Vehicle Type: The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury car. Buyers can choose the C-Class in one of three body styles, including a sedan, a coupe, or a cabriolet.
Price Range: The entry-level 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan starts at $44,600 after the destination fee is added. Going with the base C 300 Coupe will set buyers back $48,900. The base C 300 Convertible costs $56,450.
The most expensive C 300 Sedan, Coupe, and Cabriolet models include all-wheel drive and cost $50,550, $50,900, and $58,450 respectively, with the destination fee added to each. Buyers can opt for the AMG C43 for a more an even more expensive performance-oriented version of the C-Class.
Powertrain: Each new Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
It produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the C 300 Sedan thanks to a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
It is able to provide a short 20-horsepower boost under heavy acceleration.
The C 300 Coupe and Cabriolet utilize the same 2.0-liter turbo engine, but the mild hybrid system is eliminated.
The result is the same 255-horsepower output with 273 lb-ft of torque instead of 295.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models, but Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is available on each model for $2,000 extra.
A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard across the C 300 lineup.
What’s New for 2023?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was completely redesigned for the 2022 model year, so there have not been any notable changes made to the 2023 model. However, Mercedes-Benz is introducing the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 43 Sedan to join its AMG C 43 Coupe and Cabriolet siblings for 2023.
Even though our Mercedes-Benz C-Class review does not currently include that model, it is slated to go on sale in 2023, bringing over 400 horsepower and a sub-5-second 0-60 time to the table.
What’s Good?
- The interior is fitting of a true German luxury vehicle
- More interior space for passengers and cargo than most other models in its class
- For less than half the price of the larger S-Class, you get a similar feel, similar styling, and similar technology to that model
What’s Bad?
- The flabby brake feel does not match the sharp driving dynamics the rest of the car brings
- Even though the MBUX infotainment system is good, the touch controls can be a bit frustrating and can take some time to learn
- The turbocharged four-cylinder engine can feel sleepy at times
Would we buy one? Yes. The C-Class offers good performance, exceptional styling, and a reasonable price for what you get.
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See more 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Photos.
Overview:
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is a well-rounded vehicle within the compact luxury car segment, and it offers coupe and cabriolet flavors for those who are not content with just another sedan. Competitors like the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Volvo S60, Lexus IS, and Genesis G70 bring tough competition to the table, but the C 300 still impresses us.
Its exceptional interior styling, list of technology features, overall solid performance, and versatility helps it land near the top of the class. It slots into Mercedes-Benz’s lineup below the larger E-Class and above the smaller A-Class. It also looks more like the much larger and classier S-Class than its bookend models, a good thing for those who want to reach for the top tier without spending the cash to do so.
With its complete makeover last year, and with the addition of the new AMG C 43 Sedan to the lineup this year, buyers now have a full suite of style and performance from which to choose. The standard C 300 should be more than enough car to satisfy most buyers, though. The practical sedan, sporty coupe, and classy cabriolet all offer something for everyone.
Overall Score: 4.25/5 stars
Driving Experience: 3.5/5 stars
Unfortunately for the C-Class, its driving experience does not live up to what it has to offer in most other areas. It certainly has good ride quality as one would expect from any of the big three German automakers, but its brakes really let the car down. They are uncharacteristically dull and do not return much feel or inspire confidence.
Its excellent and responsive powertrain earns back a few brownie points. The nine-speed transmission can be finicky sometimes, but it feels much more powerful than its advertised 255 horsepower. Even without the 48-volt mild hybrid system found in the sedan, the coupe and cabriolet feel eager to get off the line and get moving with the help of the engine’s turbo.
The BMW 3-Series is sharper to drive, though it is also comfortable. Even the Genesis G70 is a bit more tossable. The C-Class still has enough driving balance to consider it among the top half of the class. Of course, for more grunt, the AMG C 43 Sedan, Coupe, and Cabriolet are the ones to get. Their performance focus also delivers sharper handling, though the BMW M3 and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing arguably still boast a better overall performance experience.
Safety Features: 4.5/5 stars
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300 comes with a good variety of standard safety features. As with many other luxury cars, some of the C 300’s most advanced safety features are reserved for higher trim levels or cost additional money. The Volvo S60 and Genesis G70 both outclass the C 300 when it comes to entry-level safety tech, but it is not too far behind them.
Standard safety features on each C 300 sedan include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beam headlights, a driver attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit assist. Also standard is Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE system. It tightens the seat belts and closes the windows if the car detects an accident.
Additional safety features are included as part of a driver assistance package that is available on the top two trim levels of the sedan. It comes with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, and lane-tracing assist. The same package is also available on the coupe and cabriolet but with some shuffled features.
The NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but the IIHS has given both the 2022 and 2023 C-Class sedans a good overall rating. The 2022 model has even received a Top Safety Pick+ award for its crashworthiness, a rating that should carry over into the 2023 model year as minimal changes have been made to the car.
Value: 3.5/5 stars
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class represents a better-than-average value for the segment, but it falls short of the best-in-class. The biggest reasons for this include the German luxury sedans’ notorious depreciation, a relatively high starting price, and only average fuel economy for the segment.
Despite its few shortcomings, including its price tag, you do get quite a bit of car for the higher price you pay. The C 300 has great technology, thoroughly modern styling, a well-appointed interior, and good performance compared to others in the class. The Genesis G70 and Audi A4 arguably represent the two best values in the segment.
Though the Audi lacks the power of the C-Class, it comes standard with all-wheel drive, a lower base price tag, and arguably the best interior in the segment. The G70 is not as upscale, is not as fuel efficient, and is not as technologically advanced as the C-Class, but it comes with a considerably lower price tag, a fantastic warranty, and an easier-to-use infotainment system.
Tech Features: 4.5/5 stars
When Mercedes-Benz redesigned the C-Class last year, it achieved a competitive technology edge over its top competitors. Combining its standard and available active safety features and technology offerings, the C-Class stands near the top of the class, which is expected in a prestigious moniker like Mercedes-Benz.
Standard tech features on each C 300 sedan include an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, a power-operated trunk lid, LED headlights, and LED taillights.
Optional features and those found on higher C 300 trim levels include wireless device charging, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, a surround-view camera system, active parking assist, a head-up display, a navigation system, a heated steering wheel, and digital headlights.
Practicality: 4.5/5 stars
Despite its status as a compact car the C 300 sedan is quite practical compared to others in the class. Of course, both the C 300 coupe and cabriolet models are far less practical than the sedan with smaller trunks and two fewer doors. It provides owners with 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space. The BMW 3-Series has a tad more space and the Audi A4 is close behind the C-Class.
The C-Class sedan does take the prize in the segment for rear legroom. Rear seat passengers are treated to 36 inches. Combined with the C 300’s quiet, composed ride, you have a comfortable cruiser. Front-seat passengers also have ample legroom with supportive seating for longer drives.
All-wheel drive is available for some added safety during poor driving conditions, but the Audi A4’s standard AWD system, the C-Class falls just below the perfect mark. Few other compact luxury sedans are more well-rounded in the segment.
Styling & Design: 5/5 stars
Few competitors in the segment can rival each C-Class in the styling department. The C 300 sedan mimics the larger, more prestigious S-Class beautifully. The C 300 Coupe looks sporty and ready to drive, even when parked. The C 300 Cabriolet is classy and looks luxurious. Each model’s AMG versions add sporty touches to look sportier without going too far over the top.
Inside is much the same story. The C-Class has one of the best interiors in the class, rivaling top competitors like the Audi A4. Everything looks and feels well-built, and the central instrumentation area is uncluttered and clean. Naturally, you can opt for Nappa leather to jazz everything up just a little more.
The Volvo S60 rivals the C-Class’ handsome exterior, but its interior does not have the sleek lines that the C-Class possesses. The Audi A4 arguably has at least as good of an interior as the C-Class, but it lacks the exterior styling needed to surpass the C-Class. Overall, the C-Class wins the day with its 1-2 styling punch.
Fuel Efficiency: 3/5 stars
As one might expect, the base C 300 sedan with rear-wheel drive returns the best EPA-estimated fuel economy within the C-Class family. Buyers can expect 25 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. With 4MATIC AWD equipped, both of those numbers drop by two miles per gallon.
Both the C 300 Coupe and Cabriolet models return 21 MPG in the city. The coupe gets slightly better highway fuel economy with 31. The cabriolet drops to 28 MPG on the highway. Opting for a 4MATIC Cabriolet will bring the expected fuel economy down to 21 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway. Surprisingly, the 4MATIC Coupe and standard rear-wheel drive coupe see identical fuel economy estimates.
