2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a far cry from where the model started out almost 30 years ago. With smaller and more affordable vehicles supporting it, the C-Class is more of a middleweight luxury sedan than an entry-level taste of the brand. As such, it's not exactly a bargain buy, but in return you're getting an impressive mix of performance, interior refinement and technology.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$160/mo  for C-Class C 300

　　C-Class C 300

　　C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $43,550 MSRPC 300 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $47,850 MSRPC 300 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $55,400 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $45,550 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $49,850 MSRPC 300 4MATIC 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $57,400 MSRPAMG C 43 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $60,500 MSRPAMG C 43 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $67,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　This year, the C-Class sedan has been fully redesigned. While the exterior styling remains familiar, the interior has been completely reworked and has echoes of the S-Class flagship sedan with its large tablet-like touchscreen mounted in the center of the dash. There are also some interesting touches — such as the ambient lighting elements in the air vents and wood trim threaded with aluminum — that make the C 300 look like a much more expensive vehicle than it is.

　　The cabin is slightly roomier than its predecessor — and indeed, the interior is far more adult-friendly than the diminutive CLA's — but the C-Class still isn't a big car. Headroom up front is sufficient for anyone 6-foot-2 or shorter, but the modest amount of rear headroom and legroom is a tight fit for tall backseat passengers. If passenger space is a priority, you might want to consider getting an E-Class or wait for the upcoming redesigned GLC, which is Mercedes' small SUV.

　　For now, Mercedes is only offering the C-Class in the base C 300 trim, and this new C-Class isn't as engaging or fun to drive as its BMW or Audi rivals. But more performance-focused AMG models are already on the way. That said, most drivers will find the C 300 enjoyable to drive and comfortable over many miles. As expected, the C-Class also comes well equipped with all of the latest technology features, both for entertainment and for safety.

　　The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a good chance of maintaining a very favorable spot in zzdcar' rankings, but if you're seeking a bit more excitement and performance, you may want to hold out for the AMG models. If you're like most shoppers and looking more for comfort and refinement, you can't do much better. In addition to the usual BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 rivals, we also recommend checking out the Lexus IS 300 and Genesis G70. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full evaluation of the new C 300.

　　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.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the C-Class drive? It's hard to find fault with the C 300's new turbocharged mild hybrid four-cylinder engine. The new powertrain provides ample motivation with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, but the mild hybridization helps fill in and mellow out what used to be a high-strung experience with the previous engine. This makes the already capable nine-speed automatic transmission's job even easier, and it always seems to be in the right gear. Accelerating to 60 mph takes just 5.8 seconds, which is plenty of punch for day-to-day driving.

　　Our test car had the benefit of the optional AMG Line sport package, which adds a sport suspension, upgraded brakes and tunes the steering for a more direct and quick response, among other things. All three make this standard C-Class' driving dynamics feel sharp. We are truly impressed with how the C 300 comports itself through turns and how effortless it is to guide it where you want to go. We can't wait to see what the full-blown AMG performance versions have in store.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the C-Class? We can't say for sure how much the AMG Line sport package compromises comfort, but we did find our C 300 to be less comfortable than many rivals in the small luxury class. The suspension, while not harsh, was definitely busier than we'd like, transmitting a lot of road texture into the cabin. That's good for steering and handling, not so much for ride comfort. The AMG sport seats, while mostly supportive, took some time to adjust for comfort and never really felt just right. They also had a non-perforated upholstery that began to feel swampy after driving for more than an hour.

　　The climate controls are all touchscreen-based with a dedicated spot on the screen. The system has ample cooling capacity, but we felt the need to manually control the fan speed because it didn't seem to blow enough air when left on the auto setting. The greatest strength of the C-Class, at least in terms of comfort, was how quiet the cabin remained. It keeps all manner of sounds outside and you barely hear the engine at startup or idle.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below