2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C Class sedan is available in five trim levels which are C 300, C 300 4Matic, AMG C 43, AMG C 63, and AMG C 63 S. The AMG models are covered in separate reviews. The base C 300 sedan comes with a single-engine option and two drivetrain layouts, the AWD layout being named as 4Matic. Right in the stock form, the sedan comes fully equipped with a handsome list of features that leave very little to desire for optional packages and standalone features. However, the additional packages are not baseless either and offer a wide range of quite tasteful features to enhance your experience many folds. 

Some of the packages available include the AMG Line package which adds an aerodynamic body kit and a sport-tuned suspension setup, the Premium package that adds interior ambient lighting and a 13-speaker Burmester high-end audio system, the all-new Night Edition Package that includes both the Premium and AMG Line package along with blacked-out exterior accents and imitation suede seat inserts. Both the Parking Assistance Package and the Driver Assistance Package adds a wide array of advanced safety techs and parking aids to enhance the safety and ease of driving of the sedan.

Which trim should you buy?

We would recommend the base trim with the all-new Night Edition Package along with the Driver Assistance Package for a great all-around experience.

Luxury sedans have come a long way and with modern engined under the hood, the vehicles do return some impressive fuel economy figures as well. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 returns a city mileage of 24mpg while the highway mileage stands at an impressive 35mpg. The combined mileage is rated at 28mpg. The sedan also gets a big 17.4 gallons gas tank which allows it to offer some impressive driving range numbers of 487 miles.

The Lexus IS 300 is the least fuel-efficient sedan among the rivals here averaging 24 MPG. But with a similar-sized gas tank to the C 300, it makes up for the disappointing mpg figures to some extent. The Audi A4 has similar city mileage to the C 300 but has a considerably lower highway mileage. It also has a smaller gas tank than the C 300 resulting in lower driving range numbers. The BMW 3 Series delivers the highest fuel economy numbers of 30MPG among the rivals here bu with a smaller gas tank than the C 300, it fails to deliver the impressive numbers like the C 300.

The cabin of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 gets an elegant design with premium quality materials all over the interior. The doors open wide making it quite easy to get in and out of the sedan for both the front and rear passengers. The seats are well cushioned and adequately comfortable for both short and long journeys. The front seats get a heating function with driver’s seat memory settings. The dual-zone automatic control dials up the comfort levels to a great extent.

The rear seats are more comfortable than the front seats with a good recline angle and adequate headroom and legroom on offer. The cargo capacity is generous at 12.6 cu-ft.

The Lexus IS 300 has a better and more comfortable cabin than the Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan and offers more headroom for the front passengers. The cargo space on offer is quite disappointing though with a mere 10.8 cu-ft. on offer. The Audi A4 gets an equally enticing cabin like the Mercedes-Benz C 300 and has excellent comfort levels with a finely crafted interior. The BMW 3 Series has the best cargo capacity of 13 cu.-ft on offer when compared to the rivals here and also offers a comfy cabin too.

Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Driver's seat memory settings
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Remote Start via Mercedes Me connect 
• 40/20/40 Split-folding rear seats
• Keyless Start
• Electronic Trunk Closer
• Homelink garage door opener
• Remote opening and closing of windows and sunroof

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 gets a 10.25-inch infotainment display as standard. The system offers a neat and user-friendly layout with bright and crisp graphics. The system can be controlled via the touchpad controllers mounted on the steering wheels or the touch buttons placed on the center stack as well. However, the old rotary-knob-based controls were better. One can opt for the optional fully-digital gauge cluster that has a brilliant display and is completely worth the upgrade. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as standard. The optional Burmester audio system offers excellent audio output and surround listening experience.

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• 10.25-inch infotainment display
• Steering wheel with touch controls
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Dual USB Audio Ports
• Central Controller
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming

Over the years, the Mercedes-Benz C Class sedan has become more appealing and handsome. The 2021 C 300 gets a bold and intriguing exterior design to boast of. The front end looks aggressive with the new front grille design and the sculpted lines on the hood give the sedan a distinct muscular appeal that is a rare find in the segment.

The all-LED headlamp units with the LED running lights look spectacular both day and night. The side profile has a sporty appeal with some sculpted lines emerging from the front fenders and flowing along with the doors to the rear end. The rear end looks graceful with a pair of compact yet elegant LED taillights.

The Lexus Lexus IS 300 is the most aggressive-looking sedan in the segment with the brand’s famous spindle grille design. The sedan is also longer than the C Class and looks sportier than the latter from the sides as well as the rear end. The Audi A4 is the second-best looking sedan in the segment with a wide and aggressive front-end design that rivals the C 300’s overall appeal to a great extent. The BMW 3 Series sedan has the sleekest front grille design but the new headlamp and taillamp design make the car stand out in the crowd truly.

Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• All-LED headlights and taillights
• Power-operated trunk lid
• Aerodynamic body kit(optional)
• Chrome starburst-pattern grille(optional)
• Rear spoiler(optional)
• Black-painted exterior accents(optional)
• Black grille(optional)

German sedans are known for their impeccable build quality and advanced safety techs on offer. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 bagged a top 5-star rating from the NHTSA and an overall “Good” rating from the IIHS as well. The standard safety techs ion offer with the sedan includes a forward collision mitigation system and a Blind Spot Monitoring system. The optional Driver Assistance Package further adds some advanced features such as Evasive steering assist, lane departure mitigation, and Blind-spot intervention.

Some of the safety techs include:

• Blind Spot Warning Accident Avoidance System
• Brake Drying
• Emergency Braking Preparation
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Pre-Collision and Post-Collision Safety System

Mercedes Benz C-Class Sedan vs. Lexus IS 300

The Lexus IS 300 is a cheaper alternative to the Mercedes-Benz C 300 and offers an excellent value-for-money along with better reliability than the C 300. Performance-wise, the sedan falls short in front of the C 300 and its handling isn’t inspiring either but the aggressive looks and comfortable ride quality make up for the shortcomings. The IS 300 also loses out to the C 300 big time in the fuel economy department as well.

Mercedes Benz C-Class Sedan vs. Audi A4

The 2021 Audi A4 will entice the young and enthusiastic buyers out there as compared to the C 300 owing to its sportier appeal and overall better handling along with a better performance too. The A4 is more powerful and quicker than the C Class right from the base trim and offers more value for money altogether.

Mercedes Benz C-Class Sedan vs. BMW 3-series 330i

The BMW 3 Series gives the most intense and tough competition to the C 300 sedan. The 3 Series sedan is evenly matched to the C Class in terms of performance, handling, and overall comfort levels but feels sportier than the latter. It also triumphs over the Mercedes-Benz C Class in terms of fuel economy as well.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C Class with its refreshing design and a comfortable experience behind the wheels makes for an offer one simply can’t refuse. For the price, it offers an excellent set of interior features, a wide range of optional features, excellent comfort, and a soothing cabin design. Overall, you can opt for the C Class if you prefer comfort over sportiness or the BMW 3 Series sedan will suit you perfectly.