2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Name: 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz
Price: 26590 USD

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 43 Sedan Exterior Shown

+156

The C-Class delivers respectable performance, impressive comfort, and a luxurious cabin loaded with advanced technology. A wealth of options means you can tailor the car to taste, but those options can add up quick. At a certain point, the Benz's traditional rivals start to look like better values. But there's no denying the Benz's attention to quality and the appeal of its elegant, old-school luxury feel.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Interior is impeccably crafted
Many available cutting-edge features
A range of high-horsepower engines available

Cons

Clumsy touchpad infotainment interface
C 300's optional sport suspension rides too harshly
Limited cargo space

What's new

A 12.3-inch driver display and heated front seats are now standard
New Night Edition package adds black exterior trim
Part of the fourth C-Class generation introduced for 2015

Overview

Mercedes' new S-Class certainly sets new standards for luxury and opulence. But you know, you might not be able to afford a six-figure executive sedan with facial recognition and a fingerprint scanner. If so, you might want to consider the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, the C-Class is a versatile small luxury car that offers an appealing mix of comfort, performance and top-notch construction.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$196/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

But this current-generation C-Class — it dates back to the 2015 model year — is getting on its years, and it lacks the newest Mercedes infotainment interface. As such, the A-Class and the E-Class — the two vehicles that bookend the C-Class in terms of price and size — feel more modern and up-to-date. Check out our Edmunds Expert Rating for the full rundown of this Merc's hits and misses.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the C-Class drive? The C-Class we tested, the C 300, places few demands on the driver. It makes sufficient power for a luxury sedan with a base engine and, when equipped with the optional AMG sport suspension, offers exceptional handling. You also get responsive steering and unflappable braking.

Acceleration feels strong. The C 300 has an Edmunds-tested 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, though it trails both the Audi A4 (5.3 seconds) and the BMW 330i (5.6 seconds) a tad. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but it can seem a little hesitant to downshift when you're driving in the default Comfort drive mode. You can liven it up with the Sport mode, but then the shifting can seem overcaffeinated.

Comfort

7.0/10

How comfortable is the C-Class? It's unfortunate that the C 300 scores so poorly here. We like how the front seats are supremely comfortable and offer a broad range of adjustment for all body types. The climate control system is full-featured and effective too.

But our test car had the optional AMG sport suspension coupled with 19-inch wheels. So equipped, the C 300 suffers from an overly firm ride. There's a constant level of jarring vibration that will make you question whether the car is, in fact, a Mercedes-Benz. The engine too comes across as unrefined, and it sounds buzzy when you lay into the gas pedal.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? An elegant center stack with only the most necessary controls adds to the C 300's classy vibe. Unfortunately, the price for this minimalist design is that some functions lack physical buttons. The only way to access them is through menus in the infotainment display screen.

Getting in and out is easy thanks to wide door openings and a tall enough ride height. It makes entry feel more like sliding in than dropping in. There's plenty of room up front, and the wide range of seating adjustments ensures drivers of all sizes can find a comfortable and commanding driving position. On the downside, it has less rear legroom and footroom than some rival luxury sedans.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The C 300's 10.25-inch display has crisp, clear graphics. You can control the infotainment system in many ways, including touchpad controllers on the steering wheel and a more traditional dial-and-button array. It's overkill, but all the controls work seamlessly, and many drivers will appreciate the choice.

The optional Burmester sound system is excellent, and the optional digital gauge cluster is worth the expense. It puts the status and control of several functions (navigation, audio, phone) in your direct line of sight. The driver assist features work well and are well calibrated, but they're a pricey option.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? The C 300's trunk (12.6 cubic feet) is small for the class. A low bumper height and a fairly wide trunk opening make it easy to load luggage and gear. But the trunk is deeper than it is wide, and there's no compensating for the lack of overall space. The cabin doesn't offer a lot of places to store your small items either.

Got kids? You won't have trouble finding the lower car seat anchors and rear tether points. But because of the C-Class' limited rear legroom, installing a bulky rear-facing seat might be a tight squeeze depending on where you position the front seats.

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? We tested the C 300 with all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates it gets 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is a bit less than rivals. We recorded an underwhelming 24 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route.

Value

7.0/10

Is the C-Class a good value? A base C-Class is competitively priced. But adding options quickly pushes the price skyward. Our loaded test car was $63,525 as equipped. Many of its options were nice but not essential — and in the case of the AMG Line package, with its stiff suspension, and the optional 19-inch wheels, we'd argue detrimental.

The A-Class is the new "entry-level" Benz, but the C-Class has been the traditional point of entry. So for an entry-level luxury car, build quality is exceptional. There's an impressive attention to detail and fit and finish in this mass-produced luxe sedan. Panel fit, controls, trim and brightwork are all very solid.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The C 300 can range from mild to wild, the latter especially when equipped with the optional AMG package. We're not sure it's worth it since the ride comfort is a significant downgrade from what we'd consider to be the peak Benz experience of a competent, coddling ride. The AMG package can be a thrill for some drivers, although for those drivers, we'd recommend simply moving up to the C 43 for more power and overall sportiness.

