The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 is quick and handles well, with performance that's generally on par with its German rivals. There's lots of available in-car tech and driver aids too. But there's nothing about this car that makes it a standout sport sedan.Read full review
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
Packed with the latest technology features
Roomy interior is quiet on the highway
Good fuel economy with C 300
Quick acceleration from AMG C 43 and C 63 S E Performance variants
Cons
Comfort is somewhat elusive
Some controls are distracting to use
What's new
High-performance AMG C 63 sedan debuts
Coupe and convertible variants dropped in favor of new CLE model
Part of the fifth C-Class generation introduced for 2023
Overview
Though many people prefer SUVs to sedans, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an appealing choice in a luxury car with a base price under $50,000. With S-Class looks, an appealing high-tech interior, and the rewarding driving dynamics frequently the domain of cars and not crossovers, the 2024 C-Class delivers class and cachet at a relatively reasonable price. And if you choose to upgrade to the AMG C 43 or the new-for-2024 AMG C 63 S E Performance, you'll experience a compact luxury sedan offering big, or even bigger, thrills. Be sure to read our testing team's full Expert Rating of the C-Class to learn more.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 43 4dr Sedan AWD (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 $3.52 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S E Performance is an outrageously powerful and capable new version of one of our favorite small luxury sedans. But something has been lost in translation: viscerality. This new generation's limits are so high that you can only exploit them on a track and the electronics won't allow you to access the vehicle's full potential under most circumstances anyway. The AMG C 63 used to be Germany's muscle car, Stuttgart by way of NASCAR. Now, it's a technological juggernaut and an important transitional step on the automaker's roadmap to going fully electric by 2030. Unfortunately, with all its weight and complexity, and without its signature V8 roar, it's not nearly as much fun.
Competitors to consider
Typically, people will cross-shop the Mercedes-Benz C-Class against its primary rivals from Germany, the Audi A4/S4 and the BMW 3 Series/M3. However, the Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling car in the compact luxury sedan segment even though it's electric. If you're thinking outside of the box, the Cadillac CT5 and Lexus IS lineups offer intrigue, especially if you're pining for a high-performance V8 engine driving a car's rear wheels.
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
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 is quick and handles well, with performance that's generally on par with its German rivals. There's lots of available in-car tech and driver aids too. But there's nothing about this car that makes it a standout sport sedan.
How does the AMG C 43 drive? The AMG C 43 is a solid performer. At our test track, our test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and cleared the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds at 108.1 mph. That's quick but ultimately similar to what we've gotten from the BMW M340i. We like the responsive nature of the powertrain, even at low rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, though we found it could occasionally stumble and be in the wrong gear at city speeds.
As you might expect from any AMG-tuned model, the C 43 offers excellent handling and on-road manners. Body roll is minimal, and the car changes direction well. There's no wallowing or heavy lean, and the standard rear-axle steering helps the C 43 maintain a tight line. It also helps with parking too since it tightens the car's turning radius. Our biggest critique involves the steering, which doesn't provide much feel for the car's grip to the driver.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the AMG C 43? The AMG C 43's standard sport seats are comfortable and supportive. The padding is on the firm side, but we weren't complaining after a few hours behind the wheel. Ride comfort is on the firm side, so you'll feel bumps and imperfections on anything less than perfect roads. It's not backbreaking, but it doesn't settle down like we expect a sport sedan to, especially given how well some rivals ride. The rear end can feel particularly stiff and unsettled on uneven pavement.
The AMG C 43 isn't as quiet as its rivals, with higher noise levels at idle and at highway speeds than expected. It's not that the exhaust sounds bad, but we want a bit more luxury in our sport sedans. Our test vehicle was equipped with four-zone automatic climate control. The fans blow hard and the air conditioning is cold, but the automatic climate setting doesn't seem to be able to hold a steady temperature. There was a lot of adjusting back and forth when we got too cold or too warm.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? While we love the C 43's interior design, as a whole the interior is just average for the class. The infotainment system is robust and easy-to-use, even with a deep menu system. Same goes for the capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard. The lack of real buttons makes it more difficult to use than Mercedes' previous design.
