Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport 2013 Review

Mercedes-Benz sells a greater proportion of full-house AMG performance models in Australia than in any other market, but those looking for a bit of sporting cred in their C-Class need not go the whole hog with a snarling C63 V8.

The three-pointed star offers the optional 250 Sport package on the mid-size C-Class Coupe, promising a sporting edge with your choice of petrol or diesel drivetrain.

VALUE

Sitting between the C180 and C350 petrol models, the C250 Coupe in Sport guise kicks off at $78,550.

The $8,150 Sport package adds a raft of AMG-branded enhancements, both inside and out to give a more sporting flavour to the classy C-Class Coupe.

Our tester was also optioned with the Vision and Comfort Packages, and Driving Assistance Plus, which pushes the total price to $92,480.

All told, this results in plenty of toys and highlights include leather and Alcantara sports seats, powered panoramic glass sunroof, Harmon Kardon audio, active Xenon headlights, plus every other luxury and safety feature you’d expect for almost $100,000.

The 250 Sport package also brings red seatbelts, which are a deletable option if you so wish…

DESIGN

The C204 C-Class Coupe has been around since the W204-generation’s 2011 facelift, and continues to look fresh in the face of an all-new model due next year.

The sloping roofline combined with the optional sunroof makes headroom a little tight for anyone above average height, and the twin back seats are much the same.

Despite its compact overall dimensions, the boot will hold a useful 450-litres and can be extended with a 60/40 split folding backrest.

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

The petrol C250 is fitted with a direct-injected 1.8 litre turbo petrol four under the bonnet, which knocks out a spritely 150kW and 310Nm. 

Mercedes’ excellent seven-speed auto is your only choice of transmission, and switchable stop/start helps it manage a combined fuel figure of 6.9 litres per hundred.

SAFETY

Like all, C204 C-Class variants, the C250 Sport comes with a five star safety rating, thanks to dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, along with ABS, EBD, stability control, and front seatbelt pretensioners.

The Driving Assistance Plus package fitted to our example adds adaptive cruise control, automated braking, emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring and active lane guidance.

DRIVING

On the road, it’s a nimble little steerer with plenty of grip, and can accelerate to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

The Sport package tightens up the steering ratio, adds shift paddles, bigger brakes, a more dynamic suspension tune, and a sportier exhaust note that makes a dual-clutch style rasp on heavy throttle upshifts.

The selectable Sport mode makes for more aggressive shift and throttle behaviour, and it will downshift aggressively under heavy brakes.

When you’re not enjoying its dynamic talents, the Sport’s ride is a little bit taut, but it’s otherwise a lovely way to cover big distances.

The sharper ride is a small price to pay though, as the sport adds genuine dynamic flair to the C-Class.

VERDICT

If you’re after a bit of three-pointed pizazz, without going for a full-blown AMG, here it is.

Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe Sport
Price: from $78,550
Engine:1.8-litre turbo petrol four; 150kW/310Nm
Transmission: 7sp auto; RWD
Thirst: 6.9L/100km; 160g/km