Absent the stiff suspension and ride, though, the C-Class remains a kind of old-school luxury experience, with the benefit of modern tech, design, connectivity and driver safety. The margins between its rivals are thin, but the Benz still exudes a bit more elegance and grace.

Which C-Class does Edmunds recommend?

Any of the AMG models will give you the thrills you'd expect of a sport sedan, but consider sticking with the standard C 300. It has a decent amount of power and the money you save with it means you can spend more on the C-Class' optional extras if you want. The Premium package is a good place to start. The Driver Assistance package is comprehensive without being overly pricey, though it also requires adding the Multimedia package.

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a small luxury car sold in sedan, coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) body styles. Five trims are available in increasing levels of performance: C 300, C 300 4Matic, AMG C 43, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S. Most models use rear-wheel drive, though the C 300 4Matic and AMG C 43 feature all-wheel drive. Regardless of engine, a nine-speed automatic is the only transmission available.

C 300 and C 300 4Matic
The base C 300 and C 300 4Matic are virtually identical; the only difference is that the former features rear-wheel drive and the latter is equipped with all-wheel drive. Standard features include:

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque)
LED headlights
Sunroof (sedan and coupe only)
Power trunklid
Keyless entry and ignition
Digital gauge cluster
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Driver-seat memory settings
Neck heater (Cabriolet only)
Heated front seats
Simulated leather upholstery
10.25-inch central infotainment display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Premium package (Cabriolet only, see below)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change)

The C 300 is available with a wide range of option packages and stand-alone options. These include:

AMG Line package

Aerodynamic body kit
Chrome starburst-pattern grille
Rear spoiler
Sport-tuned suspension
Sport seats

Premium package

Ambient interior lighting
13-speaker Burmester premium audio system
Satellite radio

Night Edition package

Premium package
AMG Line package
Black-painted exterior accents
Black grille
Imitation suede seat inserts

Multimedia package

Navigation system
Touchpad controller
Car-to-X functionality (can electronically communicate with infrastructure and other vehicles equipped with this technology)

Parking Assistance package

Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the C-Class and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Driver Assistance package

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front. Can also react to traffic signs and set speed)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)

Panoramic sunroof
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Leather upholstery
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Wireless charging pad

AMG C 43
The AMG C 43 turns up the performance wick with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (385 hp, 384 lb-ft) and all-wheel drive. Other additions include:

Premium package
Aerodynamic body kit
Sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers
Upgraded brakes
Sport exhaust
Sport steering wheel
Imitation suede seat inserts

The AMG C 43 is available with all of the C 300's options and packages. You can also opt for:

Performance exhaust
Configurable steering wheel controls
AMG Track Pace software application

AMG C 63
The high-performance AMG C 63 is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (469 hp, 479 lb-ft). On top of AMG C 43 content, it adds:

Electronic rear limited-slip differential
Performance exhaust
Additional driving modes
IWC analog clock

AMG C 63 S
The AMG C 63 S uses a more potent version of the V8, this time tuned to deliver 503 hp and 516 lb-ft. Also included are:

Unique grille
Dynamic engine mounts
Additional traction modes
Configurable steering wheel controls
Leather upholstery

The AMG C 63 and C 63 S can be optioned with any of the C 300's features unless otherwise already included.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#26 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from 2008-2022.}

$425/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.74x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

9.5%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

5 (75%)

4 (0%)

3 (7%)

2 (14%)

1 (4%)

4.3

28 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Silver and Red Beauty

Joseph ATX, 10/27/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

I’ve had this car for over a year. I had to order the car to get silver with a red interior and top with the driver assist package. It’s a very comfortable car. I took a 4K mile road trip as soon as it arrived. On the road it got 32 to 33 mpg. The ride is smooth and the acceleration is good. The driver assist package has some nice features. I got it mainly for adaptive cruise control. …

Best of both worlds

Scott, 02/01/2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

I did some pretty extensive research in this class, including the 330i xdrive and A4. After taking each of them on extensive test drives, I decided on the C300 4MATIC with the AMG line. I was very close to taking a great deal on the 3 Series, but in my heart I knew I liked the Mercedes more. It's much smoother, better built, and has better technology. I felt like the 330i's ride was a …

Love this car

Patti, 11/11/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

This is my second c300 and I love this car. It’s not to big but has plenty of room for adults in the back seat. It has great, luxurious options, great acceleration, plenty of space and love that the back seats fold down when you need extra room

A lemon?

D. B., 04/02/2021

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 43 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)

So far it looks like maybe we got a lemon. Like the performance and handling. But after just 7 months and 3,000 miles; one of the Mercedes Original tires went flat, and an electrical problem with the gear shift lever. Could not take the car out of the park mode. 2 trips back to the dealer already.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the C-Class since its last redesign.

See all 28 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Write a vehicle review

2021 C-Class Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

C 300

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$196/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the C-Class models:

Active Brake Assist: Warns the driver audibly and applies the brakes if it senses a front collision.
Surround View System: Gives a 360-degree view of the car for tight parking lots and spaces so you can avoid striking objects or pedestrians.
Active Blind Spot Assist: Senses when a vehicle enters one of your blind spots. Can warn the driver and even help steer the C-Class.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.1%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which C-Class does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Silver and Red Beauty

Best of both worlds

Love this car

A lemon?

2021 C-Class Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}