2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Which C-Class does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

Last redesigned four model years ago, Mercedes-Benz's C-Class could be considered the elder statesman in the small luxury sedan and coupe classes. Normally, that'd be no big deal. But rivals from Audi and BMW have benefitted from more recent updates and come with fresher styling and the latest cutting-edge features.

In the Mercedes' favor is an impeccable interior that has aged exceptionally well and is still packed with technology. Additionally, the 2019 C-Class gets a variety of updates, including restyled headlights and taillights, a power increase for some models, and updated tech such as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a new steering wheel with infotainment controllers taken from Mercedes' newer vehicles.

As minor as these changes seem, they help to keep the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class current in a strong field of vehicles that includes the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS. It's worth checking out, especially if you're looking for a sedan that skews toward a traditional interpretation of luxury.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan comes in five trim levels: C 300, C 300 4Matic (all-wheel-drive), AMG C 43, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S.

With the exception of the high-horsepower engines and sport-tuned components in the AMG models, most C-Classes get the same standard equipment and are available with a plethora of packaged and stand-alone options.

The C 300 (and C 300 4Matic) comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque), a nine-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex), and 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks.

Standard tech includes the COMAND infotainment system (with a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller), Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual USB ports, and a sound system with HD radio.

The C 300 offers plenty of options, both in packages and as stand-alone items. The Premium package adds an electronic trunk closer, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio.

Consider getting the Multimedia package, which offers an upgraded 10.25-inch screen with navigation, voice controls and touchpad infotainment controller. Another one is the Driver Assistance package with its forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, navigation-based speed limit assist, and a host of other systems to help prevent collisions.

The AMG Line package adds AMG style and performance features — upgraded brakes, sport suspension, a rear spoiler and unique bodywork — without needing to step up to the C 43. Other packages offer blacked-out exterior trim styling and different wheels.

Stand-alone options for the C 300 include a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a digital customizable gauge cluster, wireless device charger, and a premium Burmester audio system.

For the most part, AMG C 43 models come standard with the Premium package features, along with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (385 hp, 384 lb-ft), all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive suspension dampers and 18-inch wheels. The 10.25-inch infotainment display, blind-spot monitoring and unique interior trim are also included.

The AMG C 63 and C 63 S offer similar equipment, with the notable difference of a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (469 hp, 479 lb-ft with the C 63; 503 hp, 516 lb-ft with the C 63 S), a multi-clutch, high-performance nine-speed automatic transmission, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. C 63 models are rear-wheel-drive only.

Driving

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, although, with an Edmunds-tested 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, the C 300 trails both the Audi A4 (5.3 seconds) and the BMW 330i (5.6 seconds) by a tad. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly but 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

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 quality. 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 sounds buzzy when you lay into the gas pedal.

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 that 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, there's less rear legroom and footroom than you'll find in some other rival luxury sedans.

Utility

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. There aren't a lot of places to store your small items in the cabin 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.

Technology

The C 300's infotainment system gets a boost for 2019. Our test car had the optional 10.25-inch display (a 7-inch display is standard) and we liked its crisp, clear graphics. There are multiple ways to control the infotainment system, 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 (also) 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. Driver assist features work well and are well-calibrated, but they're a pricey option.