The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a far cry from where the model started out almost 30 years ago. With smaller and more affordable vehicles supporting it, the C-Class is more of a middleweight luxury sedan than an entry-level taste of the brand. As such, it's not exactly a bargain buy, but in return you're getting an impressive mix of performance, interior refinement and technology.
This year, the C-Class sedan has been fully redesigned. While the exterior styling remains familiar, the interior has been completely reworked and has echoes of the S-Class flagship sedan with its large tablet-like touchscreen mounted in the center of the dash. There are also some interesting touches — such as the ambient lighting elements in the air vents and wood trim threaded with aluminum — that make the C 300 look like a much more expensive vehicle than it is.
The cabin is slightly roomier than its predecessor — and indeed, the interior is far more adult-friendly than the diminutive CLA's — but the C-Class still isn't a big car. Headroom up front is sufficient for anyone 6-foot-2 or shorter, but the modest amount of rear headroom and legroom is a tight fit for tall backseat passengers. If passenger space is a priority, you might want to consider getting an E-Class or wait for the upcoming redesigned GLC, which is Mercedes' small SUV.
For now, Mercedes is only offering the C-Class in the base C 300 trim, and this new C-Class isn't as engaging or fun to drive as its BMW or Audi rivals. But more performance-focused AMG models are already on the way. That said, most drivers will find the C 300 enjoyable to drive and comfortable over many miles. As expected, the C-Class also comes well equipped with all of the latest technology features, both for entertainment and for safety.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a good chance of maintaining a very favorable spot in Edmunds' rankings, but if you're seeking a bit more excitement and performance, you may want to hold out for the AMG models. If you're like most shoppers and looking more for comfort and refinement, you can't do much better. In addition to the usual BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 rivals, we also recommend checking out the Lexus IS 300 and Genesis G70. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full evaluation of the new C 300.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan will initially be sold in two trim levels: C 300 and C 300 4Matic. Powering both is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) that is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The C 300 and C 300 4Matic share the same level of equipment — the only difference is that the C 300 is rear-wheel-drive, while the C 300 4Matic is all-wheel-drive.
Historically, the BMW 3 Series has been the sporty choice among small luxury sedans. It can be argued that, without the BMW, Mercedes may not have even created the C-Class back in the 1990s. Although the engine outputs are nearly identical, the 3 Series is quicker and more engaging. The C-Class is more comfortable and leisurely by contrast.
As is usually the case with Audi, the A4 splits the difference between BMW and Mercedes, offering a middle ground in terms of performance, luxury and technology. We give the A4 high marks for its easy-to-use tech features, well-constructed cabin and rear seats that can accommodate adults. The A4 with its base engine is less powerful than the C 300 but gets slightly better fuel economy.
Coming off a significant refresh last year, the Lexus IS 300 is finally poised to make a direct challenge to the entrenched German incumbents. It drives noticeably better than before and the infotainment control interface has been improved. Compared to the C-Class and other German sedans, the Lexus is a relative bargain for what you get.
The C-Class was historically Mercedes-Benz's entry-level model until the more affordable CLA debuted in 2014. Since then, the C-Class has assumed the role of a legitimate luxury vehicle, bringing the features and styling cues of the large S-Class sedan to a more palatable price point. The C-Class is fully redesigned for 2022, offering elegant new styling, cutting-edge technology, and elevated levels of comfort and refinement.
Initially, the C-Class will launch in the base C 300 trim level. Power primarily comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque). It is augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that contributes up to an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft for short bursts of acceleration. It can also turn the engine off while coasting, which should result in reduced fuel consumption compared to last year's model. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels, with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive available as an option.
The C 300's turbocharged four-cylinder is more powerful this year, while the 48-volt mild hybrid system is a completely new addition. While the on-paper specs look impressive (especially that extra 148 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor), the reality is that acceleration is acceptable rather than awe-inspiring. Pulling away from a stop is smooth, uneventful and — thanks to the electric assist for the first few mph — silent. The engine fires up imperceptibly as you build speed, and the transmission never really gets caught out in a wrong gear.
The 2022 C-Class sedan has a fairly comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and cracks in the pavement without transmitting too much unnecessary roughness into the cabin. That said, the suspension setup definitely doesn't lean too far into the cushy side; Mercedes (and perhaps C-Class buyers) prefers a more engaging and lively feel for this small sedan. Hitting a square edge on the highway, for instance, produces a single thunk through the cabin but no residual shudders or oscillations. You might not hear or feel this kind of impact in an S-Class, for instance, yet the C 300 also doesn't feel brittle when confronted with the rough stuff. This is fairly typical of small luxury sedans; competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 lack the softness of their more expensive siblings but are a bit more enjoyable to drive given their more connected road feel.
In many ways, the new C-Class interior has a lot in common with the new S-Class. A large, vertically oriented 11.9-inch touchscreen dominates the center of the dash and is canted 6 degrees toward the driver for easier operation. The gauge cluster display remains fully digital, though it's no longer inset into the dashboard as it was before. Overall, the cabin has a clean and classy look to it. There are also some interesting touches — such as the ambient lighting elements in the air vents and wood trim threaded with aluminum — that make the C 300 look like a much more expensive vehicle than it actually is.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 comes standard with the latest iteration of the brand's excellent MBUX infotainment system, which Mercedes says benefits from a 50% increase in processing power over the current MBUX system. Other standard features include a fingerprint scanner to activate individual driver profiles and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you no longer need to use a USB cable to connect your smartphone's apps and functions with the touchscreen. A suite of advanced driver assist features — such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring — is also included, along with a damage detection feature that notifies you if the vehicle was bumped when parked.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan will initially be sold in two trim levels: C 300 and C 300 4Matic. The C 300 and C 300 4Matic share the same level of equipment — the only difference is that the C 300 is rear-wheel-drive, while the C 300 4Matic is all-wheel-drive.
Edmunds saysThe redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class seeks to amplify everything we liked about the previous model. We'll have to wait before we get the C-Class in for instrumented testing and a full rating, but based on early impressions, the C-Class could take the top spot in our rankings of the Best Small Luxury Sedans.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
The least-expensive 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $43,550.
Other versions include:
