2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs

Rather than serve up options a la carte, as it did on the previous generation car, Mercedes-Benz offers three distinct trim levels on the 2022 C-class: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. We think the mid-range Exclusive trim should satisfy the broadest swath of buyers, as it includes niceties such as a 360-degree exterior camera system, a self-parking feature, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester premium stereo system. Although we expect Mercedes will continue to offer the C-class in coupe and convertible body styles, only the sedan will be available at launch. All models come standard with a large infotainment display, a digital gauge display, heated front seats, automated high-beam headlamps, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sunroof, and much more. Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system is optional, but we’ll leave that up to you to decide if you need it.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All 2022 C-class models are powered by the same 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and wear the name C300 on their shapely trunklid. The turbo four is enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system that can temporarily provide up to 20 extra horsepower. Mercedes-Benz says this is enough to get the C300 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, but we believe that number is fairly conservative; the previous generation C-class managed a 5.4-second result in that test. All-wheel drive remains an option with rear-wheel drive being the standard setup; a nine-speed automatic is the only gearbox offered. Handling is spry, as expected from a compact sports sedan, but we were disappointed with the lack of steering feel and the flinty ride quality. When we get a chance to test the C-class at our test track, we’ll update this story with results and more driving impressions.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that rear-wheel drive examples of the C-class should deliver up to 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway; adding all-wheel drive drops those figures by 2 mpg each. When we get a chance, we’ll put the new C-class through our 75-mph highway fuel economy test and report its results here. For more information about the C-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The most dramatic change for the C-class comes in the form of a new high-tech cabin. All models come with a digital gauge display, touch-sensitive controls, and a host of amenities. The new model sports a steering wheel that looks similar to that of the S-class sedan, and Mercedes offers a generous list of standard luxury features such as heated front seats with memory settings, a sunroof, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum accents. Overall, the C-class is about 2.5-inches longer than the outgoing model and its wheelbase has been stretched by an inch. Mercedes-Benz says that results in more rear-seat legroom, but in real-life the difference is negligible.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large, 12.3-inch vertically oriented infotainment display similar to the one in the redesigned S-class sedan sweeps up from the center console and toward a trio of round air vents on the upper dashboard. The touchscreen is tilted slightly toward the driver for easier use while driving and runs the most up-to-date version of Mercedes’s MBUX infotainment system— complete with the voice-activated digital assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and online access via a Wi-Fi hotspot. All models also come with an 11.9-inch digital gauge display and a fingerprint sensor to authenticate the driver’s unique profile for memory settings. A head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, an ambient lighting system, and a Burmester surround sound stereo system are all optional extras.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Mercedes equips the C-class with a host of standard driver-assistance features but unfortunately the car’s coolest tech, which includes an adaptive cruise-control system that utilizes navigation data to adjust the vehicle’s speed for upcoming curves and roundabouts, is still optional. For more information about the C-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although rivals such as BMW, Genesis, and Volvo offer three years of complimentary maintenance, Mercedes-Benz omits that benefit from its standard warranty offerings. Otherwise, all new Benz’s come with an industry-standard plan that covers most things for up to four years or 50,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs