2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review





Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
- Meticulous construction and engineering
- refined ride and handling
- elegant interior
- diverse powertrain offerings
- rip-roaring AMG C 63 model.
- Cool but clumsy touchpad infotainment interface
- pricier than most competitors.
What’s new
The 2016 C-Class sedan lineup adds new diesel (C300d) and plug-in hybrid (C350e) variants. The C400 has been replaced by the C 450 AMG, which upgrades to a higher-output turbo V6 and much of the AMG C 63 S model's performance hardware. An optional Night package adds black-and-silver 18-inch wheels and gloss-black exterior trim, while the Premium package is split into two individual packages, and a heated steering wheel joins the options list.
Edmunds says
With its luxurious interior, advanced powertrains and high-tech safety and driver assistance features, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the best small luxury sedans you can buy.
Vehicle overview
Following last year's complete redesign, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gives you even more reason to go with the three-pointed star for a small luxury sedan this year. Only three models were offered for 2015 — the four-cylinder C300, the V6-powered C400 and the V8-packing AMG C 63 — but now a four-cylinder diesel and a plug-in gas-electric hybrid have joined the party.

The compact 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class bears an unmistakable resemblance to its full-size S-Class sibling.
The new C300d diesel provides impressive fuel economy (above 40 mpg on the highway is likely) and a formidable 369 pound-feet of torque, while the C350e hybrid boasts an estimated all-electric range of 18.6 miles on battery power before its four-cylinder engine switches on. If it's performance you're after, don't fret; Mercedeshas got something new for you, too. The C400 has given way to the spicier 2016 C 450 AMG, which gets an amped-up turbo V6 and a slew of performance parts swiped from the top-dog C 63. If you want a C 63 but don't have the budget for one, the new C 450 presents an intriguing alternative.
Of course, the updated 2016 C-Class also carries over all of the strengths of the redesigned 2015 model, including added rear legroom and eye-catching styling inside and out, as well as an optional air suspension that's unique in the segment. Furthermore, the advanced safety technology that has become a modern Mercedes hallmark is fully present here, such as standard automatic emergency braking: a rare inclusion in this price range.
If you're shopping the C-Class, you'll also want to check out its arch-rival, the BMW 3 Series, which continues to hold plenty of appeal with its engaging driving dynamics and available wagon and coupe body styles. Also hailing from Germany are the 2016 Audi A4 and S4. They're nearing the end of their production cycles, but they've still got a lot going for them. We'd also suggest checking out the Lexus IS, which is newly competitive thanks to the IS 200t's turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or the sporty Cadillac ATS and well-equipped Infiniti Q50 if you're looking for a slightly less expensive alternative.
Clearly, there's an abundance of enticing alternatives here, but the Edmunds "A" rated 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is undoubtedly one of the best small luxury sedans in the world.
Performance & mpg
A seven-speed automatic transmission comes standard on all 2016 C-Class trim levels. The C 450 AMG has a sport-tuned version of the seven-speed with quicker shift capability, while the C 63 trims have a specialized seven-speed automatic that's even more performance-oriented.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive ("4Matic") can be specified. According to the EPA, the C300 should return 28 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway) with RWD and 27 mpg combined (24/31) with AWD. On the diverse 120-mile Edmunds real-world driving loop, a C300 4Matic returned 26 mpg.
In Edmunds track testing, a C300 4Matic dashed from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds.
The C300d is AWD-only and features a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder rated at 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy hasn't been announced as of this writing, but based on the diesel E-Class (which gets the same engine) we'd expect the C300d to achieve a combined fuel economy EPA estimate of close to 35 mpg.
Also new this year is the plug-in C350e hybrid. It's RWD only and pairs a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 275 hp and 443 lb-ft. Further details regarding fuel economy and charging times are forthcoming.
The all-wheel-drive C 450 AMG comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 362 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The EPA projects 24 mpg combined (21/29).
The AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S employ rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that pumps out either 469 hp and 479 lb-ft (regular C 63) or 503 hp and 516 lb-ft (C 63 S). In Edmunds performance testing, a 2015 C 63 S sprinted to 60 mph in a sizzling 4.1 seconds. Both the C 63 and the C 63 S are EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway).
Safety
Every 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, front pelvic airbags (which deploy lower than the side airbags), a driver knee airbag, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver drowsiness monitor. Also standard are a pre-crash preparation system and the Collision Prevention Assist Plus system, which warns of an imminent collision and can autonomously apply partial braking force to mitigate it. A rearview camera is optional.
Additional safety features are bundled in the Driver Assistance package and include enhanced collision mitigation (with pedestrian detection and both front and rear sensors), blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure intervention, semi-autonomous steering and rear cross-traffic alert. An available mbrace telematics system offers emergency services such as automatic collision notification, SOS call and assist, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle recovery.
In Edmunds brake testing, a C300 4Matic equipped with performance tires stopped from 60 mph in 114 feet, an average performance among its peers. A 2015 C400 (also with summer tires) needed just 110 feet, while a 2015 C 63 S did the job in an impressive 103 feet.
In government crash testing, the 2016 C-Class sedan received five out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for total frontal protection and five stars for total side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the C-Class its highest possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset and side-impact tests. It was rated "Superior" (also the highest rating) for front crash prevention with the optional Driver Assistance package.
Driving
The snappy response from the C300's turbocharged four-cylinder is unexpectedly gratifying for an entry-level engine. The C300d's generous torque, meanwhile, promises ample real-world gravitas. Stepping up to the C 450 AMG nets you sports-car-like acceleration, while the AMG C 63 and C 63 S deliver simply breathtaking V8 thrust.

The 2016 C-Class has a dynamic driving feel that makes it an able competitor in this performance-rich segment.
All C-Class sedans have a sporty, athletic character and come with multiple drive modes that adjust gas pedal, transmission and steering response. The optional Airmatic air suspension offers a further degree of ride quality refinement that doesn't diminish handling prowess. The exceptionally capable AMG-tuned models are noticeably tauter over broken pavement, but regardless of trim, the C-Class is built for long-haul comfort. We drove for several hours straight in a C300 Sport model with sport seats and never once longed for a comfier perch.
Interior
The cabin of the 2016 C-Class departs dramatically from the conservative aesthetic of its predecessor. Whether upholstered in standard MB-Tex synthetic leather or the optional genuine article, this is a cool, contemporary driving environment. Materials quality is generally very good, and there's plenty of visual interest thanks to curvaceous trim panels that deftly blend wood, soft-touch surfaces and metallic accents. It's certainly a breath of fresh air for those who found earlier C-Class interiors too staid.

The 2016 C-Class boasts an eye-catching dashboard design with more visual flair than Mercedes fans are used to seeing.
Another change can be found in the rear compartment, where passengers now get 35.2 inches of legroom, up nearly 2 inches from the previous C-Class and now comparable to the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Trunk space is about average at 12.6 cubic feet. The standard front seats are built for long-haul comfort, and even the firmer sport seats keep driver and passenger snug without fatigue.
The C-Class's technology offerings revolve around the standard 7-inch or optional 8.4-inch tablet-like display. The screens boast crisp graphics, though the fixed, freestanding design looks a bit odd, as if Mercedes stuck an iPad atop the center vents as an afterthought. The standard COMAND infotainment interface features a touchpad that floats above the traditional dial controller, mimicking tablet and trackpad gestures like swiping, pinching and tapping. You can also trace letters and numbers on the surface, though we've found it requires a patient and steady hand to produce anything better than chicken scratch. The touchpad is a neat idea, but takes some getting used to. We found it faster to access many functions using the dial-and-button controller.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a small luxury sedan offered in C300, C300d, C350e (plug-in hybrid), C 450 AMG, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S trim levels. The C300d and C350e are broadly similar to the C300 in terms of equipment, with further details forthcoming later in the model year. The coupe is on hiatus until next year.
Depending on trim level, the C-Class sedan is available in Luxury and Sport sub-trims, which differ in wheel design, suspension tuning, and interior/exterior styling details (such as different grille and steering wheel designs).
The C300 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, power-folding side mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 10-way power front seats (with four-way lumbar), driver memory settings, synthetic leather upholstery ("MB-Tex"), 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks, the COMAND infotainment system (with a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller that's paired with an overlapping touchpad interface), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an audio system with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader and HD radio.

