Drivers who want maximum comfort and fuel economy can choose Eco mode and experience smoother acceleration, delayed upshifts, a more comfortable ride, and reduced air conditioning operation. In everyday commutes, we found Comfort mode provided a comfortable ride and relaxed steering effort while still offering plenty of performance.

A pleasant surprise was how quickly, quietly and unobtrusively the C 400’s automatic stop/start feature restarts the engine after automatically stopping it when stopped at traffic lights. In some other cars we’ve tested, the jolt when automatically restarting is a real annoyance. The C 400’s stop/start system is comparatively smooth.

Returning for 2015 is Mercedes’s familiar 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. In the C 400 it delivers smooth, timely shifts that are barely felt in the cabin. In top gear, particularly in Eco mode, the tachometer reads just 1,600 rpm at a steady 100 km/h, perfect for quiet freeway cruising and maximum highway fuel economy. Paddle shifters are included behind the steering wheel for those who want to take control of the shifting, and this can be enjoyed the most in Sport+ mode where throttle responsiveness, suspension stiffness, and steering effort are geared to performance. We found that manual shifts can bring out the beast in the C 400, but in automatic mode, the 7G-Tronic transmission performs almost as well without having to touch the paddles. It’s no dual-clutch transmission, however.

Most C 400 drivers probably won’t notice the standard 4Matic all-wheel drive system, even in winter. It seamlessly transfers power to the wheels with the most traction, thereby assisting with traction as well as directional control. Add to that standard traction control and stability control and a good set of winter tires, and the C 400 maintains a steady bearing on just about any plowed surface. Unplowed streets and snow berms however, may put up a stiff challenge to the C 400’s low front spoiler.

With its larger and lighter unit body platform, and newly available air suspension with driver-adjustable performance settings, and low-profile 18-inch tires (225/45R18 front 245/40R18 rear), the C 400 feels more nimble than the C 350 did while being easy to drive with a firm, but not uncomfortable ride, minimal tire noise, and stable tracking at high speeds. A bonus of the Airmatic suspension is that it is self-leveling when there is a heavy load in the trunk.

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