2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

More power for C 300 and C 43 trimsApple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standardThe C 350e hybrid is no longer availablePart of the fourth C-Class generation introduced for 2015

　　Last redesigned four model years ago, Mercedes-Benz's C-Class could be considered the elder statesman in the small luxury sedan and coupe classes. Normally, that'd be no big deal. But rivals from Audi and BMW have benefitted from more recent updates and come with fresher styling and the latest cutting-edge features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$169/mo  for C-Class C 300

　　C-Class C 300

　　C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $41,400 MSRPC 300 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,800 MSRPC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $51,850 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,400 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $45,800 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $53,850 MSRPAMG C 43 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $55,250 MSRPAMG C 43 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $57,450 MSRPAMG C 43 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $63,650 MSRPAMG C 63 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $67,000 MSRPAMG C 63 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $68,750 MSRPAMG C 63 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $76,100 MSRPAMG C 63 S 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $74,600 MSRPAMG C 63 S 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $76,450 MSRPAMG C 63 S 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $83,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　In the Mercedes' favor is an impeccable interior that has aged exceptionally well and is still packed with technology. Additionally, the 2019 C-Class gets a variety of updates, including restyled headlights and taillights, a power increase for some models, and updated tech such as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a new steering wheel with infotainment controllers taken from Mercedes' newer vehicles.

　　As minor as these changes seem, they help to keep the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class current in a strong field of vehicles that includes the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS. It's worth checking out, especially if you're looking for a sedan that skews toward a traditional interpretation of luxury.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as one of zzdcar' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	8.5

　　

Driving

8.0

　　The C-Class we tested, the C 300, places few demands on the driver. It makes sufficient power for a luxury sedan with a base engine and, when equipped with the optional AMG sport suspension, offers exceptional handling. You also get responsive steering and unflappable braking.

　　Acceleration feels strong, although, with an zzdcar-tested 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, the C 300 trails both the Audi A4 (5.3 seconds) and the BMW 330i (5.6 seconds) by a tad. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly but can seem a little hesitant to downshift when you're driving in the default Comfort drive mode. You can liven it up with the Sport mode, but then the shifting can seem overcaffeinated.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　It's unfortunate that the C 300 scores so poorly here. We like how the front seats are supremely comfortable and offer a broad range of adjustment for all body types. The climate control system is full-featured and effective too.

　　But our test car had the optional AMG sport suspension coupled with 19-inch wheels. So equipped, the C 300 suffers from an overly firm ride quality. There's a constant level of jarring vibration that will make you question whether the car is, in fact, a Mercedes-Benz. The engine, too, comes across as unrefined and sounds buzzy when you lay into the gas pedal.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　An elegant center stack with only the most necessary controls adds to the C 300's classy vibe. Unfortunately, the price for this minimalist design is that some functions lack physical buttons. The only way to access them is through menus in the infotainment display screen.

　　Getting in and out is easy thanks to wide door openings and a tall enough ride height that makes entry feel more like sliding in than dropping in. There's plenty of room up front, and the wide range of seating adjustments ensures drivers of all sizes can find a comfortable and commanding driving position. On the downside, there's less rear legroom and footroom than you'll find in some other rival luxury sedans.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　The C 300's trunk (12.6 cubic feet) is small for the class. A low bumper height and a fairly wide trunk opening make it easy to load luggage and gear. But the trunk is deeper than it is wide, and there's no compensating for the lack of overall space. There aren't a lot of places to store your small items in the cabin either.

　　Got kids? You won't have trouble finding the lower car-seat anchors and rear tether points. But because of the C-Class' limited rear legroom, installing a bulky rear-facing seat might be a tight squeeze depending on where you position the front seats.

　　

Technology

8.5

　　The C 300's infotainment system gets a boost for 2019. Our test car had the optional 10.25-inch display (a 7-inch display is standard) and we liked its crisp, clear graphics. There are multiple ways to control the infotainment system, including touchpad controllers on the steering wheel and a more traditional dial-and-button array. It's overkill, but all the controls work seamlessly, and many drivers will appreciate the choice.

　　The optional Burmester sound system is excellent, and the (also) optional digital gauge cluster is worth the expense. It puts the status and control of several functions (navigation, audio, phone) in your direct line of sight. Driver assist features work well and are well-calibrated, but they're a pricey option.

　　

Which C-Class does zzdcar recommend?

　　We recommend the base C 300 for the majority of shoppers. It has plenty of power to satisfy most drivers and a long list of options that won't leave you feeling left out. The top-of-the-line AMG C 63 is reserved for the most power-hungry of enthusiasts while the AMG C 43 represents a more sensible middle ground.

　　

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

　　The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan comes in five trim levels: C 300, C 300 4Matic (all-wheel-drive), AMG C 43, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S.

　　With the exception of the high-horsepower engines and sport-tuned components in the AMG models, most C-Classes get the same standard equipment and are available with a plethora of packaged and stand-alone options.

　　The C 300 (and C 300 4Matic) comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque), a nine-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex), and 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks.

　　Standard tech includes the COMAND infotainment system (with a 7-inch central display screen and a console-mounted dial controller), Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual USB ports, and a sound system with HD radio.

　　The C 300 offers plenty of options, both in packages and as stand-alone items. The Premium package adds an electronic trunk closer, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, and satellite radio.

　　Consider getting the Multimedia package, which offers an upgraded 10.25-inch screen with navigation, voice controls and touchpad infotainment controller. Another one is the Driver Assistance package with its forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, navigation-based speed limit assist, and a host of other systems to help prevent collisions.

　　The AMG Line package adds AMG style and performance features — upgraded brakes, sport suspension, a rear spoiler and unique bodywork — without needing to step up to the C 43. Other packages offer blacked-out exterior trim styling and different wheels.

　　Stand-alone options for the C 300 include a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a digital customizable gauge cluster, wireless device charger, and a premium Burmester audio system.

　　For the most part, AMG C 43 models come standard with the Premium package features, along with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (385 hp, 384 lb-ft), all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive suspension dampers and 18-inch wheels. The 10.25-inch infotainment display, blind-spot monitoring and unique interior trim are also included.

　　The AMG C 63 and C 63 S offer similar equipment, with the notable difference of a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (469 hp, 479 lb-ft with the C 63; 503 hp, 516 lb-ft with the C 63 S), a multi-clutch, high-performance nine-speed automatic transmission, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. C 63 models are rear-wheel-drive only.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 C-Class articles

　　

2019 C-Class Highlights

Type: AMG C 43AMG C 63SedanCoupeAMG C 63 SConvertibleSedan

　　Trim: C 300C 300 4MATICAMG C 43AMG C 63AMG C 63 SC 300

　　

Base MSRP	$41,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$169/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles