The Mercedes C-Class is a luxury stalwart that anchors the classic Benz lineup of rear-drive sedans. It’s offered in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, but the sedan was new for 2022 while the others continue to carry on as last-generation models. This report only covers the sedan, which competes against the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Lexus IS.
The C-Class is a fantastic luxury car that bristles with technology and offers a smooth ride. It gets a TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Mercedes adds the C 43 AMG sedan to the 2023 C-Class lineup. Other models get no changes after last year’s redesign. The C 43’s 2.0-liter turbo-4 makes 402 hp and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds another 13 hp to motivate the car from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It also gets a sport suspension, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, and sporty interior touches.
The C-Class is dressed in a well-fitting suit that gives it an elegant look, with classic sport sedan proportions that include a long hood and a short trunk. Taller glass for the greenhouse makes it look a little bulbous, though.
Inside, the C-Class balances technology with luxury and decent space for its size. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster complemented by a 11.9-inch touchscreen in a portrait-style layout. Synthetic leather upholstery comes standard, and it and the available leathers are offered in a range of colors that can brighten up the already welcoming cockpit. Front-seat passengers are treated to comfortable and supportive seats, the rear seat has more legroom than most compact cars, and the trunk is large.
The lineup begins with the rear-wheel-drive C 300 and all-wheel-drive C 300 4Matic, each offered in Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trims. They are also powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, plus 20 hp and 148-lb-ft from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system makes the engine feel more refined while also improving fuel economy.
Mercedes bases the C-Class on a rear-wheel-drive platform with multi-link suspensions front and rear and adjustable dampers. A smooth ride is its greatest dynamic strength, though the direct steering is also satisfying. The car leans noticeably in corners, though, but it still feels controlled, especially with the dampers in their Sport mode or with the AMG Line’s sport suspension.
How much does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost?
The C 300 Premium starts at $46,600 (including a $1,150 destination charge), and all-wheel drive adds $2,000. It comes standard with heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, a sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Prices for the C 300 can rise to $60,000 with options, and the forthcoming C 43 should start around that figure.
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive LED headlights, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitors, and an exit warning system. More safety features are optional.
Where is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class made?
In Germany, China, and South Africa.
