2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Rating6.7

Ranked #13 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$43,550 - $87,100
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 14, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Introduction of features from S Class sedan

Deletion of coupe and convertible model

Fully Redesigned Interior

Advanced navigation system with augmented display

No optional air-suspension on offer

Fully Redesigned Exterior

all-new cabin design

All-new 11.9” central touchscreen with New-generation MBUX infotainment

2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine with ISG

Specs & Features

$47,850

price

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

horsepower

273 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

torque

9-speed Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl RWD 9A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most recognizable and best-selling lineups that the brand has ever produced. These compact executive cars make up a major part of the brand's revenue across the world. The current-gen (Fourth generation – W205) of the C-Class family was launched all the way back in 2014. And after eight whole years, Mercedes-Benz has finally decided to revamp the C-Class family. 

Buying Advice

Available in two configurations, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a delight to drive. While the base C300 trim is equipped with an extensive list of standard features, we recommend opting for the C300 4Matic that with its standard AWD setup adds agility to the drive and contributes to the plushness and practicality on offer. Though it does command a higher price tag, the improved driving dynamics in itself justify the premium.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

They announced the fifth generation (W206) of the C-Class family in February 2021. It will go on sale as a 2022 model year car. However, this generation will still be based on the same Mercedes-Benz MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform that has been in use since 2014. The newly redesigned C-Class boasts styling cues similar to its larger siblings, E-Class and S-Class.

Features

For the 2022 MY, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has streamlined its many complex packages into a simple three trim layer. The 2022 C-Class will be offered in three trims-Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle. Mercedes is now offering several features as standard on the Base trim too.

Trim

Premium

Exclusive

Pinnacle

MSRP

$43,000

$47,000

$51,000

Key Features

11.9 inch infotainment screen

Burmester audio system

Adds all the features of other lower trims

 

Heated Front seats

Ambient lighting

Heated steering wheel

 

18-inch wheels

Surround-view camera system

SiriusXM satellite radio

 

Sunroof

Adaptive LED headlights

Head up display with AR

 

A driver-attention monitor

Wireless charging pad

 

  Blind-spot monitors  

 

Fuel Economy
6.9/10

While the exact fuel efficiency is still to be assessed by the EPA, Mercedes has claimed that the new powertrain setup will be 10 to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than the previous one. Considering this estimate we can gauge that the new C-Class should deliver around 25 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg out on the highways. 

These are pretty healthy numbers. And when combined with the largest fuel tank in this segment, the 2022 C-Class boasts by far the largest range compared to other rivals.

Model

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

2021 BMW 3-Series Sedan

2022 Audi A4 Sedan

2021 Cadillac CT5 Sedan

MPG (city)

25

26

24

23

MPG (highway)

36

36

31

32

MPG (combined)

29

30

27

26

Fuel tank capacity (gallons)

17.4

15.9

15.3

17

Range (city/highway) (miles)

435 / 626.4

405.6 / 561.6

367.2 / 473.3

391 / 544

If the estimations are correct, then the new C-Class will likely be the most fuel-efficient car in this segment, tied with the BMW 3-series sedan. However, the BMW boasts a much smaller fuel tank which results in drastic reductions in the overall range.

Interior
6.9/10

The exterior has seen significant changes but it still is quite muted. However, the interior is where the 2022 C-Class differs the most from the outgoing model. The 2022 model boasts a cabin that mimics the minimal yet sublime luxury of the new S-Class. The 12.3-inch vertical ventral touchscreen dominates the landscape. The center console touchpad and the controller knob that the previous sedan utilized are completely gone. Thus, the result is a far cleaner-looking center stack. The car also features a brand new steering wheel that looks and feels far better than the previous ones. Behind the steering wheel resides an 11.9-inch diagonal digital driver's display.

The seats are plush and as comfortable as they can get in this segment. As standard Mercedes also offers heated front seats. Details about the interior room have not been revealed just yet. But the previous C-Class sedan was quite spacious. And considering the longer wheelbase and overall length of the new C-Class, the interior room will likely be more than enough for adults.

Model

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

2021 BMW 3-Series Sedan

2022 Audi A4 Sedan

2021 Cadillac CT5 Sedan

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

37.1 / 55.3 / 41.7

38.7 / 56 / 42

37.3 / 55.9 / 41.3

39 / 56.7 / 42.4

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

37.1 / 55 / 35.2

37.6 / 54.6 / 35.6

37.4 / 54.5 / 35.7

36.6 / 55.7 / 37.9

Cargo Capacity (ft cu)

12.6

17

12

11.9

*2021 MY used for reference

On the spec sheet, the Mercedes seems to pale in comparison to the BMW and the Audi. However, these specs are from the 2021 model year since Mercedes has not revealed the interior dimensions. However, due to the longer body and wheelbase, the new C-Class will likely be more than enough to take on the spacious BMW 3 series sedan.

Details about the cargo capacity are also yet to be revealed. It all depends on how Merc utilizes the newly redesigned exterior. However, the outgoing model's 12.6 cubic feet capacity is still good enough to take on the Audi A4 and Cadillac CT5. The new sedan's cargo hold will likely be bigger.

Standout Interior Features:

  • Heated Front Seats with Memory Settings
  • Sunroof
  • Open Pore Wood Trim with Aluminum Accents
  • Available Nappa leather upholstery

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan: Infotainment and Connectivity

The 12.3 Inch vertically oriented infotainment display is similar to the one in the latest S-Class. It is equally crisp and high quality and rivals the latest system by Tesla. The software is also improved along with the hardware. It runs the most up-to-date version of Mercedes's MBUX infotainment system. It has nifty features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice-activated digital assistant, WiFi Hotspot, and many more. All models also come standard with an 11.9-inch digital driver's display which is equally crisp and responsive. 

With the new C-Class, you also get a fingerprint sensor to authenticate the driver's unique profile and memory settings. A heads-up display, wireless smartphone charging pad, ambient lighting system, and a Burmester surround sound system are all accessible through options. 

Standout Infotainment features:

  • 12.3 inch Vertically oriented Infotainment Display
  • 11.9-inch Digital Driver's Display
  • Voice Activation
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • WiFi Hotspot

Exterior
6.9/10

Indeed, the 2022 C-Class represents the fifth generation of the same family. And so the exterior of the 2022 model has been completely revamped. The new exterior borrows design cues from the flagship S-Class sedan that was redesigned just a year ago. The headlights are now sleeker and more focused. 

The tail is redesigned to look sportier and meaner compared to the bulbous design of the outgoing model. Overall, the new C-Class looks much cleaner than before. As standard, the C-Class comes with 18-inch wheels which do compliment the overall look quite well.

Model

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

2021 BMW 3-Series Sedan

2022 Audi A4 Sedan

2021 Cadillac CT5 Sedan

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3472*

3592

3726

2896

Length (in.)

184.5*

185.7

187.5

193.8

Width (in.)

71.3*

71.9

72.7

74.1

Height (in.)

56.8*

56.8

56.2

57.2

Ground Clearance (in.)

3.8

NA

5.2

NA

Wheelbase (in.)

112.8

112.2

111

116

Track Width (in.) F/R

61.5 / 60.9*

62.3 / 62.9

61.9 / 61.2

62.8 / 63.9

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasts the longest wheelbase amongst the rivals. However, the bodywork limits the overhangs due to which it is the shortest one in terms of overall length. 

