2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Name: 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price Range: $28,977 - $52,980

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 43 Sedan Exterior

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The Mercedes 2023 C-Class boasts strong and efficient engines and helpful technology features. But some distracting-to-use controls and lackluster comfort prevent the C-Class from being a standout pick for a small luxury sedan.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years

Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale

Mercedes-Benz C-Class types

Pros

Premium interior makes the C-Class feel more expensive than it is
Quick acceleration and high fuel economy
Nine-speed transmission nevers gets tripped up
AMG C 43 provides a high-performance variant

Cons

Some controls require too much concentration to use
No scheduled maintenance included
Touch of lag to some of the multimedia features

What's new

Second year for the fifth-generation sedan that debuted last year
New AMG C 43 version for the 2023 sedan
Coupe and convertible are still based on the fourth-generation C-Class
C 63 S version of the coupe and convertible is available again

Overview

Written by automotive expert Brian Wong

6/1/2023

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class welcomes a new addition to the lineup this year: the high-performance AMG C 43, which adds a dash of excitement to the C 300's focus on comfort and luxury. The changes for the new C 43, like the C 300, only apply to the sedan. Mercedes will continue to sell the coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class for the 2023 model year, but the two-doors are still based on the fourth-generation C-Class rather than the fifth-generation sedan.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

1,097 listings

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Certified 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
C 300 4MATIC Sedan
$37,995
great price
$4,804 below market
- 24,777 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 23 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Mercedes-Benz of Arlington (23 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
Experience the sophistication and performance of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC Sedan in timeless black. Powered by a 2.0L Turbo I4 engin...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (23 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: W1KAF4HB8PR111634
Stock: BR111634
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 02-05-2026
Certified 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
C 300 4MATIC Sedan
$33,500
good price
$1,721 below market
- 25,203 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 23 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Mercedes-Benz of Fredericksburg (50 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Fredericksburg, VA
This 2023 Lunar Blue Metallic Mercedes-Benz C 300 AWD 4MATIC® is well equipped and includes these features and benefits: Certified. CARFAX One-Owner. ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (23 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: W1KAF4HB7PR085253
Stock: C14214
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 01-16-2026

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The new AMG C 43 sedan drops two cylinders, giving it a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder instead of the V6 found in the previous model. It also gets a mild hybrid system like the C 300, but the emphasis here is on performance and not efficiency. Total system output is 402 horsepower and 369 lb-feet of torque, with the starter-generator motor able to kick in a boost of 13 extra horsepower on demand. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard along with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Instead of a variable torque ratio, the AWD system always sends 31% of its power to the front wheels and 69% to the rear, giving it a sporty feel that has a rear-drive bias. It also comes with upgraded Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires for added grip and a stiffer suspension that decreases comfort but ups the C 43's agility.

Inside, it gets the same technology upgrades and cabin updates that we enjoyed in the C 300. Our rating for the C-Class is based on the C 300, which will be the volume model for the sedan. Check out what our editors thought about the C 300 in greater detail below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Jonathan Elfalan

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2023 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

8.5/10

How does the C-Class drive? We tested the C 300, which has a turbocharged mild hybrid four-cylinder engine. The mild hybridization helps smooth out acceleration. Accelerating to 60 mph takes just 5.8 seconds, which is plenty of punch for day-to-day driving. The transmission shifts quickly and unobtrusively, too.

Our test car had the benefit of the optional AMG Line sport package, which adds a sport suspension and 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.

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 our C 300 test car'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 who 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-Class 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-size 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 in a minivan or SUV, but it's 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 city/highway driving, according to EPA estimates. We averaged 30.7 mpg in the C 300 on our real-world evaluation route, 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, unlike some competitors, there's no complimentary maintenance.

Wildcard

8/10

The C-Class is respectably fun to drive, even in C 300 form. And Mercedes continues to impress us with just how much luxury it can cram into a compact package. But while we don't dislike the latest exterior design, it fails to create any excitement.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim level differences

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan gets an infusion of excitement, with the AMG C 43 making its debut to join the existing C 300 and C 300 4Matic. Both C 300s are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) that is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a mild hybrid system. 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. Compare the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim levels in-depth.

Which C-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend the C 300's midlevel Exclusive trim, which offers a few more desirable features like a wireless charging pad and a surround-view camera system that make life easier for the driver. It's also the lowest trim to offer the optional Driver Assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control and several other driver assist features. If you want more power and find the AMG C 43 is more your cup of tea, we'd opt for the Pinnacle trim since that's the only trim with the Driver Assistance package for that car and it adds on an excellent sound system and head-up display to boot.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$156/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Reliability

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 7 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

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Recalls

7 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:: 25V253000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2025040012
Manufactured from:: 2022-04-28 to 2024-07-24
Number of vehicles affected:: 46
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 C 300, and 2023-2024 AMG C 43 vehicles. The driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.
Defect Consequence:: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025040012.

Recall Number:: 24V371000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2024060009
Number of vehicles affected:: 18
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 AMG C43 4MATIC vehicles, equipped with AMG Performance seats. The seat wiring harness may be incorrectly routed, which can cause it to become damaged when the seat is fully reclined.
Defect Consequence:: A damaged wiring harness can prevent the air bags installed in the seats from deploying as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024060009.

Recall Number:: 24V115000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2024030008
Number of vehicles affected:: 31848
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
Defect Consequence:: An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008.

Recall Number:: 23V880000
Number of vehicles affected:: 79676
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.

Recall Number:: 23V463000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2023070016
Number of vehicles affected:: 1552
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles. The ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating.
Defect Consequence:: An overheated wiring harness can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and repair the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023070016, 2023070017, and 2023070018.

Recall Number:: 23V462000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2023070015
Number of vehicles affected:: 8178
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be the incorrect length, which can result in harness damage and a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission wiring harness routing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070015.

Recall Number:: 23V445000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 2023070012
Number of vehicles affected:: 143551
Defect Description:: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 18, 2023. Owner notification letters with a remedy were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 6 years / 62,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.6

37 reviews

5(46%)

4(11%)

3(16%)

2(8%)

1(19%)

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2023 C-Class Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

C 300

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$44,850
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$156/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
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
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
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim level differences

Which C-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 C-Class Features & Specs

Safety

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