2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

　　

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a versatile small luxury car in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, each with the choice of three distinct engines. Its richly detailed cabin distinguishes it from cost-cutting forebears and exudes the quality that premium-car buyers expect. It's not the newest or most competitive car in the segment, but the C-Class is still a great buy, provided you check the right options boxes.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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

　　$163/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) - $45,950 MSRPC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $53,950 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,400 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $47,950 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $55,950 MSRPAMG C 43 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $55,950 MSRPAMG C 43 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $58,500 MSRPAMG C 43 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $64,750 MSRPAMG C 63 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $68,100 MSRPAMG C 63 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $69,900 MSRPAMG C 63 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $77,300 MSRPAMG C 63 S 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $75,700 MSRPAMG C 63 S 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $77,500 MSRPAMG C 63 S 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $84,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the C-Class drive? 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. The C 300 has an zzdcar-tested 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, though it trails both the Audi A4 (5.3 seconds) and the BMW 330i (5.6 seconds) a tad. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but it 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

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the C-Class? 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 it sounds buzzy when you lay into the gas pedal.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? 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. It 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, it has less rear legroom and footroom than some rival luxury sedans.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? 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. You can control the infotainment system in many ways, 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 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.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? 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. The cabin doesn't offer a lot of places to store your small items 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.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? We tested the C 300 with all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates it gets 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is a bit less than rivals. We recorded an underwhelming 24 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the C-Class a good value? A base C-Class is competitively priced. But adding options quickly pushes the price skyward. Our loaded test car was $63,525 as equipped. Many of its options were nice but not essential — and in the case of the AMG Line package, with its stiff suspension, and the optional 19-inch wheels, we'd argue detrimental.

　　The A-Class is the new "entry-level" Benz, but C-Class has been the traditional point of entry. So for an entry-level luxury car, build quality is exceptional. There's an impressive attention to detail and fit and finish in this mass-produced luxe sedan. Panel fit, controls, trim and brightwork are all very solid.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The C 300 can range from mild to wild, the latter especially when equipped with the optional AMG package. We're not sure it's worth it since the ride comfort is a significant downgrade from what we'd consider to be the peak Benz experience of a competent, coddling ride. The AMG package can be a thrill for some drivers, although for those drivers, we'd recommend simply moving up to the C 43 for more power and overall sportiness.

　　Absent the stiff suspension and ride, though, the C-Class remains a kind of old-school luxury experience, with the benefit of modern tech, design, connectivity and driver safety. The margins between its rivals are thin, but the Benz still exudes a bit more elegance and grace.

　　

Which C-Class does zzdcar recommend?

Though we remain absolutely captivated by the V8 models, most buyers will find the standard C 300 and its turbocharged four-cylinder offer enough performance. Mercedes offers a wealth of options, but keep it simple to avoid sky-high pricing. The main packages to consider are the Premium package (Burmester premium audio system, ambient lighting and satellite radio) and the Driving Assistance package (adaptive cruise control and other driver aids).

　　

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury car sold in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. Trims are available in increasing levels of performance — C 300, C 300 4Matic, AMG C 43, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S. The C 300, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S are rear-wheel-drive, while the C 300 4Matic and AMG C 43 are all-wheel-drive. All use a nine-speed automatic transmission.

　　The C 300 and C 300 4Matic come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque). You also get LED headlights, a sunroof, a power-closing trunklid, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex).

　　Standard tech includes the COMAND infotainment system with a 10.3-inch central display screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a five-speaker audio system. Safety systems include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　The AMG C 43 primarily adds a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (385 hp, 384 lb-ft), upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned suspension with selectable damper settings, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport exhaust, sport front seats, simulated-suede seat inserts, ambient lighting and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system.

　　The AMG C 63 and AMG 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 high-performance transmission and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. The AMG C 63 S also adds 19-inch wheels, configurable steering wheel controls and leather upholstery.

　　Some features on the high-performance models can be added to the lower trims as well. Several packages are optional across all trims. These include the Multimedia package (navigation and a touchpad controller), the Parking Assistance package (automated parking and a surround-view camera), and the Driving Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a lane-centering system).

　　Notable stand-alone options, depending on trim, include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, tri-zone climate control, a head-up display and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The AMG C 63 S is exclusively available with high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes.

　　

2020 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	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles