Compare the2023 Chrysler 300VS 2023 Mercedes C-Class Sedan

The 300 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The 300’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

Both the 300 and the C-Class Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Chrysler’s powertrain warranty covers the 300 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the C-Class Sedan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the C-Class Sedan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 6 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 300’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 300’s reliability 40 points higher than the C-Class Sedan.

The 300’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 37 more horsepower (292 vs. 255) than the C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The 300S’ standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 45 more horsepower (300 vs. 255) than the C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The 300’s optional 5.7 V8 produces 108 more horsepower (363 vs. 255) and 99 lbs.-ft. more torque (394 vs. 295) than the C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The 300C’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 230 more horsepower (485 vs. 255) and 180 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 295) than the C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Chrysler 300 V8 is faster than the Mercedes C-Class Sedan:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the 300 V8’s fuel efficiency. The C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 300 has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the C-Class Sedan (18.5 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The 300 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the 300C’s brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Sedan:

The 300 stops shorter than the C-Class Sedan:

For better traction, the 300’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Sedan (245/45R20 vs. 225/40R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 300 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The C-Class Sedan’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The 300 offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the C-Class Sedan; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the C-Class Sedan don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The 300 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The C-Class Sedan’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 300’s wheelbase is 7.2 inches longer than on the C-Class Sedan (120 inches vs. 112.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 300 is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1 inch wider in the rear than on the C-Class Sedan.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the 300 a Large car, while the C-Class Sedan is rated a Compact.

The 300 has 13.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the C-Class Sedan (106.3 vs. 93).

The 300 has .1 inches more front legroom, 3.2 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom, 4.1 inches more rear legroom and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the C-Class Sedan.

The 300 has a much larger trunk than the C-Class Sedan (16.3 vs. 12.6 cubic feet).

The 300 has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The C-Class Sedan has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Mitigation on the 300 uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the 300 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Both the 300 and the C-Class Sedan offer available heated front seats. The 300 S/Touring L also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the C-Class Sedan.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chrysler 300, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes C-Class Sedan isn't recommended.