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Mercedes-Benz C-Class and C-Class AMG: Radar Detector Reviews

Like many products, radar detectors are aplenty, but how do you know which one to buy? Read this helpful guide to determine which is best for your C-Class.

By Jerry Perez - May 15, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and C-Class AMG (2014-present).

Whether you own a Mercedes-Benz C250 or a C63 AMG, they all have one thing in common — speed. Unless you own a membership to your local racetrack, you are stuck driving your C-Class or C-Class AMG on the streets, but street roads rarely offer the safety or opportunity to really exploit your car's potential. Even if you find a perfect stretch of road, you have to watch out for the inevitable — the police. Law enforcement will always have an advantage over any spirited driver with a radar detector, assuming they are legal in the owner's state. The State of Virginia and Washington D.C. outlaw the use of a radar detector, for example. Remember that a radar detector is just a way to not get caught by simple radars and speed traps, as law enforcement have tools that detect radar usage. That's not to say that you shouldn't be informed on the latest and greatest radar detectors on the market. Take a look at this guide for the best radar detectors available, along with information regarding their unique characteristics.

Radar Detectors for the C-Class and C-Class AMG

Valentine One
Escort Passport Max2
K40 Electronics RL360i
Price
 $479 $599 $1,550
Size

6 L x 2.5 H x 4 W

Weight: 10.6 ounces

1.3 H X 3.2 W X 5.3 L

Weight: 9.6 ounces

3.07 in L x 1.4 in W x.47 in H

Weight: 2.7 ounces (Remote only)
Range
 3 to 5 miles Up to 5 miles Up to 10 miles
Installation Difficulty
 Easy Easy Only by authorized dealer
Warranty
 One year One year One year plus first speeding ticket paid
Best Quality: K40 Electronics RL360i

Best Value: Valentine One

Valentine One

Price – $479

Size – 6L x 2.5 H x 4 W

Range – 3 to 5 miles

Installation Difficulty – Easy

Warranty – One year

The Valentine One has been America's radar detector of choice for over ten years, which means it should work pretty well, and it does. Valentine One is the only radar detector in the market that has a patented arrow design, which helps you locate where the detection threat is coming from. The face of the detector features front, back, left and right arrows that, once triggered by a laser quickly, point out where the threat is coming from. The Valentine One comes with a power adapter chord and a suction cup, and it can also be paired to your smartphone via an adapter. Recommended if you're looking for a reputable brand.

Escort Passport Max2

Price – $599

Size – 1.3 H x 3.2 W x 5.3 L

Range – Up to 5 miles

Installation Difficulty – Easy

Warranty – One year

Escort is one of the best established brands globally when it comes to radar detectors, and their new Passport Max2 definitely raises the bar for the rest of the competition. The new Passport Max2 claims to use the exact same frequency that police use, therefore minimizing annoying and disconcerting false alarms. Escort uses a unique Bluetooth connect that allows you to update your radar via your smartphone, as well as set up your radar detector wirelessly; this is something that, for the Valentine One, you had to purchase a connector separately. The Passport Max2 was recently reviewed by many publications and has earned 10 out of 10 stars by many of them. Recommended if you're looking for a high range radar detector without spending too much money.

K40 Electronics RL360i

Price – $1,550

Size – 3.07 L x 1.4 W x 0.47 H

Range – Up to 10 miles

Installation Difficulty – Hard

Warranty – One year plus first speeding ticket paid

K40 Electronics can barely be called a radar detector; it's more like a complete radar defense mechanism. It doesn't visually resemble what any of the other radar detectors on the market look like, as it's made up of sensors that get attached to the front end of your car, and another set of sensors for the rear of your car. Even though K40 doesn't have arrows like the Valentine One, it shows you if the threat is coming from the front or rear via different LED lights mounted inside your car. The system is operated via remote control. The K40 RL360i can only be installed at authorized dealers in order for the warranty to be valid. Recommended if you're looking for a top notch radar detector.

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