- Overview
- Technical Specifications
- General Information
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INTRODUCTION
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, available as a coupe, convertible or sedan, is one of the safest cars on the road. Depending on the engine–all three of them are exceptional–it can be docile or fire-breathing.
The entry-level C-Class is the 255-horsepower C 300, with rear or all-wheel drive. It has excellent acceleration, a slick 9-speed automatic transmission, and wonderful chassis tuning.
The AMG C 43 uses a 385-hp twin-turbo V-6; it's a proper AMG. The AMG C 63 throws down 500 horsepower. It's all that, and more.
Performance is a good reason to buy the C-Class, but styling is a close second. The sedans channel vintage Benz lines, coupes have their own rear ends, and convertibles look as good with their tops up as down.
Safety is a C-Class asset thanks to good scores and accessible advanced crash-avoidance tech that can also reduce driver fatigue on trips and in traffic by handling some duties on its own. That tech mostly makes up for an infotainment system that can be a bear to operate.
The rear-wheel-drive C 300 sedan is EPA-rated at 24 mpg city, 35 highway, 28 combined, while all-wheel drive gets a bit less. For some reason that must be aerodynamics, the C 300 coupe only gets 25 mpg combined, while the convertible gets 24 mpg.
The AMG C 43 is rated at 19/27/22 mpg, while the AMG C 63 comes in at 18/27/21 mpg, not bad for 500 horsepower.
Every version of the C-Class requires premium fuel.
The IIHS gives the C-Class its Top Safety Pick+ rating, although only cars with automatic high-beam headlights earn the top 'Good'? score; other headlights are 'Acceptable.'?
Federal testers at the NHTSA last tested the C-Class in 2018, but it hasn't changed since then. They gave it five stars.
Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors are standard. Adaptive cruise control is part of an optional package including active lane control, along with a system that allows the car to stop, restart, and hold its lane in traffic.
LINEUP
The C 300 sedan rear-wheel drive, and includes synthetic leather seats, a power moonroof, a 10.3-inch screen and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility. Options include all-wheel drive, as well as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and Burmester audio. Automatic emergency braking is standard, while active cruise control and the advanced crash-avoidance features come in a package but first you have to buy $1,250 worth of navigation and voice controls.
The AMG C 43 adds features along with power, for about $57,000; the AMG C 63 costs about $70,000. There's also a AMG C 63 S with 34 more horsepower, for about $77,000.
All Mercedes-Benz models are backed by a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.
WALKAROUND
The lines of the C-Class mirror those of the larger E-Class and S-Class, but the smaller proportions carry more grace. The front ends of the sedan, coupe and convertible carry a big three-pointed star, while the taillights of the coupe and sedan are different. In profile, the sedan and coupe share a handsome high-greenhouse silhouette. The chrome is subtle, enhancing the classy looks. A wide range of wheels means that no two Cs need look the same,
The AMG C 43 and AMG C 63 have optional AMG styling kits that border on ostentatious, with gaping lower intakes, rear diffusers, and side skirts.
INTERIOR
The gorgeous curvy C-Class dash can be draped in a variety of veneers, from glossy wood to open pore ash or aluminum.
The wide 10.3-inch touchscreen hovers over the dash but somehow doesn't look like an afterthought, as in other cars. However it doesn't integrate with the available digital instrument cluster as nicely in the C-Class as it does in other Mercedes cars.
The power-adjustable front seats offer exceptional support, including extendable thigh support; they come in convincing synthetic leather, and can be heated, cooled, and equipped with a massaging feature.
The AMG seats have more bolstering and are a tighter fit. The AMG versions look largely the same inside, but with upgraded leather trim on the seats.
Rear-seat leg room is adequate in sedans, but not so in coupes and convertibles. The trunk is also smaller in those versions, at a mere 8.8 cubic feet; the sedans get 12.6 cubic feet of space.
Outward vision in the sedan is generally good, but convertibles and coupes have over-the-shoulder issues.