The C 300 Sedan does well compared to others in the segment. Competitors like the BMW 3-Series and Volvo S60 do just as well or slightly better. The Audi A4 is neck-and-neck with the 4MATIC C 300 Sedan. Others in the class like the Genesis G70, Cadillac CT4, and Lexus IS fall below the C-Class in the fuel economy rankings.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
Each new C-Class model comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 255 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The C-Class sedan benefits from an additional 48-volt mild-hybrid system that the Coupe and Cabriolet lack.
Standard safety features on each Mercedes-Benz C300 Sedan include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, a driver attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, safe exit assist, automatic high beam headlights, and Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE system.
The C 300 comes in three body styles with three trim levels available on the sedan model.
The base Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan Premium has a starting MSRP of $44,600 with the destination fee included. You can upgrade to the all-wheel drive C 300 4MATIC Sedan for an additional $2,000.
Each C 300 Sedan Premium comes standard with an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, a power-operated trunk lid, LED headlights, and LED taillights.
The Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan Exclusive is the next trim level in the C-Class sedan lineup. For $46,850, you can choose the standard rear-wheel drive model, or you can upgrade to the C 300 Exclusive 4MATIC for $48,850.
Standard features on the Exclusive trim include everything from the Premium trim plus wireless device charging, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, a surround-view parking system, enhanced ambient lighting, illuminated front door sills, and parking sensors.
The Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan Pinnacle trim is the highest trim level available on the C-Class sedan. With standard rear-wheel drive, it costs $48,550 with the destination fee included. Adding all-wheel drive brings the starting price to $50,550.
The Pinnacle trim adds MB Navigation with augmented video and a head-up display to the features from the Premium and Exclusive trims.
Several standalone features and optional equipment packages are available on each trim level.
You can add the AMG Line w/Night package to the Premium trim for an additional $3,050. It includes 18-inch black AMG wheels, AMG body styling, AMG Line sport seats, stainless steel brake and accelerator pedals, sport suspension and steering, a sport brake system, and other black exterior accents.
A Driver Assistance package is also available for $1,700 that includes rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, active steering assist, lane-change assist, and lane-tracing assist. This package is limited to the Exclusive and Pinnacle trims and is not available on the Premium trim level.
Standalone options available on each sedan trim level include a panoramic sunroof, chrome door handle inserts, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, acoustic glass, LED digital headlights, a dashcam, and rear side-impact airbags.
The Mercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe comes in just above the Exclusive trim level in terms of price: $48,900 for the standard rear-wheel drive model and $50,900 for the 4MATIC Coupe. In addition to several differences within its features list, the C 300 Coupe also has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the C 300 sedan.
The C 300 Coupe comes standard with a 10.25-inch center display rather than the 11.9-inch touchscreen from the sedan. Buyers still get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, power-operated front seats with memory function, a panoramic roof, a Burmester Surround Sound system, and 64-color ambient lighting.
Standard safety features on the C 300 Coupe include automatic high beams, forward collision warning, a driver attention monitor, LED headlights, adaptive braking, crosswind assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Two additional safety packages are optional on the Coupe.
The $1,100 Parking Assistance package adds active parking assist, a surround-view camera system, and rear cross-traffic alert. The $1,700 Driver Assistance package adds evasive steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, lane-keeping assist, and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.
Two AMG packages are available on the non-AMG C-Class Coupe. The AMG Line package includes sport brakes, stainless steel brake and accelerator pedals, a sport steering wheel, sport suspension, sport steering, 18-inch AMG wheels, and AMG body styling. It costs $1,750.
The AMG Line w/ Night package includes the equipment from the AMG Line package, but it adds gloss black exterior accents and black wheel accents. It costs $2,150.
Standalone options for the C 300 Coupe include an illuminated front grille Mercedes-Benz star, chrome door handle inserts, passenger memory seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, a head-up display, and intelligent LED headlights.
The Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet is the most expensive model in the C 300 family. It starts at $56,450 with the destination fee included. All-wheel drive brings the price up to $58,450. With the exception of the power-folding all-season soft top roof, the Airscarf neck heater, and the Aircap, the same standard features, packages, and standalone options carry over from the Coupe into the Cabriolet.
We would choose to spend our money on the C 300 Sedan Exclusive 4MATIC with the Driver Assistance Package equipped. It makes the most monetary sense as it is not that much more than the Premium. All-wheel drive and the added safety features are worth the few thousand extra.
