2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Pros 

• It has all the newest technological features. 
• The highway is quiet, and there is plenty of space inside. 
• The C 300 gets good gas mileage.
• Rapid acceleration in AMG C 43 and C 63 S E Performance models. 

Cons 

• Comfort can be somewhat elusive.
• Some settings can be annoying to use.

What about how the C-Class is driven? The mild hybrid four-cylinder engine in the C 300 was put to the test. The light hybridization helps to smooth out the acceleration. A speed of 60 mph is reached in just 5.8 seconds, which is more than enough time for normal driving. The transmission moves quickly and softly as well. 

Our test car had the extra AMG Line performance package, which came with a sports suspension, better brakes, and steering tuning that made it respond more quickly and directly. All three of these things make this base C-Class a sharp car to drive. We were pleased with how well the C 300 turned and how simple it was to steer in the right way.

How comfy is the C-Class in general? We need to determine exactly how much the AMG Line sport package affects comfort, but our C 300 was less comfortable than many other small luxury cars we tested. The suspension was pretty rough, but it was busier than we would have liked, letting a lot of road noise into the car. Not too much to make the rider uncomfortable, but just enough to handle and turn. The AMG performance seats were mostly firm, but they were hard to get comfortable in and never felt quite right. Also, the non-perforated carpeting started to feel wet after almost an hour of driving. 

All of the climate settings are clearly marked on the screen and can be used with a touchscreen. The cooling system can handle a lot of air, but we had to change the fan speed by hand because the default setting didn’t move enough air. The quiet interior was the best thing about the C-Class, at least in terms of comfort. The engine makes a lot of noise outside, so you only hear it when it starts or idles.

How is the inside? Mercedes-Benz’s interior style and quality of materials are better than those of its rivals. Why was the score only a mean? Function is very important, but the C-Class could do it better. We saw that the low ride height of our C 300 test car made it hard to get in and out of the trunk. For some reason, the controls on the door are not as easy to use as the controls on the seats, and as drivers, we were always moving around to find the best way to sit. 

One of the C-Class’s best features is its ability to hold a lot of people. The cabin is small, but it never feels crowded, and there are usually more of them than on other airlines.

How does the tech work? Mercedes is still on the cutting edge of technology. The only built-in navigation system that comes close to what you can get by adding a current smartphone is Mercedes’. The directions are clear, which is helpful for people who have trouble following directions. If a customer wants to use their phone’s operating system, they can connect to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via USB or WiFi. Benz’s bigger tablet makes the projection experience better when connecting a smartphone because it gives more room for icons or the map. 

Finally, there is the great Burmester sound system and Mercedes-Benz’s state-of-the-art voice recognition technology. Even though the advanced driver-aid package works perfectly, we sometimes felt that the adaptive cruise control sped up or slowed down too quickly. However, the 360-degree camera technology is great and very helpful for getting around in small spaces.

How are things with the storage? The C-Class has a large trunk, and the remote controls for folding the back seats make it easy and quick to open the room between the trunk and the flat-folding back seats. In addition, there is a lot of extra storage space under the floor. With 12.6 cubic feet of room, which is about average for this type of car, and covered trunk hinges, your shopping bags will never get squashed. 

There are average-sized door pockets, two cupholders that can be removed completely when not in use, and a large center armrest with doors that open in half to store small things. Besides the cupholders, there isn’t much else unique. 

Easy to get to. Car seats need to have Isofix pins and tether points. With kids, it’s still harder to get in and out than in a car or SUV, even though it’s fine for this class.

How much fuel does it use? According to the EPA, the 48-volt mild hybrid engine in the C 300 gets a good 29 mpg on the highway and in cities. We got an average of 30.7 mpg in the C 300 on our real-world test route, which shows that the numbers are correct. We were surprised by how well this engine worked for its power.

What does the C-Class mean? Mercedes-Benz cars usually cost more than their rivals, but with the base C 300, the difference isn’t that big. In this case, you really do get what you pay for, even if it’s a tired old saying. This C-Class is much more luxurious than its small size would suggest because it looks like an E-Class. The panel fit, and settings are the best in their class, and the design and choice of materials are always correct. 

Mercedes’ powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties last for four years or 50,000 miles, which is the usual length in the market. However, unlike with some competitors, there is no free upkeep.

The C-Class is a decently fun car to drive, even in the base C 300 trim. Additionally, Mercedes always amazes us with how much luxury it can fit into such a small space. We’re not excited about the newest exterior style, but we’re not against it either.

The regular C 300 is a good choice for most drivers because it has enough power, ability, and price. We suggest that you move up to the middle-level Exclusive trim, which comes with a Burmester premium music system and a surround-view camera system. For extra safety and ease of use on your commute, we suggest adding the Driver Assistance package.