The C-Class has served as the entry point for new Mercedes owners for decades. It’s a volume model that’s sold in more than 100 markets around the world. And, in a time not long ago, the German, compact sports sedan segment was the favored topic of every enthusiast magazine with Audi’s and Mercedes’ entries always chasing BMW’s 3 Series. But the spotlight has shifted away from cars in general and if it’s not an electric something or other, shoulder shrugs abound. So, as this next generation C-Class arrives can it trick the current algorithm and still attract eyeballs?
With Mercedes sunsetting the A-Class, the C-Class is now both their best-selling and most attainable sedan. Completely redesigned for the first time since 2015, this new model gives shoppers a taste of the S-Class life at a fraction of the price. The venerable Mercedes-Benz flagship retails for a minimum of $111,000 while a base C-Class can be had with the change found under an S-Class owner’s sofa cushions – a mere $44,600. So, if you can’t afford the flagship don’t fret; these 2 cars have some commonalities. Both use mild-hybrid engines, pack same-sized trunks, and showcase the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience. And, when optioned to the hilt like this one the trickledown effect grows even stronger.
Though a racier AMG variant is on the way for the 2023 model year, the C-Class is initially offered as the C 300 sedan in either rear- or all-wheel drive. It’s grown by 2.5” in length with a bit more width and a stretched wheelbase translating to more commodious rear seats. What hasn’t changed is the powertrain’s backbone: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine and 9-speed automatic transmission, though both have been modified for their new mild-hybrid duties. The C 300 continues to output 255 horsepower but the new electric motor integrated with the engine provides additional torque, rising from the previous 273 pound-feet to 295. When starting off and limited to short periods of time, a shot of electricity called EQ Boost can contribute an additional 20 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Supported by a new 48-volt electrical system and a small lithium-ion battery, energy can be recovered from braking to operate the engine start-stop system which it does more smoothly and for longer idling periods.
Combined with a gliding feature permitting the engine to be shut off while coasting or slowing to a stop, a reduction in weight to 3,957 pounds. and an identical coefficient of drag to the previous car I’m very surprised by 2 things: 1) that it’s now slower to 60 mph by 0.3 seconds, clocking in at 6-seconds flat and 2) that gas mileage hasn’t improved even one bit, still rated at 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway on premium. I’m averaging 27 mpg which is exactly the EPA’s estimate in combined driving. My tester is the torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 4MATIC-equipped model, updated with a lighter transfer case and the ability for the front axle to handle higher torque loads. It drives with an air of sporty elegance and sophistication that’s furthered by some critical optional equipment.
If there’s some Lewis Hamilton in your blood don’t forget to order the $3,050 AMG Line with Night Package, most notably adding sport-tuned shocks and springs, a more precise steering system with greater feedback, and upgraded front brakes. Paired with the upsized 19” Eagle F1 summer-use tires, the C 300 can get after it quite nicely once the road turns crooked. There’s not a ton of power on tap and the 9-speed shifts more deliberately than desired, but the rock-solid chassis and exceptional dynamics ameliorate these shortcomings. It’s also very quiet and a supremely comfortable ride with the exception of singular impacts - like a pothole - which hit harder than expected.
Sitting a tad lower than the standard car on the sport-tuned suspension with continuously adjustable dampers, the AMG Line treatment also includes the darker Night Package, grittier body styling with a rear diffuser and aluminum sport pedals. Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes are summoned from a switch below the big screen and can be further personalized in Individual mode by tweaking the drive, steering, stability control, and even cabin engine sound - the latter adding a convincing visceral element belying the small engine. Knowing that the sportier, 400-horsepower AMG C 43 is coming soon, the C 300 is well-balanced and appropriate in all aspects.
When shopping the C-Class lineup there are new trim levels to discover: Premium, Exclusive, and like here, Pinnacle. But why stop there? An additional $10,000 worth of cabin upgrades scores items such as this sexy AMG Power Red/Black Leather interior, a split panoramic roof, full-on driver assistance features, a surround-view monitor, a rich-sounding Burmester surround sound system and a dash cam among others. But the showstopper is the enhanced ambient lighting.
Mercedes is leading the way in this new era of spectacular cabin lighting. Choose monochrome or multi-color combinations and wait for the passengers to ooh and ah. It’s as whimsical as it is beautiful. Upon startup, the light show continues outside with the fountain pattern projected by the headlamps as part of the DIGITAL LIGHT Package. For those who revel in the details and appreciate the small touches, this C-Class is your car. Illuminated door sill panels, a Mercedes three-pointed star logo projection outside the front doors, the perfectly sport-sized and grippy steering wheel - this all feels very special. With other luxuries such as sound-deadening acoustic glass and navigation with augmented reality video overlay, it’s unlikely the typical C-Class buyer will go this far into pricey add-ons but those that do will be rewarded with quite the lavish experience. MSRP as-tested is $62,270 with an estimated lease payment of $1,200.
Having experienced it in the new S 580, this large, rectangular MBUX screen is a winner, far exceeding competing systems from Lexus and others in terms of simplicity and appearance. Similar to the recent NX I tested Mercedes uses steering wheel touch controls; the left side for the driver information display, and the right side for the center screen. But here, they don’t rely on the head-up display for execution making them much more palatable. A number of customizable themes, intuitive, quick access to information, and brilliant displays make MBUX as fetching as it is a joy to use.
Though it’s a little light on oomph and the new hybrid tech falls short of a combined 30 mpg, I guarantee this is a car you’ll enjoy driving. Emphasized by comfort the C 300 provides a respite from the outside world much like its pricier S-Class sibling.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review: A True Baby S-Class