2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

3 days ago

Overview
Given its price point, the Mercedes-Benz C-class does a surprisingly good job of imitating the much larger and pricier S-class. Its interior is comfortable, modern, and well-built with top-notch materials, and it has the classic proportions of an old-school luxury sedan.
The C-class is not as refined as Mercedes's flagship sedan, of course, and while it's nimble and reasonably powerful, its suspension tune and steering system could use more work. Still, it's a solid choice for anyone shopping for an entry-level luxury car.
Expert Tip: If the C300 is too tame, there are performance-oriented AMG versions available: The C43 makes 416 horsepower, while the plug-in-hybrid C63churns out 671 ponies.
What's New for 2026?
The C-class sees no noteworthy changes for 2026.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to start around $50,000 and go up to $54,000 depending on the trim and options.
C300
$50,000 (est)
C300 Exclusive
$52,000 (est)
C300 Pinnacle
$54,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k
We'd stick with the base C300, as the Exclusive and Pinnacle trims add mostly fluff—nice fluff, but fluff all the same. That said, we'd probably add a feature or two (e.g., ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control) to make our commute a little more comfortable.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engine: 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Transmission: 9-speed automatic
9-speed automatic Drivetrains: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
All C-class models employ a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system that can temporarily boost power at low rpm. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, though Benz will fit its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system for more coin.
The C's handling is nimble, but the ride is somewhat flinty, and the steering is lifeless. At least this sedan brakes with vigor, stopping from 70 mph in just 154 feet. Pedal feel could be firmer, though.
0–60-MPH Times
C/D 60-mph Test: 5.3 seconds (4Matic AWD)
In Comparison: The C300 4Matic's 60-mph time came in at just 0.1 second slower than the all-wheel-drive BMW 330i in our testing.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test : 35 mpg (4Matic AWD)
35 mpg (4Matic AWD) EPA City Rating : 24-25 mpg
24-25 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 33-35 mpg
The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class yet, but the ratings shouldn't change. The rear-wheel-drive 2025 model earns estimates of 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive C300s do a little worse in each cycle, with ratings of 24 and 33 mpg, respectively.
In our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the C300 4Matic beat its highway rating with a 35-mpg result. For more information about the C-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: The C300's cabin looks high-tech and suitably luxurious, with a digital gauge display, touch-sensitive controls, and a host of amenities such as heated front seats with memory settings, a sunroof, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum accents. Fit and finish is also excellent.
Second Row: For a compact car, the C300 has a roomy second row. Adults should be fine back there for hour-long rides.
Cargo Capacity: Though the Benz's cargo volume is merely adequate for the class, Mercedes installs handy seat-dropping buttons in the trunk so owners can easily free up more storage space as needed. In our testing, we fit six carry-on suitcases in the trunk, and a total of 15 cases with the rear seats folded down.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 11.9-inch touchscreen
11.9-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio Systems: 5-speaker stereo (standard), 15-speaker Burmester stereo (optional)
A portrait-oriented, driver-facing 11.9-inch touchscreen is standard in every C-class. The display runs the third-gen MBUX infotainment system, which supports a voice-activated digital assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and wireless device charging are also included, while a head-up display and a 15-speaker Burmester surround-sound stereo are optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Mercedes equips the C-class with some useful driver-assistance features, but the best tech—like the adaptive-cruise-control system that utilizes GPS data to adjust the vehicle's speed for upcoming curves and roundabouts—is optional.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automated parking tech
automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automated parking tech Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning
For information about the C-class's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
New C300s come with rival-matching warranty coverage but no complimentary maintenance (whereas competitor cars from BMW, Genesis, and Volvo offer three years of scheduled service).
Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: none
C/D Test Results and Specs
We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $46,600/$63,590
Options: Pinnacle trim package (Burmester surround sound, surround-view system, navigation with augmented video, head-up display), $3950; AMG line (sport suspension and steering, flat-bottom steering wheel, cross-drilled brake rotors, AMG body kit), $3400; nappa leather, $2590; driver assistance package (adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active brake assist), $1700; LED headlamps, $1100; sunroof, $1000; Selenite grey paint, $750; 19-inch wheels, $600; ventilated front seats, $450; SiriusXM radio, $350; extra 12V and USB ports, $300; heated steering wheel, $250; dashcam, $200; wood trim, $200; acoustic glass, $150
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1991 cm3
Power: 255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.5-in vented, cross-drilled disc/13.0-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
F: 225/40R-19 93Y MO
R: 255/35R-19 96Y MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.8 in
Length: 187.0 in
Width: 71.7 in
Height: 56.6 in
Passenger Volume: 94 ft3
Trunk Volume: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 4044 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 98 mph
100 mph: 14.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 154 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 314 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.91 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 35 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 600 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/23/33 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs