You'd be right to expect amazing things from the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance. After all, it's 671 hp from a small sedan. But the car's plug-in hybrid powertrain adds a bunch of weight, and that negatively affects handling and road comfort. If you're searching for the "ultimate driving" sedan, you should probably shop at a different German dealership.Read full review
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.
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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.
We drove the 2024 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? Our test AMG C 63 S E Performance sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds at our test track. That's certainly impressive, and it needed only 104 feet to slow from 60 mph. Those straight-line numbers allow it to go toe-to-toe with its nearest competition, the BMW M3 Competition, and we like the responsive nature of the powertrain, even at low rpm. The transmission shifts smoothly, though we found it could occasionally stumble and be in the wrong gear when we'd make sudden throttle inputs.
Cornering performance is where the AMG C 63 S E Performance begins to lose some of its luster. Our test car weighed in at a hefty 4,803 pounds, which is about 1,000 pounds heavier than a BMW M3. All that mass is a challenge to manage especially when the road is less than perfect. The rear of the car can get upset and unbalanced when you're driving around bumpy corners. In addition, the lack of steering feel numbs the front-end experience, so finding your groove at the upper limits is challenging. We'd happily give some straight-line speed back for gains here.
Comfort
7/10
How comfortable is the C-Class? The seats are a highlight, with great cushioning and support for the road and nice heating and ventilation functions. But there's a lot of road noise in the AMG C 63 S E Performance, even on what seems like smooth pavement. When you're in the mood to enjoy the car's sound, it comes off as an odd mix between a four-cylinder and electronic synthesizer that pales compared to the old V8's inspiring roar. The vehicle's rear suspension also isn't great at controlling the car's weight, especially in Comfort mode, which leads to a bit of jostling. Switching to Sport mode makes things stiffer and reduces movement but creates other discomforts. It really isn't ideal for any situation.
There are also some issues with the climate system. The auto fan control still required manual adjustments on our part, and while there are rear vents for passengers, there's no separate temperature or fan speed control. It would be great to also have more diffused air circulation since the vents currently are too focused.
Interior
7.5/10
View interior photos
How’s the interior? The C-Class offers decent space inside both rows. It's not a huge car, but it's decently roomy for adults in the back seat. Getting in and out is a bit difficult because of the car's low ride height. Watch for high curbs when opening your door if parking on a street.
The AMG C 63 S E Performance's interior looks great but has some functional shortcomings. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel make precise adjustments difficult. The door-mounted seat controls aren't as natural to use as traditional ones. The overall lack of real buttons makes this interior harder to use than it should be.
How’s the tech? The infotainment system is feature-packed and easy to use, even with a deep menu system. Mercedes' navigation system is the only built-in nav 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. To connect your phone, you have the option of wireless or USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both integration systems look great on the Benz's large touchscreen.
To top this off, you have Mercedes-Benz's advanced voice recognition system and excellent audio systems. The driver aids are plentiful, though we found the adaptive cruise control acceleration and braking to be overly strong at times. The excellent 360-degree camera system proved very handy for navigating tight confines.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The AMG C 63 S E Performance provides adequate trunk space, although there's a slight compromise due to the hybrid battery pack. A noticeable hump right behind the rear seats shortens the height of the pass-through and reduces volume to 11.6 cubic feet. On the upside, the remote seat-folding buttons make opening the space between the trunk and rear seats quick and easy. The trunk also features a convenient auto open-and-close function, and the shrouded trunk hinges won't crush your grocery bags.
Storage for small items in the cabin includes an adequately sized center armrest with split-opening doors, tandem cupholders that can be removed when they aren't needed, and average-size door pockets. Storage is functional but not exceptionally clever beyond the cupholders. For car seats, easy-access Isofix anchor and tether points are helpful. Moving kids in and out isn't as easy due to sedan ergonomics, but it's about typical for this class.
How’s the fuel economy? We drove the AMG C 63 S E Performance on our standardized real-world evaluation route. We traveled 8.6 miles on city streets using pure electricity and then averaged 26 mpg for the remaining portion of the drive, which consists of a lot of highway travel. This far exceeds the official EPA estimates of 3 miles of electric range and 21 mpg combined, which goes to show if you exercise some restraint, this 671-hp AMG can be more frugal with fuel than you'd expect. Now, 8 miles of range isn't going to cover the commute of many people, but it'll help reduce the sting of fill-ups if you're judicious about plugging in.
Value
7.5/10
Is the C-Class a good value? Just like the other variants of C-Class, the AMG C 63 S E Performance exudes the high-end luxury feel that Mercedes is renowned for. But it's a challenge to find its value proposition in the performance segment considering the car's price. The BMW M3 is a more well-rounded performance sedan offering slightly less power but also much less weight, making it the superior track vehicle. And if you are able to entertain EV ownership, the Tesla Model 3 Performance offers unparalleled value for money, outshining both Germans in terms of bang-for-your-buck. Aside from sheer straight-line speed and cutting-edge powertrain technology, this AMG is far from the best buy here.
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. Unlike rivals, though, there's no included maintenance.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The AMG C 63 S E Performance is a visually appealing car that strikes a beautiful balance of looking the business but not overdoing the design. (We're looking at you, BMW.) Enthusiasts will lament the soul-stirring V8 engines of previous-generation Cs, and sadly this model's high-tech plug-in hybrid replacement doesn't deliver the same aural experience. On top of that, the extra weight it adds puts a damper on the overall driving experience.
2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim level differences
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury sedan equipped with rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. This year, the lineup expands beyond the C 300, C 300 4Matic and AMG C 43 to include the new AMG C 63 S E Performance. Mercedes equips them with your choice of the Premium, Exclusive or Pinnacle trim package, with availability dependent on which version of the C-Class you choose. You can option any 2024 C-Class with additional features and packages as well.
Which C-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
The AMG C 63 S E Performance comes well stocked with features. Among the car's options, we'd recommend getting the Driver Assistance package because its extra driver aids can be pretty helpful in congested traffic.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Reliability
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no 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
There are no recalls for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The reviews for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class show a mixed sentiment among owners. Many people love the car's beautiful design, comfortable ride, and great features like a big touchscreen and smooth acceleration. However, several owners have had problems with complicated electronics, faulty parts, and the car unexpectedly breaking down. It's a good-looking luxury car, but some folks are worried about its reliability.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
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 7.6 out of 10. 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 7.6 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 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $83,900.
Other versions include:
AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) which starts at $83,900
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 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A). For a full list of C-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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