DRIVING IMPRESSION
The C 300 sedan comes with a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 mated to a slick 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It can sprint from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds, which is quite quick, and this is the slowest of the three powertrains.
Most C 300s come with all-wheel drive, however the standard summer tires aren't advised for winter conditions.
The steering is responsive but not too quick. The C-Class handles as well as the BMW 3-Series, which wasn't the case until this generation.
The ride is supple on the standard suspension with coil springs.
The all-wheel-drive AMG C 43 uses a twin twin-turbo V-6 making 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The AMG C 63 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 making 469 hp, while in the C63 S it makes 503 hp. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an absurdly quick 3.8 seconds.
The AMG suspensions are tuned for more traction, and use taller wheels with grippier tires. AMG C 43s use adaptive dampers rather than an air suspension, while the AMG C 63 uses an even more finely tuned version of the adaptive dampers for a focused but not brittle performance feel.
SUMMARY
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is everything a Mercedes is expected to be. It sports brilliant powertrains and a supple ride, responsive handling-especially in AMG trim-as well as a classy cabin. Available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible, it's a nameplate that's earned its star.
INTERIOR | |
Front head room | 39 " |
Rear head room | 36 " |
Front shoulder room | 55 " |
Rear shoulder room | 52 " |
Front leg room | 42.0 " |
Rear leg room | 32.0 " |
Luggage capacity | 10.5 Cu.Ft. |
Maximum cargo capacity | 10.5 Cu.Ft. |
Standard seating | 4 |
EXTERIOR | |
Length | 184.5 " |
Body width | 71.3 " |
Body height | 55.6 " |
Wheelbase | 111.8 " |
Ground clearance | 3.5 " |
Curb | 3,682 Lbs. |
FUEL | |
Fuel tank capacity | 17.4 Gal. |
EPA mileage estimates | 21 City / 30 Hwy |
PERFORMANCE | |
Base engine size | 2.0 Liters |
Base engine type | I-4 |
Horsepower | 255 Hp |
Horsepower rpm | 5,800 |
Torque | 273 Lb-Ft. |
Torque rpm | 1,800 |
Drive type | All-Wheel |
Turning radius | 18.4 '' |
MECHANICAL | |
Engine | 2.0L I-4 |
Engine - valvetrain | DOHC |
Turbocharger | Intercooled Turbo |
Brakes | 4-Wheel Disc |
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) | 4-Wheel |
Brake assist | Std |
Drive type | 4MATIC All Wheel |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel |
Steering | Rack And Pinion |
Speed sensitive steering | Std |
Suspension tuning | Sport |
Ride control | AGILITY CONTROL |
Front suspension type | Strut |
Front anti-roll bar | Std |
Front shocks | Gas-Pressurized |
Front springs | Coil |
Rear suspension type | Multi-Link |
Rear anti-roll bar | Std |
Rear shocks | Gas-Pressurized |
Rear springs | Coil |
Electronic stability system | Std |
Sequential shift control | Std |
Transmission | 9-Spd Auto W/OD |
Axle ratio | 3.07 |
Locking/limited slip differential | Std |
Remote vehicle starting system | Std |
Traction control | ABS And Driveline |
INTERIOR | |
Driver information center | Std |
Tachometer | Std |
Trip computer | Std |
Water temp gauge | Std |
Low fuel warning | Std |
Service interval warning | Std |
Lighting - glovebox | Std |
Lighting - map lights | Front |
Lighting - dome light | Fade |
Lighting - cargo light | Std |
Illuminated vanity mirrors | Driver And Passenger |
Rear window defogger | Std |
Rear view mirror | Auto-Dimming Day-Night |
Mirrors - visor vanity mirrors | Driver And Passenger |
Seatback storage pockets | 2 |
Tilt-Wheel adjustable steering column | Std |
