Professionals: Elegant styling; tech powerhouse; ultra-smooth powertrains
Cons: Studying curve to all that tech; on the costly aspect
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as well-rounded because it will get for a compact luxurious sedan. Mercedes’ lineup of C-Class variants is probably not as wide-ranging because it was earlier than the 2022 redesign, however the C continues to be going to enchantment to most people trying to find a little bit of luxurious. S-Class-inspired tech and design all the time elevates the C-Class, and the similarities are unmistakable as soon as once more with this technology. The huge MBUX infotainment system and big range of non-compulsory tech options could also be a bit overwhelming at first, however no one gives as a lot futuristic tech as Mercedes does. Each the outside and inside design are easy however decidedly upscale with, as soon as once more, tech taking part in on the forefront.
Driving the C-Class leaves no mistake that it’s among the finest luxurious sedans cash should purchase. The trip and dealing with stability of the C 300 toes the road between luxurious and sporty, simply the way in which we’d count on from an entry-level mannequin on this class. It’s not the sportiest amongst its rivals — the BMW 3 Sequence continues to be higher to drive — however any fanatic will discover pleasure in the way in which it comports itself on the highway. Per standard with regards to Mercedes-Benz merchandise, the C-Class finds its dwelling on the prime of the category in most areas, and assuming you possibly can afford one, we extremely suggest it.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2023?
Mercedes provides the AMG C 43 variant to the lineup for 2023 (seen within the gallery straight above). We haven’t pushed the mid-tier AMG mannequin as of this story’s publishing, but it surely’s going so as to add a potent dose of efficiency to the in any other case one-horse C-Class lineup. No adjustments for the C 300 mannequin are outlined as of now.
What are the C-Class’ inside and in-car know-how like?
The C-Class borrows closely (to its benefit) from the not too long ago redesigned S-Class. Generously bolstered seats combine pivoting headrests on single posts, with a spread of inside colours and coverings — a racy red-and-black combo, or brick-like AMG Sienna Brown with pure wooden pinstriped with actual aluminum. Ambient lighting decorates the doorways, sprint and aircraft-inspired metallic vents with a selection of 64 colours. Architects would dig the cantilevered armrests and “floating,” light-rimmed door-control housings. A 3-spoke steering wheel seems nearly as good because it feels, as do bright-metal paddle shifters as cool and polished as river stones.
The 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment system, regardless of the enhancements gleaned from the larger display, nonetheless requires a first-time studying curve. However as soon as your steering-wheel thumbs and mind are skilled, MBUX actually is a nifty — and undeniably eye-popping — manner of navigating right now’s data-heavy automotive panorama. The choice of adopting the brand new “Zero Layer” dwelling display design first seen on the EQS neatly avoids digging into distracting menus. It retains a map view in sight always, flanked by fundamental “module” tiles and individualized “magic modules” managed by machine studying of a driver’s historical past and habits. The non-compulsory Augmented Actuality nav nonetheless amazes, superimposing directional arrows, avenue indicators and even addresses over a real-time digicam atmosphere.
How large is the C-Class?
Mercedes stretched the redesigned 2022 mannequin by 2.5 inches to 187 inches (simply shy of an Audi A4 or Cadillac CT4, and 1.3 longer than a BMW 3 Sequence), with a 1-inch-longer wheelbase. It’s roughly a half-inch wider and decrease than the earlier technology, too. There’s added shoulder and elbow room entrance and rear, practically an inch extra rear legroom, and 0.4-inches extra rear headroom regardless of the decrease roofline. This implies the rear seat is spacious, however not extravagant for adults. It is similar to its closest competitor, the three Sequence. A normal, clamshell-style panoramic sunroof boosts the spacious impression, too.
Break up rear seats fold by way of switches within the trunk to open up extra versatile area. The trunk is massive and accommodating for its class, even when the 12.6 cubic-feet doesn’t sound like rather a lot.
What are the C-Class’ gas financial system and efficiency specs?
The bottom C 300 mannequin is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain integrates a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides non permanent but potent bursts of as much as 20 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Energy is shipped by way of a nine-speed automated transmission, and you’ve got the selection of both rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive — Mercedes quotes the identical 6.0-second 0-60 mph time from each. Gasoline financial system is a formidable 25 mpg metropolis, 35 mpg freeway and 29 mpg mixed with rear-wheel drive. These figures tick right down to 23/33/27 with 4Matic.
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 variant sports activities a hand-built 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque – it’s the primary manufacturing automobile ever constructed with an electrical turbocharger. A nine-speed multi-clutch transmission does the shifting, and Mercedes guarantees a 0-60 mph time of simply 4.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is the one drive configuration, and gas financial system wasn’t obtainable at this story’s publishing.
What is the C-Class wish to drive?
The brand new turbo four-cylinder engine and 48-volt mild-hybrid system within the C 300 could not scorch a spec sheet, however the powertrain is pure luxurious to drive. There’s loads of torque to be punchy round city, and the seamless integration of the mild-hybrid system makes for one of the vital nice day-to-day driving experiences you possibly can have at this worth level. That 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds is conservative, too, because the C-Class will get up and strikes out enthusiastically if you need it to. We’ve zero complaints concerning the transmission, as properly, because it shifts imperceptibly within the background in the way in which a real luxurious sedan ought to.
Name up “Sport” mode, and the C 300 exhibits it’ll dance round corners simply as fortunately because it sops up dangerous pavement. The steering is properly weighted, and the suspension maintains composure even if you begin to lean on it pretty arduous. A BMW 3 Sequence or Acura TLX nonetheless out-handle the C-Class this technology, however not by a longshot. The duality of this luxurious sedan is numerous what makes it so interesting, even in commonplace C 300 trim.
We’ve but to drive the C 43, however will add impressions for the AMG mannequin as soon as we do.
What different C-Class critiques can I learn?
2022 Mercedes C-Class First Drive Evaluation | Junior suite Benz
Learn all about our first shot within the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 revealed with 402-horsepower four-cylinder
Mercedes splashes some efficiency magic onto the C-Class within the type of an AMG C 43.
What’s the 2023 C-Class’ worth?
Pricing for 2023 isn’t out but, however we count on C 300 pricing to be much like costs in 2022. Mercedes is utilizing its simplified lineup technique for the C-Class, and it gives three distinct trim traces — Premium, Unique and Pinnacle — with far fewer à la carte choices. A C 300 Premium began at $44,600 in 2022. This contains numerous nice commonplace options like LED headlights/taillights, 18-inch wheels, sunroof, heated entrance seats w/reminiscence, the 11.9-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital cluster and an entire host of driver help function that we’ll element within the subsequent part.
What are the C-Class’ security rankings and driver help options?
The redesigned C-Class obtained an IIHS Prime Security Choose+ award from the Insurance coverage Institute of Freeway Security. It scored the utmost “Good” ranking in each crash take a look at. Moreover, the usual headlights obtained an “Acceptable,” and the non-compulsory lights scored a “Good” ranking. The NHTSA has but to attain the brand new C-Class.
The C-Class comes with a few driver help programs commonplace, together with blind spot warning (with exit warning help) and auto excessive beams. Nonetheless, a lot of the driver help programs you will get on the C-Class are non-compulsory. This lengthy record contains auto emergency braking (w/turning and cross-traffic help), adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, evasive steering help, auto-lane change help, lively blind spot help (guides you again to lane if accident is imminent), encompass view digicam, entrance/rear parking sensors and auto parallel/perpendicular parking.
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