Standout exterior features include:

  • LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist
  • 18” alloy wheels
  • Available AMG Line with AMG body styling, floor mats and wheels
  • Available Night Package
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • 18-inch wheels

Safety
4.0/10

We need not worry about safety when it's a Mercedes-Benz. All the trims of the C-Class are pre-loaded with a vast line of safety features and driver-assistive technology as standard. Only a few features like the Mercedes’s Adaptive Cruise-Control system that works on the grounds of navigation system by which the vehicle’s speed is automatically adjusted for the narrow and curvy roads that come along are made optional. Some of the safety features include:

  • Lane-keep Assist
  • Active Blind-Spot Assist
  • Pedestrian alert
  • Attention Assist and Active Brake Assist
  • Distance Assist
  • Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC

Final Verdict

The next-gen 2022 C-Class will surely be worth the premium. It is certainly a step up over the outgoing model in almost every possible way. It now has a more matured and refined exterior combined with a futuristic and technologically advanced interior. It is also now more luxurious as well as more fuel-efficient.

Trims

    C 300
    $43,550 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl RWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 273 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.52 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    AMG C 43
    $60,500 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 385 hp @ 6100 rpm hp
    • Torque: 384 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    AMG C 63 S
    $87,100 onwards
    • Engine: 4.0L 8cyl RWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 503 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 516 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 3.96 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$43,550- $87,100

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.71

Horsepower

503 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

516 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$38,200- $41,250

Gasoline

8.3

221 hp @ 5800 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,695- $45,895

Gasoline

6.68

235 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$36,290- $38,490

Gasoline

8.05

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,775- $54,750

Gasoline

7.68

252 hp @ 6200 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$42,100- $57,950

Gasoline

6.62

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$42,950- $78,830

Gasoline

7.59

280 hp @ 5200 rpm

306 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,900- $50,900

Gasoline

7.45

201 hp @ 4200 rpm

236 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,450- $43,450

Gasoline

8.21

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1550 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,125- $41,125

Gasoline

6.61

241 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

5

Read Review

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.84 sec--
    4.3 sec--
    5.5 sec13.9 sec152 mph
    5.6 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    5.7 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    5.9 sec--

    2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      25 mpg35 mpg29 mpg17.4 gal.435/609 mi.
      26 mpg35 mpg30 mpg15.9 gal.413.4/556.5 mi.
      26 mpg36 mpg30 mpg15.6 gal.405.6/561.6 mi.
      2022 Audi A4

      Ranked #2

      26 mpg34 mpg29 mpg15.3 gal.397.8/520.2 mi.
      24 mpg33 mpg27 mpg15.3 gal.367.2/504.9 mi.
      23 mpg34 mpg27 mpg17 gal.391/578 mi.

      2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        187 in.74.4 in.56.6 in.3.5 in.112.8 in. -
        190.2 in.73.6 in.55.1 in.-114.4 in. -
        189.6 in.71.8 in.57.2 in.5.3 in.112.2 in. -
        2022 Audi A4

        Ranked #3

        187.5 in.72.7 in.56.2 in.5.2 in.111 in. -
        187.4 in.80.3 in.56.6 in.5.8 in.113.1 in.
        187.2 in.71.4 in.56 in.-109.3 in. -

        2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          12.6 cu.ft.97.9 cu.ft.53.1 cu.ft.
          2022 Audi A4

          Ranked #1

          12 cu.ft.124.6 cu.ft.41 cu.ft.
          17 cu.ft.125.8 cu.ft.61 cu.ft.
          10.5 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.41 cu.ft.
          23.3 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.83.1 cu.ft.
          13.4 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.90.3 cu.ft.

          2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            53.1 cu.ft.12.6 cu.ft.53.1 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.13.4 cu.ft.90.3 cu.ft.-
            -10.8 cu.ft.--
            5.3 cu.ft.11.6 cu.ft.5.3 cu.ft.122 ft.
            13.5 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.-
            20.2 cu.ft.10.7 cu.ft.11.8 cu.ft.-

            2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1202 lbs.3825 lbs. -
              2000 lbs.890 lbs.3786 lbs.
              -905 lbs.3521 lbs.
              -825 lbs.3715 lbs.
              -1239 lbs.3611 lbs.
              -836 lbs.3582 lbs.

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