2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Name: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price Range: $27,542 - $37,998

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC Sedan Exterior. AMG Line wNight Package Shown.

+265

At long last, the new Mercedes 2022 C-Class has arrived, and it's a clear step up from its predecessor in almost every area. A strong and efficient engine and a helpful technology interface are among the car's highlights. The redesign doesn't gain as much ground on the competition as we were expecting, but overall we think it's a smart pick for a small luxury sedan.

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C 300 Coupe
MSRP: $31,304
9 mi away
C 300 4MATIC Sedan
MSRP: $34,500
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C 300 4MATIC Sedan
MSRP: $33,995
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2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Interior is impeccably crafted
C 300's quick acceleration and high fuel economy
A range of high-horsepower engines available

Cons

Clumsy touchpad infotainment interface
Some controls require too much concentration to use

What's new

Fully redesigned for 2022
Sleeker styling, new interior with big central touchscreen
Only available with one engine for the first model year
2022 model kicks off the fifth C-Class generation

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.71 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$157/mo

$154/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the C-Class drive? It's hard to find fault with the C 300's new turbocharged mild hybrid four-cylinder engine. The new powertrain provides ample motivation with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, but the mild hybridization helps fill in and mellow out what used to be a high-strung experience with the previous engine. This makes the already capable nine-speed automatic transmission's job even easier, and it always seems to be in the right gear. Accelerating to 60 mph takes just 5.8 seconds, which is plenty of punch for day-to-day driving.

Our test car had the benefit of the optional AMG Line sport package, which adds a sport suspension, upgraded brakes and tunes the steering for a more direct and quick response, among other things. All three make this standard C-Class' driving dynamics feel sharp. We are truly impressed with how the C 300 comports itself through turns and how effortless it is to guide it where you want to go. We can't wait to see what the full-blown AMG performance versions have in store.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the C-Class? We can't say for sure how much the AMG Line sport package compromises comfort, but we did find our C 300 to be less comfortable than many rivals in the small luxury class. The suspension, while not harsh, was definitely busier than we'd like, transmitting a lot of road texture into the cabin. That's good for steering and handling, not so much for ride comfort. The AMG sport seats, while mostly supportive, took some time to adjust for comfort and never really felt just right. They also had a non-perforated upholstery that began to feel swampy after driving for more than an hour.

The climate controls are all touchscreen-based with a dedicated spot on the screen. The system has ample cooling capacity, but we felt the need to manually control the fan speed because it didn't seem to blow enough air when left on the auto setting. The greatest strength of the C-Class, at least in terms of comfort, was how quiet the cabin remained. It keeps all manner of sounds outside and you barely hear the engine at startup or idle.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? When it comes to interiors, Mercedes-Benz stands above its competitors in terms of design and material quality. So why just an average score? Function plays a big role, and the C-Class fails to impress. We found the cabin wasn't all that easy to get in and out of due to the C 300's low ride height. As a driver, we were constantly fidgeting to find the best seating position, and the door-mounted controls just aren't as natural to use as they are in a more conventional seat-mounted location. We also found Mercedes-Benz's move to touch-sensitive steering wheel controls less user-friendly than the older-generation's thumb pads.

If there's one thing the C-Class does get right, it's passenger space. There's generally more of it by the numbers, compared to competitors, and while we wouldn't call the cabin cavernous, it never feels cramped.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Mercedes continues to lead the way in tech. Mercedes' navigation system is the only built-in navigation system that comes close to being as good as what you'll find by connecting a modern smartphone. For the directionally challenged, it's a boon since the clarity of commands is virtually unrivaled. For those that still prefer their phone's OS, you have the option of wireless or USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Benz's larger touchscreen also maximizes the projection experience with more real estate for icons or the map when using a smartphone connection.

To top this off, you have Mercedes-Benz's ultra-advanced voice recognition system and excellent Burmester audio system. The advanced driver aid suite is fully functional, though we found the adaptive cruise control's acceleration and braking to be overly strong at times. But the 360-degree camera system is excellent and very handy for navigating tight confines.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The C 300 provides effective trunk space, and its remote seat-folding buttons make opening the space between the trunk and the flat-folding rear seats quick and easy. There's a useful amount of bonus underfloor storage as well. Trunk hinges are shrouded so they'll never crush your grocery bags, and you have a total of 12.6 cubic feet of space to work with, which is about average for this vehicle segment.

Storage for small items in the cabin includes an adequate center armrest with split-opening doors, tandem cupholders that can be removed altogether when they aren't needed, and average-sized door pockets. Not bad but nothing exceptionally clever beyond the cupholders.

