Pros: Overall refinement; unique safety features; broad selection of engines; fine ride quality; quietness; thrilling performance of C63 AMG models
Cons: Tight rear seating; limited trunk space; base model could use some more standard features
CG Says: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gains standard heated front seats and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. C-Class is a premium compact car that was redesigned for 2015 and refreshed for 2019.
The C-Class is more expensive and larger than Mercedes’ entry-level A-Class and CLA-Class cars. The A-Class and CLA-Class have standard front-wheel drive, while the C-Class is rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on C 300 and standard on C 43.
The base C 300 has a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The C 43 AMG is powered by a 385-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, while the high-performance C 63 has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that develops 469 hp in the base C 63 and 503 hp in C 63 S. All C-Class cars have a 9-speed automatic.
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, 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 C-Class 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 | C 300 sedan: $42,650 AWD C 300 sedan: $44,650 C 300 coupe: $48,250 AWD C 300 coupe: $50,250 C 300 convertible: $55,750 AWD C 300 convertible: $57,750 AWD AMG C 43 sedan: $57,550 AWD AMG C 43 coupe: $60,050 AWD AMG C 43 convertible: $66,550 AMG C 63 sedan: $69,650 AMG C 63 coupe: $71,700 AMG C 63 convertible: $79,050 AMG C 63 S sedan: $77,250 AMG C 63 S coupe: $79,300 AMG C 63 S convertible: $86,650 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (C 300) |
| Horsepower 255 |
| Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-24 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-35 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (C 43) |
| Horsepower 385 |
| Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18-19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (C 63, C63 S) |
| Horsepower 469 (503 in C 63 S) |
| Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-26 |
