2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG® C 63
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
- Interior is impeccably crafted
- Many available cutting-edge features
- A range of high-horsepower engines available
- Clumsy touchpad infotainment interface
- C 300's optional sport suspension is rides too harshly
- Limited cargo room
- A few previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the fourth C-Class generation introduced for 2015
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a versatile small luxury car in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, each with the choice of three distinct engines. Its richly detailed cabin distinguishes it from cost-cutting forebears and exudes the quality that premium-car buyers expect. It's not the newest or most competitive car in the segment, but the C-Class is still a great buy, provided you check the right options boxes.
Our verdict | |
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 gravity of its elegant, old-school luxury feel. | |
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. | |
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 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 it sounds buzzy when you lay into the gas pedal. | |
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. | |
How’s the tech? | |
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. 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. Driver assist features work well and are well-calibrated, but they're a pricey option. | |
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. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
We tested the C 300 with all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates it gets 26 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. | |
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 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 | |
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?
Though we remain absolutely captivated by the V8 models, most buyers will find the standard C 300 and its turbocharged four-cylinder offer enough performance. Mercedes offers a wealth of options, but keep it simple to avoid sky-high pricing. The main packages to consider are the Premium package (Burmester premium audio system, ambient lighting and satellite radio) and the Driving Assistance package (adaptive cruise control and other driver aids).
Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury car sold in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. Trims are available in increasing levels of performance — C 300, C 300 4Matic, AMG C 43, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S. The C 300, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S are rear-wheel-drive, while the C 300 4Matic and AMG C 43 are all-wheel-drive. All use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Save as much as $7,019 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 63 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
AMG C 63
4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A
Edmunds suggests you pay$73,096
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class videos
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
NOTE: This video is about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but since the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Our experts review the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Looking for a luxury sedan with attractive styling, a lust-worthy interior and a healthy dose of performance? The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $69,900
- MPG & Fuel
- 17 City / 26 Hwy / 20 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 469 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 479 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 187.1 in. / Height: 55.2 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 79.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 4109 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 10.5 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite C-Class safety features:
- 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.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. the competition
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2020 BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular compact luxury sedans on the market, but we're not sure its latest redesign hits the mark. We like its overall performance, and the base four-cylinder engine is quick and responsive. We're less enthralled with the finicky infotainment system and harsh ride when you opt for the M Sport package.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Audi A4
Audi's bread-and-butter sedan is lightly refreshed for this year. The front end gets new styling cues that make it look a little more aggressive, it comes with a few more standard features, and the infotainment display is now a touchscreen. Otherwise, it's business as usual for Audi's excellent four-door.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes' last budget-friendly small sedan — the CLA-Class — was a pretty poor effort that was unworthy of the three-pointed badge. The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is essentially its successor and very nearly rights all of the CLA's wrongs. The ride is more comfortable, the interior is positively upscale, and the transmission's kinks have been worked out. Unless you absolutely need the room afforded by the C-Class, go with the A-Class.
People who viewed this also viewed
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 C-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. You probably care about Mercedes-Benz C-Class fuel economy, so it's important to know that the C-Class gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg to 21 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the C-Class ranges from 10.5 to 8.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
- A few previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the fourth C-Class generation introduced for 2015
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the C-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the C-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 C-Class and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 C-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The least-expensive 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 63 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $68,100.
Other versions include:
- AMG C 63 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $68,100
- AMG C 63 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $77,300
- AMG C 63 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $69,900
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the next question is, which C-Class model is right for you? C-Class variants include AMG C 63 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), AMG C 63 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), and AMG C 63 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of C-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more