The standard touchpad interface overlaps the control knob and provides added functionality, though we've found it a bit finicky in real-world operation
The C300's optional Premium 1 package bundles keyless entry and ignition with satellite radio, while the Premium 2 package tacks on LED headlights, LED taillights and a premium 13-speaker Burmester sound system. The Interior package adds leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting and heated and ventilated front seats (also adding power adjustments and memory settings for the front passenger seat). The Multimedia package brings an upgraded 8.4-inch display screen, a navigation system, voice controls and a rearview camera. The Lighting package adds adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam control, while the Air Balance package adds filtered and scented cabin air.
The Night package (requires the Sport sub-trim) contributes unique black-and-silver wheels and gloss-black exterior accents. The Airmatic package throws in an adjustable air suspension. Picking the Driver Assistance package gets you adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure intervention, partial autonomous steering (a camera-based function that works to keep the car centered in its lane), an enhanced collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection and both front and rear impact sensors. The Parking Assist package piles on front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel-parking system and a surround-view parking camera system.
The all-wheel-drive C 450 AMG comes only in the Sport sub-trim with a V6 engine, 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and steering, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension (with a wider front track), AMG-themed interior styling flourishes, sport front seat bolstering and the contents of the Premium 1 package.
The rear-wheel-drive AMG C 63 sedan adds a V8 engine, wider 18-inch wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential and performance software with a lap timer. The AMG C 63 S further adds 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, larger front brakes, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, active engine mounts and minor upgrades to its interior trim.
The Premium 2 package remains optional on the C 63 trims, as do the other packages listed above. Additional C 63 options (some of which are also offered on the C 450 AMG) include a dual-mode sport exhaust, carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim, race-inspired front sport seats and two-tone leather upholstery. The C 63 S is also eligible for upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes.
Stand-alone options include a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking assist, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a power rear window sunshade, manual rear side window sunshades and a power-closing trunk.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $54,950 |
See Inventory |
5 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $38,200 |
See Inventory |
5 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $41,450 |
See Inventory |
Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Overview
The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered in the following submodels: C-Class AMG C 63, C-Class Sedan, C-Class C 450 AMG 4MATIC, C-Class AMG C 63 S, C-Class Hybrid. Available styles include C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), C 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), C 450 AMG 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A), C 300 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), AMG C 63 S 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 7A), C 300 Luxury 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), C 300 Sport 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A), C 350e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7A), C 350e Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7A), AMG C 63 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 7A), and C 300 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7A). Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz C-Class models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine or a 3.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 362 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Price comparisons for Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim styles:
- The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC is priced between $17,966 and$32,998 with odometer readings between 10086 and97228 miles.
- The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 is priced between $19,555 and$31,998 with odometer readings between 13032 and97768 miles.
- The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 450 AMG 4MATIC is priced between $32,500 and$44,998 with odometer readings between 18167 and74385 miles.
- The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 Sport 4MATIC is priced between $24,990 and$30,998 with odometer readings between 43177 and102352 miles.
- The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 Sport is priced between $26,990 and$29,998 with odometer readings between 50241 and88611 miles.
- The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 Luxury is priced between $24,998 and$26,998 with odometer readings between 50006 and71875 miles.
- The Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 63 S is priced between $43,500 and$53,998 with odometer readings between 48344 and106015 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Classes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale near. There are currently 155 used and CPO 2016 C-Classes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $17,966 and mileage as low as 10086 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Can't find a used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale.
Find a used Mercedes-Benz for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials
Check out Mercedes-Benz C-Class lease specials
Related Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Chevrolet Sonic 2005
- Used Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2012 For Sale
- Used Ram Dakota 2006
- Used Suzuki SX4 2008
- Used Chevrolet Suburban 2001
- Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2007 For Sale
- Used Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2006
- Used Suzuki SX4 2009
- Used Toyota Mirai 2017
- Used Kia Rio 2011
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2022 Volvo S60
- 2022 Audi TT RS
- 2021 Mazda 3
- 2023 Mazda CX-50 News
- 2021 Countryman
- 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- 2021 Pacifica
- 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 INFINITI Q50
- 2022 Genesis G90
- Lexus IS 300 2021
- 2022 ES 300h
- 2022 Dodge Challenger
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2021
- Cadillac CT5 2022
- 2022 A7
- 2022 Dodge Charger
- Lexus ES 350 2021
Recommended
- New Kia Seltos For Sale South Carolina
- New Toyota Rav4 For Sale Santa Monica Ca
- GMC Savana Cargo 2003 Pictures
- Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid Pottstown Pa
- Cadillac Escalade EXT 2011 Features Specs
Other models
- Used Mazda CX-7 in Stafford, TX
- Used BMW M in Lansdowne, PA
- Used Mazda 5 in Basking Ridge, NJ
- Used Ford Econoline-Cargo in Glen Cove, NY
- Used Toyota C-HR in Maryville, TN
- Used Honda Accord in Indiana, PA
- Used Audi A3-Sportback-E-Tron in Roanoke, TX
- Used Pontiac Gto in Franklin, OH
- Used Ford F-450-Super-Duty in Westmont, IL
- Used Hyundai Venue in San Gabriel, CA
- Used Land-Rover Range-Rover-Velar in Westbrook, ME
- Used Kia K5 in Portsmouth, OH
- Used Lexus Is-200T in Suffern, NY
- Used Genesis G90 in Carrollton, GA
- Used BMW X7 in New Philadelphia, OH
- Used Kia K5 in Mansfield, OH
- Used Ford Fusion in Campbell, CA
- Used Volkswagen Golf in Villa Rica, GA
- Used Lincoln Continental in Los Alamitos, CA
- Used Chevrolet S-10 in Maple Valley, WA
- Used Audi RS-Q8 in Portage, IN
- Used Cadillac Escalade-Ext in Bellmore, NY
- Used Toyota Rav4-Ev in Reseda, CA
- Used BMW X3-M in Canonsburg, PA
- Used Infiniti M37 in Wilmington, CA
- Used Volvo S40 in Collegeville, PA
- Used Volkswagen Eos in Lake Mary, FL
- Used Chrysler Pt-Cruiser in Olympia, WA
- Used Lexus CT-200H in Malvern, PA
- Used Jeep Wagoneer in Moline, IL