X

Photos: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 covers cabin tech basics and drivability very well, without going over the top. Its imperturbable handling is good, but doesn't generate much excitement, while its cabin tech gets the job done without many frills.

CNET Reviews staff
32630925-2-440-0.jpg
1 of 19 CNET Networks
The all new C300 sits at the bottom of Mercedes-Benz's U.S. line-up. It's a very affordable car with a nice degree of luxury.
32630925-2-440-FRONT.jpg
2 of 19 CNET Networks
The C300 is available in Sport and Luxury trims, distinguished by very different grilles. The Sport model gets the big badge in the center of the grille, while the Luxury model gets a hood ornament.
32630925-2-440-DT5.jpg
3 of 19 CNET Networks
The 3-liter V-6, with 228 horsepower, isn't over-powered, but it works well in the C300. We found acceleration in every day driving circumstances more than adequate.
32630925-2-440-SIDE.jpg
4 of 19 CNET Networks
The C300 uses some nice design features to make it stand out amongst small sedans. It has the sweeping contour along the side and a hood that juts up, suggesting some brawn. The front comes down at a fairly steep angle.
32630925-2-440-SS01.jpg
5 of 19 CNET Networks
Mercedes-Benz keeps the back of the C300 very clean, and creates an concave wedge shape with the tail light assemblies.
32630925-2-440-INTERIOR.jpg
6 of 19 CNET Networks
The C300 gets a thorough make-over for its cabin tech, including a hard drive-based navigation system.
32630925-2-440-SS02.jpg
7 of 19 CNET Networks
Steering is very responsive in the C300, and the multifunction steering wheel gives easy control over car audio choices. Most cabin tech functions can be controlled with voice command, activated with the voice button on the steering wheel.
32630925-2-440-DT6.jpg
8 of 19 CNET Networks
The gauges on the C300 are tastefully designed, and the center of the speedo serves as a display for trip, audio, and navigation information.
32630925-2-440-SS03.jpg
9 of 19 CNET Networks
The standard transmission on the C300 Sport is a six speed automatic, although it can be optioned up to the seven speed automatic. This six speed has a manual shift mode.
32630925-2-440-DT2.jpg
10 of 19 CNET Networks
This knob lets you control most of the cabin tech functions, as part of the COMAND interface.
32630925-2-440-SS04.jpg
11 of 19 CNET Networks
Map resolution on the navigation system is very good, although you have to zoom in all the way to see all street names.
32630925-2-440-SS05.jpg
12 of 19 CNET Networks
Route guidance is aided by highlighted roads, turn graphics, and voice prompts.
32630925-2-440-SS06.jpg
13 of 19 CNET Networks
The audio system lets you choose folders from MP3 CDs.
32630925-2-440-SS07.jpg
14 of 19 CNET Networks
The disc load screen shows a number of logos, including Dolby Digital and Gracenote, a database of all CDs that applies the proper tags to any CD ripped to the hard drive.
32630925-2-440-DT3.jpg
15 of 19 CNET Networks
With a CD loaded in the changer, you can choose to copy it to the car's hard drive, or Music Register, as Mercedes-Benz calls it.
32630925-2-440-SS08.jpg
16 of 19 CNET Networks
The interface uses this horizontal tuning screen for FM, AM, and Sirius satellite radio.
32630925-2-440-DT4.jpg
17 of 19 CNET Networks
As the six disc changer reads DVDs, you can watch DVD video on the car's LCD or listen to DVD audio discs.
32630925-2-440-SS09.jpg
18 of 19 CNET Networks
The Harmon/Kardon Logic7 audio system uses 12 speakers and a 450 watt amp to produce excellent sound.
32630925-2-440-SS10.jpg
19 of 19 CNET Networks
The C300 is the first Mercedes-Benz we've seen with Bluetooth cell phone integration.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos