2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Pros

• The inside of the C-Premium Class makes it look like it costs more than it does.
• Excellent fuel efficiency and quick acceleration
• You can’t break a nine-speed transmission.
• There is a high-performance version of the AMG C 43.

Cons

• Some controls are hard to use because they require too much thought.
• There has yet to be any maintenance planned.
• Some of the multimedia parts could be faster.

What is the C-Class like to drive? The new turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine in the C 300 is hard to find fault with. Equipped with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the new engine has more than enough power, and the moderate hybridization tames the tense handling of the previous model. This makes the already excellent nine-speed automatic transmission even better, as it always seems to be in the correct gear. It only takes 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is more than enough speed for everyday driving.

The optional AMG Line performance package helped our test vehicle. It came with a sport suspension, better brakes, and changes to the steering that made it respond more quickly and directly. This regular C-Class feels precise to drive because of all three things. We like how the C 300 turns and how easy it is to steer it in the direction we want. People can’t wait for full-fledged AMG performance models.

How is the C-Class for comfort? Even though we don’t know how much the AMG Line performance package reduces comfort, the C 300 was less comfortable than several competitors in the small luxury class. Even though the ride wasn’t rough, the suspension was busier than we’d liked, which let a lot of road noise into the cabin. This makes the car easier to handle and steer, but it makes the ride less comfortable. Even though the AMG performance seats were the most comfortable and supportive, they were hard to get used to and never quite felt right. Also, after more than an hour of driving, the seats that didn’t have holes in them felt like they were full of water.

Each climate control with a touch screen has its screen location. Even though the system could cool well enough, we had to change the fan speed by hand because it didn’t seem to blow enough air when it was set to automatic. The C-best Class was better in terms of comfort because the cabin was quiet. Because it keeps outside noises out, you don’t hear the engine start-up or run at idle very much.

How does the inside look? Mercedes-Benz beats its competitors regarding interior design and the materials’ quality. So why not a better grade? When it comes to being functional, the C-Class needs to be improved. The low ride height of the C 300 made it hard for us to get in and out of the car. The controls are more challenging to use when mounted on the seat, so as drivers, We had to wander about quite a bit to locate the optimal place. Also, Mercedes-switch Benz’s touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel were less user-friendly than the thumb pads on the old model.

If there is one thing the C-Class does well, it makes room for people. In general, it has more than its competitors; even though the cabin is small, it always feels open.

How good is the tech? Mercedes-technology Benz is still the most advanced. Only the navigation system that comes with a Mercedes comes close to the quality of what you can get by connecting a modern smartphone. It’s great for people who need help following directions because the instructions are rarely more explicit. Connecting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a vehicle is possible via wifi or USB for people who like the operating system on their phone. When the Benz is connected to a smartphone, the larger touchscreen improves the projection experience by giving icons or maps more space.

Mercedes-Benz tops it off with a great Burmester music system and a state-of-the-art speech recognition system. Even though the adaptive cruise control sometimes speeds up or slows down too quickly or hard, the driver-aid package is fully functional. On the other hand, the 360-degree camera technology is excellent and helpful for getting around in small spaces.

What about putting things away? The C 300 has a valuable trunk, and the flat-folding rear seats and remote seat-folding controls make it easy and quick to open the space between the box and the chairs. There is also a lot of valuable storage space under the floor. The trunk space is 12.6 cubic feet, which is about average for this type of car. The hinges on the trunk are safe, so your grocery bags won’t get crushed.

With doors that open in two different directions, two cupholders that can be taken out completely when not in use, and average-sized door pockets, the center armrest has a lot of storage space. Besides the cupholders, it’s alright, but it also could be more creative.

Isofix anchor and tether points make car seats easier to install and remove. Even though it’s more challenging than with a minivan or SUV, this class is about average for moving kids around.

How well does it use gasoline? EPA calculations show that the C 300 gets a respectable combined 29 mpg (25 city/35 highway) thanks to its 48-volt mild hybrid system. On our 115-mile test loop, the C 300 got an average of 30.7 mpg, which shows that the estimates are correct. Given this engine’s power, we were amazed at how well it uses fuel.

Is it a good idea to buy a C-Class? Mercedes-Benz is generally more expensive than its competitors, but the base C 300 is relatively inexpensive. Even though it’s an old saying, In this instance, the phrase “you get what you paid for” is very accurate. This C-Class looks like an E-Class, so even though it’s small, the inside is much more excellent than you might think. Even though the panel fit and controls are better than average for the segment, the design and choice of materials are always perfect.

Mercedes’ four-year/50,000-mile powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties are standard for the segment. Unlike competitors, there is no free maintenance, though.

The 2017 C-Class is surprisingly entertaining to drive, with the proviso that the optional AMG line package made it marginally better. Still, we greatly respect how well and efficiently the new mild hybrid powertrain works. In this way, Mercedes-Benz should be commended.

The style of the new interior is undeniably more modern, and Mercedes never stops surprising us with how much luxury it can pack into such a small space. Even if we don’t mind how the outside has changed, it doesn’t get us excited. It could be a selling point for people who want to fit in.

We suggest getting the C 300’s mid-level Exclusive trim, which comes with a wireless charging station and a camera system that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surrounding area. It is also the least expensive model with the optional Driver Assistance package. This package includes adaptive cruise control and several other features that help the driver. The Driver Assistance package, a great sound system, and a head-up display are only included in the Pinnacle trim. We recommend the AMG C 43 if you want more power and like the way it looks.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class variants

The AMG C 43 is an exciting new addition to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan lineup for 2023. It joins the C 300 and C 300 4Matic, which are already available. Both C 300s are driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automated transmission. This engine has a horsepower rating of 255 and a torque output of 295 pound-feet. The main difference between the C 300 and the C 300 4Matic in terms of equipment is that the C 300 has rear-wheel drive, and the C 300 4Matic has an all-wheel purpose.