Steering wheel material | Leather/Metal-Look |
Air conditioning, front | Dual Zone Automatic |
Air filter | Std |
Air conditioning, rear | N/A |
Underseat ducts | Std |
Cargo concealed storage | N/A |
Cargo tie downs | Std |
Clock | Analog |
Cupholders | Front And Rear |
Gear shift knob trim | Urethane |
Overhead console | Mini With Storage |
Floor console | Full |
Floor mats | Carpeted Front And Rear |
Instrumentation | Analog |
Airbags, frontal | Driver And Front Passenger |
Airbags, side impact | Seat Mounted, Driver And Passenger |
Airbags, side curtain | Curtain 1st And 2nd Row |
Airbags, knee protection | Driver And Passenger |
Height adjustable safety belts | N/A |
Seatbelt pre-tensioners | Front And Rear |
EXTERIOR | |
Exterior light control | Auto On/Off |
Antenna | Window Grid |
Body material | Galvanized Steel/Aluminum |
Paint | Clearcoat Monotone |
Bodyside insert | N/A |
Grille trim | With Chrome Bar |
Fog/driving lights | Rear |
Door count | 2 Doors |
Rear cargo door | Power Open And Close Trunk |
Tinted windows | Light |
Rear window type | Fixed |
Mirrors | Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/Tilt Down Passenger |
Heated door mirrors | Std |
Mirrors, auto dimming | Driver |
Sunroof | 1st And 2nd Row Exterior Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Glass |
2nd row sunroof | N/A |
Convertible top | N/A |
Convertible roof glass rear window | N/A |
Spoiler | Lip |
Tires - front | P225/45HR18.0 BSW Run-Flat AS |
Tires - rear | 245/40HR18 |
Wheels | 18" Machined W/Painted Accents Aluminum |
Windshield wipers - front | Variable Intermittent |
Windshield wipers - rain sensing | Std |
Headlights | LED Low/High Beam |
Delay off headlamps | Std |
Cornering lights | Opt |
Daytime running lights | Std |
Directionally adaptive headlights | Opt |
CONVENIENCE | |
Exterior temperature display | Std |
Compass | Std |
Cruise control | Std |
Adaptive cruise control | Opt |
12V DC power outlet | 3 |
Lighter elements | Front |
Ashtray | Std |
Front windows | Power |
Rear windows | Fixed |
1-touch window up | Driver And Passenger |
1-touch window down | Driver And Passenger |
Programmable garage door opener | Std |
Remote trunk release | Proximity |
Retained accessory power | Std |
Head-up display | Opt |
Occupancy sensor | Std |
In-Vehicle Assistance Service | Mercedes Me Connect |
Stolen-vehicle tracking | Std |
Door curb lights | 2 |
Illuminated entry | Std |
Parking assist | PARKTRONIC W/Active Parking Assist |
Remote keyless entry | Keyfob (All Doors) |
Keyless access system | Std |
Panic alarm | Std |
Door locks | Power With 2 Stage Unlock |
Content theft deterrent alarm system | Std |
Ignition disable | Std |
Lane departure warning | Active Lane Keeping Assist |
First aid kit | Std |
Theft deterrent radio | Std |
Blind spot sensor | Std |
Low tire pressure warning | Std |
ENTERTAINMENT | |
Radio | SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, Seek-Scan |
Steering wheel audio controls | Std |
Voice recognition | Std |
Speakers | 13 Burmester |
Amplifier | 590W |
Speed sensitive Volume | Std |
Navigation system | COMAND With Voice Activation |
1st row LCD screen | 2 |
Bluetooth Compatibility | Std |
COMFORT | |
Front seat type | Bucket |
Standard seating | 4 Passengers |
Front driver seat direction controls | 10-Way Power |
Front passenger seat direction controls | 8-Way Power |
Lumbar support | Driver And Passenger |
Front armrests | Center |
Front head restraints | Adjustable |
Heated front seats | Driver And Front Passenger Heated-Cushion, Heated-Seatback |
Cooled front seats | Driver And Passenger |
Memory | Driver |
Rear seats | 40-20-40 Split-Bench |
Rear armrest | N/A |
Rear head restraints | 2 - Fixed |
Seat trim | MB-Tex Leatherette |