Mercedes-Benz C Class

USED-CARS

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available as a

five-seater sedan or a four-seater coupe.

Four trims are available, ranging from the C250

with a turbocharged, 1.8-liter four-cylinder

engine and seven-speed automatic

transmission to the C63 AMG with a 6.2-liter

V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Most trims have rear-wheel drive, except for

the C300, which has all-wheel drive.

The C-Class was re-designed in the 2008

model year and updated for the 2012 model

year, but hasn’t changed much since.

As a result, this overview uses applicable

research and reviews from the 2008 to 2014

model years from various independent and

reliable sources.

Overview

Consider the C-class as a full-size luxury Mercedes-Benz car features, condensed into a

smaller package. Its visually striking lines are inspired by its larger sibling, the S-Class, with

an interior that continues the theme.

The Mercedes-Benz C300 offers a 177 turbo four-cylinder, while the C400 boasts a 241 Kw

twin-turbo V-6. Both have ‘all-wheel drive’ and a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Overview of Test Drivers

Test drivers say the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a handsome interior and a composed

ride, but rivals offer sportier handling, a perkier base engine and more interior space.

Overview by Motor Journalists

The C250 comes with a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that most motor journalists say

makes adequate, but un-impressive, power.

Most reviewers therefore recommend choosing more powerful C-Class models, such as the

V6-powered C300 or C350.

For even stronger acceleration and performance test drivers recommend the Mercedes-Benz

C63 AMG model with its V8 engine.

A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard with the C250, C300 and C350, and

reviewers say this transmission shifts smoothly.

Fuel economy is rated as high as 12.8/9.1 litres/100kms per city/highway, which is a bit low

for the class.

Reviewers say that the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class' cabin is constructed with high-quality

materials with the front seats being comfortable and supportive.

Test drivers say the five-seater C-Class sedan back seats are not very spacious, while the

four-seat C-Class coupe’s back seats are small, but on par for a coupe in this class.

Some reviewers say that the C-Class sedan offers limited cargo space. The 2014 C-Class

comes standard with Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate

control and Bluetooth. Options include a Harman Kardon stereo system and a backup

camera.

A number of safety features are also available, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping

assist and Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which tightens the seatbelts and adjusts the head

restraints in preparation for a crash. Some critics say that the central knob and touch screen

that control some audio and navigation functions are somewhat complicated to use, but others

write that the COMAND infotainment system is easy to use, and one of the better units

available.

• The following international motor publications have the following to say:

• "It may not be the prettiest. It may not be the sportiest. It may not be the most spacious. It's

definitely not the cheapest. Yet the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is nevertheless an

impressively refined and well-rounded luxury car that feels every bit as meticulously

screwed together as Mercedes' pricier sedans. Even in the face of newer competitors and on

the eve of an all-new replacement, the current C-Class sedan and coupe are superb

choices." – Edmunds

• "Offered in coupe and sedan form, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is more than just an

entry ticket into an exclusive car club, it is a safe, reliable and luxurious mode of

transportation respected for excellence. Be it the classy coupe, the sub-$40,000 4-cylinder

turbo C250 or the pricey yet thrilling V8 powered C63 AMG, there is a C-Class to fit most

tastes and budgets. While not as performance tuned as rivals from Cadillac and BMW, the C-

Class offers a more compliant ride preferred by many luxury buyers." -- Kelley Blue Book

• "With this latest C-class, Mercedes has addressed the small sedan's major interior

deficiencies and added a couple of compelling engine choices." -- Car and Driver (2012)