The 2020 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.
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.
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We drove the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
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
7/10
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 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.
Interior
8/10
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 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.
Storage
7/10
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
7/10
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.
Value
7/10
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 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.
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Mercedes-Benz CPO
Choose the trim, color, options, packages and more for your Mercedes-Benz
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. Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which C-Class trim 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).
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 12 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #20 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#20 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
$559/yr
vs. $607/yr for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
1.06x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
9%
vs. 10.5% for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
12Â recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:Â
23V854000
Number of vehicles affected:Â
2976
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:Â
A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
Recall Number:Â
22V365000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2022060005
Number of vehicles affected:Â
234918
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Defect Consequence:Â
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.
Recall Number:Â
22V232000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2022060007
Number of vehicles affected:Â
126443
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:Â
An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
Recall Number:Â
21V961000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2022030003
Number of vehicles affected:Â
139
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Defect Consequence:Â
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:Â
Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
Recall Number:Â
21V818000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2021110010
Number of vehicles affected:Â
27
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.
Defect Consequence:Â
Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
Dealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.
Recall Number:Â
21V509000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2021120011
Number of vehicles affected:Â
1467
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Defect Consequence:Â
Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
21V197000
Number of vehicles affected:Â
15096
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Defect Consequence:Â
The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
21V058000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2021020025
Number of vehicles affected:Â
1292258
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Defect Consequence:Â
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 6, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Recall Number:Â
21V032000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2021020010
Number of vehicles affected:Â
24550
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:Â
If the seat belt does not fully retract, the occupant may find the operation of the seat belt inconvenient and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020010.
Recall Number:Â
20V395000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2020080016
Number of vehicles affected:Â
5039
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C63 AMG, C63 AMG S, AMG GT 53, AMG GT 63, AMG GT 63 S, and 2020 GLC 63 AMG, GLC 63 AMG S vehicles. An incorrect Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software version may cause the ESP system to react inaccurately.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the ESP does not react properly to a driving situation, it may increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080016.
Recall Number:Â
20V364000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2020070017
Number of vehicles affected:Â
88
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Defect Consequence:Â
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070017.
Recall Number:Â
20V068000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2020030016
Number of vehicles affected:Â
239
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Defect Consequence:Â
An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.
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. … Mercedes makes it hard to get and expensive - driver assist requires the navigation package. There have been no mechanical issues in the past year. One complaint is the trunk can only be opened with the key fob or a release inside the car. Another is the ventilated seats are not cooled. They only blow air through the seats that is the same temperature as the air in the car making it a useless feature on a warm day with the top down. Overall I am pleased with this car and plan to drive it many years.
I've had the car just over 2 years. There has only been one problem beyond regular maintenance. When putting the top down the cover that closes over the top was not going all the down. The local dealer lubricated the parts associated with lowering the top. That fixed the problem. It has worked perfectly since.
Insurance is expensive. Before buying the car I had read that was the case with the C class. It cost more to insure this car than the two cars we had before this one (228i convertible and Golf R).
After two years I am still happy with the car and will continue to drive it for many years.
Edmunds is asking for an update at 2 years and 9 months. The starter battery had to be replaced. We don't put a lot of miles on the car. Mercedes told us we should drive more. The problem with the cover over the top closing completely came back. This time Mercedes replaced various cables in the top and the top liner. It has worked well since. Both the battery and top repair were under warranty. After almost 3 years I still enjoy driving this car.
Edmunds is asking for an update at almost 4 years of owning this car. There have been no problems during the last year. I am still very satisfied with the car.
It's been 5 years and Edmunds is asking to update my review. I've had no problems with the car since the last review. It's a low mileage car at 29K miles so far. I am satisfied with the car. After 5 years I usually want something different but I don't feel that way about this car. I will keep it for several more years. It is still beautiful in silver and red.
Love this car
5 out of 5 stars
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
Classy Mercedes-Benz
5 out of 5 stars
Bertha , 07/27/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Smooth ride, many awesome features plus luxurious at the right price!
Don't be fooled by the 255 Hp. This car is peppy, and fun to drive, (This opinion from a MKZ owner with the 400hp engine.) This little coupe pushes me back into the cozy leather seats, everytime my lovely wife floors the fun pedal. Build quality is excellent, everything works as it should and everyone at Temecula MB was Awesome!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the C-Class since its last redesign.