For car seats, easy-access Isofix anchor and tether points are helpful. Moving kids in and out still isn't as easy as a minivan or SUV, but about typical for this class.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? Thanks to its 48-volt mild hybrid system, the C 300 gets a respectable 29 mpg in combined driving (25 city/35 highway), according to EPA estimates. We averaged 30.7 mpg in the C 300 on our 115-mile evaluation loop, which tells us the estimates are achievable. Considering the power this engine delivers, this level of efficiency surprised us.

Value

8/10

Is the C-Class a good value? Mercedes-Benz is typically more expensive than competitors, but the gap isn't terrible with the base C 300. While it's an overused cliché, this is a case where you get what you pay for. This C-Class presents like an E-Class, meaning it packs much more luxury than its compact size would suggest. Material choice and design are always on point, while panel fit and the controls manage to outclass the segment.

Mercedes' four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are unremarkable for the segment, and there's no complimentary maintenance, unlike some competitors.

Wildcard

8/10

The new C-Class is a surprising joy to drive, with the caveat that the optional AMG line package slightly enhanced the driving dynamics. Still, we're big fans of the new mild hybrid powertrain both for its performance and efficiency. Kudos to Mercedes-Benz in this area.

As far as design goes, the new interior is definitely a more modern treatment, and Mercedes continues to impress us with just how much luxury it can cram into a compact package. While we don't dislike the new exterior design, it fails to create any excitement — but that's a potential selling point for those looking to blend in.

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Which C-Class does Edmunds recommend?

We suggest upgrading to the midlevel Exclusive trim. It has a few more desirable features than the base Premium and, more importantly, is eligible for the optional Driver Assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control and several other driver assist features. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is also a good idea if you want enhanced traction in snowy or icy conditions.

Compare 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

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.

Unlike previous iterations of the C-Class — and, indeed, other Mercedes models — the C 300 is available in traditional trim levels rather than a base model with many packages and individual options. The trim levels are known as Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle.

Premium
The base C 300 Premium comes standard with:

18-inch wheels
Power-folding mirrors
Sunroof
Hands-free power trunklid
Keyless entry and ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Digital instrument panel
Simulated leather upholstery (Mercedes' MB-Tex)
Heated front seats
Ambient interior lighting
11.9-inch touchscreen
Wi-Fi hotspot
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)

These driver assist features also come standard:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Adaptive high-beam assist (selectively blocks a portion of the high beams for oncoming traffic)
Drowsy driver monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Safe-exit system (can prevent passengers from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
Emergency stop assist (senses if the driver is incapacitated and automatically turns on the hazard lights, brings the vehicle to a stop and summons assistance)

Exclusive
The next-level Exclusive trim adds:

Burmester premium audio system
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Streaming music services
Automated parking system
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the C-Class and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Pinnacle
The most generously equipped C-Class is the Pinnacle. It comes with the features from the Exclusive trim level plus:

Integrated navigation system
Augmented reality overlay for navigation prompts
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

You can further add features to these trim levels through a wide selection of options. Highlights include:

Driver Assistance package (available on Exclusive and Pinnacle trims)

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mercedes-Benz and the car in front)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle in front of or behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path)
Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

Panoramic sunroof
Upgraded digital light headlights
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Leather upholstery
Additional USB ports
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Rear passenger side airbags
Dashcam (records video of what's happening in front of you; Pinnacle only)

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above 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

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from 2008-2022.}

$559/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.06x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

42 reviews

5(62%)

4(5%)

3(11%)

2(9%)

1(13%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Silver and Red Beauty

Joseph ATX, 10/27/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

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

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

Best of both worlds

Scott, 02/01/2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

I did some pretty extensive research in this class, including the 330i xdrive and A4. After taking each of them on extensive test drives, I decided on the C300 4MATIC with the AMG line. I was very close to taking a great deal on the 3 Series, but in my heart I knew I liked the Mercedes more. It's much smoother, better built, and has better technology. I felt like the 330i's ride was a …

Classy Mercedes-Benz

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!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the C-Class since its last redesign.

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2022 C-Class Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

C 300

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$43,550
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$157/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the C-Class models:

Active Brake Assist: Warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios.
Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist: Warns if a vehicle is approaching your blind spot during a lane change or when opening a door into traffic.
Active Emergency Stop Assist: Senses if the driver is incapacitated and automatically turns on the hazard lights, brings the vehicle to a stop and summons assistance.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Price & Payment

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which C-Class does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Silver and Red Beauty

Love this car

Best of both worlds

Classy Mercedes-Benz

2022 C-Class Highlights

Safety

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