2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Overview
For most of its life, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has competed against the BMW 3 Series, which it already matches in size. But with a recent redesign, Mercedes-Benz decided to take the C-Class in a different direction, turning the C-Class into a more compact version of its E-Class and S-Class sedans. The result is a small sedan that’s much more luxurious and sophisticated than the competition.
The Perfect Ride for...
The luxury car buyer who wants top-of-the-line design features in the nimble body of a compact sedan. The 2018 C-Class brings sporty athleticism to the luxury sedan segment with a defined and capable appearance as well as performance. Where outside its sleek design suggests speed and agility, the inside is both luxurious and elegant. The interior also offers plenty of space for all five passengers as well as an array of intuitive controls and vivid displays to keep the driver engaged and in control.
Drive & Handling
Mercedes-Benz offers the C-Class in many flavors, offering a spectrum of performance and efficiency. Of course, it's important to remember that all versions maintain the poise and comfort you expect from a proper luxury car.
The highest-volume version of the C-Class is the C 300, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This compact unit produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission (as in all C-Class models) with standard rear-wheel drive or Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
Regardless of how many wheels are driven, Mercedes-Benz says the C 300 will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. The EPA says this luxury sedan will achieve 28 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.
The C 450 AMG® 4MATIC® offers a step up in performance. This all-wheel-drive model boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The C 450 AMG® will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. It will also achieve an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway).*
AMG® is the in-house performance tuner of Mercedes-Benz, but the C 450 is only the diet AMG® model. For the full experience, you’ll need the AMG® C 63. It uses a ferocious 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which is available with two power outputs. The standard AMG® C 63 delivers 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque while the C 63 S gets 503 hp and 516 lb-ft.
Mercedes-Benz says the C 63 can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph while the C 63 S takes 3.9 seconds, and tops out at 180 mph. Both models get an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway).*
Key Features
Upgrades
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a four-door, five-seat sedan. Mercedes-Benz also offers a two-door C-Class coupe, with a convertible on the way. Pricing starts at $40,250.**
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, 14-way power driver’s seat with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, split-folding rear seats, power-folding exterior mirrors, keyless start, touchpad controller, dual high-resolution screens, dual USB ports, and more.
Optional features include AIRMATIC® air suspension, AMG® body kit, sport steering wheel, wood trim, panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, multicolor LED ambient lighting, cabin fragrance system, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, power rear-window sunshades, power passenger’s seat, electronic trunk closer, navigation, head-up display, Burmester® premium audio system, and other features.
Mercedes-Benz also offers its mbrace® telematics service on the C-Class. Depending on the package specified, mbrace® can do everything from remotely starting the engine and locking or unlocking the doors to providing a concierge service and automatically notifying emergency services of a crash.
Design
Mercedes-Benz wants the C-Class to be thought of as a scaled-down version of the larger E-Class and S-Class sedans, and that’s apparent from the way it is styled. Like its siblings, the C-Class looks like a traditional luxury sedan, but with some more modern touches thrown in. The upright grille and cab-rearward proportions combine with a sleek roofline and muscular side sculpting to create a handsome sedan.
The interior is also properly luxurious. Despite being an entry-level model, the design and material selection feel very upscale. The sloping center console is both ergonomic and pleasing to the eye, a touchscreen display sits at the top, and the driver gets a thick-rimmed multifunction steering wheel that’s perfect for guiding the C-Class along a curvy road.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Pre-Safe, and nine airbags. Optional features include Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, and a rearview camera.
Alternative Options
If you love Mercedes-Benz luxury but want a smaller footprint, consider the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA, which straddles categories to offer an unusual and practical luxury car package. This “four-door coupe” is more stylish than a traditional sedan but offers a versatility (including a usable back seat) that regular coupes can only dream of. However, if you're searching for the feel of a sedan in the package of a crossover, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA's exquisite interior, incredible engine, and stylish curves never fail to satisfy. Whether it's chewing up the miles on the open highway or hugging the corners on winding back roads, drivers can count on the GLA to deliver nothing less than excellence.
Gallery
* EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
** Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $995 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
Image: Mercedes-Benz