Pros: Overall refinement; unique safety features; broad selection of engines; fine ride quality; quietness; thrilling performance of C63 AMG models
Cons: Cozy rear seat; limited trunk space; base model could use some more standard features
CG Says: Mercedes-Benz C-Class adds new coupe and convertible models for 2017. The C-Class coupe took a year off and returns with a fresh design. The convertible is a new to the C-Class line. Also, the C450 AMG has been replaced by a similar C43 AMG. C-Class is a premium compact car that was redesigned for 2015. C-Class is more expensive and slightly larger than Mercedes’ entry-level CLA-Class cars. The CLA-Class has standard front-wheel drive, while the C-Class is rear-wheel drive. Base engine for the C-Class is the C300’s 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. There is also a C350e plug-in hybrid that pairs the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor for a total of 275 hp. The C43 AMG is powered by a 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The high-performance C63 has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that develops 469 hp in the base C63 and 503 hp in C63 S. All engines mate to a seven-speed automatic transmission except C43, which has a nine-speed automatic. C300 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. C350e and C63 models are rear-wheel drive only. C43 has standard all-wheel drive. Safety features include collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian alert, drowsiness alert, and steering assist that keeps the car centered between lane markings. Available comfort and convenience features include ventilated front seats, self parking, panoramic sunroof, hands-free trunklid, and a fragrance atomizer for the ventilation system. The redesigned C-Class moved a bit upscale in size and prestige. Its strong points include regal cabin appointments and an impressive array of comfort, safety, and technology features. Prices are steep, but the new C-Class sedan is a compelling premium-compact car choice.
| Class | Premium Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible |
| Passenger Count | 4 or 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | C300 sedan: $39,500 AWD C300 sedan: $41,500 C350e plug-in hybrid sedan: $45,490 AWD C43 AMG sedan: $52,000 C63 AMG sedan: $65,200 C63 S AMG sedan: $72,800 C300 coupe: $43,575 AWD C300 coupe: $45,575 AWD C43 AMG coupe: $55,500 C63 AMG coupe: $67,925 C63 S AMG coupe: $75,925 C300 convertible: $51,825 AWD C300 convertible: $53,825 AWD C43 convertible: $61,325 C63 AMG convertible: $73,775 C63 S AMG convertible: $81,775 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (C300) |
| Horsepower 241 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-24 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-34 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (C43) |
| Horsepower 362 |
| Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-28 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 (C63, C63 S) |
| Horsepower 469 (503 in C63 S) |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17-18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-25 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/plug-in electric (C350e) |
| Horsepower 275 combined |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg) 30 |
| EPA Electric Motor Combined (MPGe) 51 |