As with many Mercedes, the seat controls are mounted on the door. Mercedes has ditched buttons here, too, making these more difficult to use than before. It takes a minute to dial in a good seating position, though there's plenty of room to adjust the seat and wheel. The C-Class offers decent space inside both rows. It's not a huge car, but adults should be happy in both rows, though getting in and out could be a bit easier. The car sits low, and we nearly curbed a door when parking on a street.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $5,514 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,514 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG C 43 trim.
2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 43 pricing in Midland, TX
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 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 advanced voice recognition system and excellent Burmester audio system. The 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. The 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 is typical for this class.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How economical is the AMG C 43? The C 43 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined, which is a bit less than what some rival sport sedans are capable of. We saw a solid 24.2 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation route, indicating the EPA estimate should be pretty easy to match in real-world driving.
Value
7.5/10
Is the AMG C 43 a good value? The C 43's build quality and overall feel are impressive. The car looks and feels decidedly premium, and overall the C 43 feels like a smaller Benz, not a cheaper one. You will pay for that luxury, however, as the AMG C 43 is more expensive than most rivals. It also doesn't come standard with some features we think it should, such as adaptive cruise control.
Mercedes has a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. Both are average for the class. It also includes roadside assistance for four years/50,000 miles, though unlike rivals there's no included maintenance.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The C 43 is the middle child of the C-Class lineup, and as such it has a bit of a hard time standing out of the crowd. The styling is handsome but conservative, and unless you know what you're looking for, it doesn't look all that much different than any other C-Class. That's true of rivals, too, most of which closely resemble their non-performance counterparts. The four-cylinder exhaust note is fine but not particularly special either.
The car is plenty fast and very capable on the right road, but it's not as fun or engaging as some of its rivals. The mediocre steering feel is a bummer, as performance is so close in this class that small things like how much feedback the steering provides or how responsive the engine feels at part throttle start to matter more. We were never bored in the C 43, but we weren't pining for it too much after we handed back the keys.
Which C-Class does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the C 300 Exclusive. That is the midlevel trim, adding an excellent Burmester premium sound system and granting access to a Driver Assistance package with a long list of active driving aids.
2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 43 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
There has been a lot written about this car and shifting around town. My experience has not been bad. I noticed at 500 to 1000 miles the transmission smooths out at low speeds. I am comparing this to a C300 I previously had. Beyond that, a really nice car that has a more premium look and feel to it than the C300. Yes, it is a firmer ride and handles different than the C300, but that … is what you are buying a sports sedan more than a luxury ride sedan.
Among traditional compact luxury sedans equipped with internal combustion engines, the BMW 3 Series is likely the most common alternative to the C-Class. There are many reasons to consider the 3 Series (including the performance-oriented M3 version), but styling isn't one of them. The latest C-Class is conservatively penned but quite appealing, and the interior of the Mercedes is also more upscale. Both cars offer industry-leading technology.
What the Cadillac CT5 lacks in overall refinement and sophistication compared to the Mercedes C-Class, it gains in comfort, interior room and value. Plus, the Cadillac offers a hands-free driving assist system called Super Cruise, and in CT5-V Blackwing specification, the handsome Caddy takes the V8-powered torch from the old AMG C 63 S and runs with it like Usain Bolt with his shorts on fire.
Apples and oranges, you say? Well, consumers vote with their wallets, and the electric Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling compact luxury sedan in America. The Tesla is eligible for a full $7,500 federal income tax credit, too, as long as you're under a certain income threshold. And for about 55 grand (before the tax credit), the Model 3 Performance rips to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Umm, AMG C 63 S E Performance, who now?
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
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 C-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the C-Class has 12.6 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 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
High-performance AMG C 63 sedan debuts
Coupe and convertible variants dropped in favor of new CLE model
Part of the fifth C-Class generation introduced for 2023
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 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 C-Class and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 C-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 43 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $60,700.
Other versions include:
AMG C 43 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $60,700
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 43 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of C-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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