) than the 3 series or c class.

[@avery4528]

Exactly, the 3 series just isn't worth it after they downsized from inline six engines and added the turbocharger. I held onto my E46 330Ci for 17 years before getting a Tesla.

[@basketball798]

Over the years build quality of Mercedes has gone down. Don't believe the fancy design they are all rattle boxes

[@karlopeternel7685]

Man, you have knobs on steering wheel for screen, why to duplicate You just click with your thumb and gide through the screen brahhh, also you have Hey Mercedes option and just tell AI what to do and she does it