2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

History/Overview

Competing in what used to be one of North America’s most competitive luxury segments, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact car that now tends to be overlooked by the majority of shoppers who gravitate toward trendier SUVs. That’s a shame, because we’d argue the C-Class came into its own in the last decade and is now one of the segment’s best offerings.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is unchanged following last year’s complete redesign.

Available Trims

Mercedes offers the C-Class in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. The C 300 configuration uses a mild hybrid 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, and AMG C 43 versions get a turbo 3.0L V6. Both engines come with a nine-speed transmission and AWD.

Standard Features

The C 300 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers with heated washers, and power-folding side mirrors. Inside, you get heated/power front seats, dual-zone A/C, a heated steering wheel, Artico upholstery, a 12.3-inch driver info display, and an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Safety features include blind spot monitoring and vehicle exit warning.

AMG C43 models add Artico dash trim, a Nappa leather steering wheel, sport seats, and red seat stitching. These cars also downgrade to analog gauges and a smaller infotainment display.

Key Options

In the C 300, a sport package adds AMG styling, sport front seats, and a Nappa steering wheel.

A premium pack brings navigation, a power trunk closer, passive keyless entry, traffic sign assist, and 360-degree cameras. The premium plus upgrade adds upgraded headlights, automatic high beams, a head-up display, and augmented video navigation.

In the C 43, a tech package brings adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a 12.3-inch gauge display.

The premium pack adds active park assist, 360-degree cameras, navigation, a Burmester stereo, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, passive keyless, power trunk, and smartphone integration.

In both configurations, an intelligent drive package bundles forward collision mitigation, active blind spot/lane change/lane keeping assist, and radar cruise control.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption estimates start at 9.8/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for the C 300 sedan, while C 300 coupe and convertible models are rated for 10.7/7.6 and 11.0/7.8 L/100 km respectively. C 43 coupe and convertible estimates are 12.9/8.7 and 13.3/9.2 L/100 km respectively.

Competition

The C-Class’s competitors include the Cadillac CT5, BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, Lexus IS, Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, Volvo S60, and Audi A4.