Reviews, prices and specifications for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

We will choose the C300 sedan because it is the latest generation of the C-class. The sedan now offers three trim levels—Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle—which bring together popular options. We think the Exclusive trim is the best value. There are still plenty of a-la-carte options, including the sporty-looking AMG Line package, panoramic sunroof and navigation. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel drive costs an additional $2000.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

All of the 2023 C-class sedans are powered by the same 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and wear the C300 name badge on the sleek trunk lid. The turbo four is enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system that can temporarily provide up to 20 extra horsepower. All-wheel drive remains an option with rear-wheel drive as standard; a nine-speed automatic is the only gearbox on offer. In our tests, the all-wheel drive C300 4Matic hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, beating previous generation C class of 0.1 second. Handling is nimble, as one would expect from a compact sports sedan, but we were disappointed by its lack of sharp steering feel and ride quality. Braking performance was good and the C300 stopped from 70 mph at just 154 feet, but we appreciated the firmer pedal feel. The C300 coupe and convertible, both running until 2023 on the previous-generation C-class platform, are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that also makes 255 horsepower but doesn’t use the same 48-volt hybrid system as the sedan. .

Real World Fuel and MPG Savings

The EPA estimates that a Class C rear-wheel drive example should produce up to 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway; adding all-wheel drive brings those numbers down by 2 mpg respectively to 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. In our 75 mph highway fuel economy testThe C300 4Matic’s all-wheel drive, all-wheel drive beat road ratings with 35 mpg. For more information on class C fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

The C-class comes with a high-tech cabin that mirrors the larger S-class flagship. All models are equipped with a digital gauge display, touch-sensitive controls and a number of amenities. The new model uses a similar steering wheel to the S-class, and Mercedes offers many of the standard luxury features such as heated front seats with memory settings, a sunroof, open-pore wood trim and aluminum accents. Overall, the C-class is about 2.5 inches longer than the previous model and its wheelbase has been stretched an inch. Mercedes-Benz says that results in more legroom in the rear seats, but in reality the difference is negligible.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large, vertically oriented 12.3-inch infotainment display sweeps away from the center console and toward the three circular air vents on the upper dash. The touchscreen is tilted slightly towards the driver for easier use while driving and it runs Mercedes’ latest version of the MBUX infotainment system— complete with voice-activated digital assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and online access via Wi-Fi Hotspot. All models also come with an 11.9-inch digital gauge display and a fingerprint sensor to authenticate the driver’s unique profile for memory settings. A head-up display, wireless smartphone charging pad, ambient lighting system and Burmester surround sound stereo system are optional extras.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Mercedes equips the C-class with a number of standards driver assistance features but sadly the coolest car technology, which includes an adaptive cruise control system that leverages navigation data to adjust vehicle speed for upcoming turns and roundabouts, is still optional. For more information on class-C crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:

• Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warnings are available with lane maintenance assistance
• There is adaptive cruise control with lane centering features

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although such rivals BMW, Originand volvo offering free maintenance for three years, Mercedes-Benz removes the benefit of its standard warranty offer. Otherwise, all new Benzes come with an industry-standard plan that covers most things up to four years or 50,000 miles.

• The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No free scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specifications