2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review | Pricing, Trims & Photos (2024)

Introduced in the 1990s as the brand's entry-level model, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has evolved into one of the best compact luxury sedans on the market. It's now positioned above the smaller CLA and below the recently redesigned E-Class. This fifth-generation C-Class was last redesigned in 2022, but the 2024 C-Class brings a very notable addition.

Joining the 255-horsepower C 300 and 402-hp AMG C43 is the new AMG C63. Previous C63 models opted for a burly V8 engine that pumped out up to 500 hp. This new model gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces an exceptional 671 hp using technology gleaned from Mercedes' Formula 1 race car. The coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class are dropped from the lineup, but a new CLE model is scheduled to fill that void next year.

With the addition of the AMG C63, the C-Class sedan lineup now seems complete. Luxury-minded shoppers will find the standard C 300 to their liking, while the AMG C43 is a great pick for those seeking a bit more performance. The C63 is for the rare individual who craves the highest levels of athleticism. These pieces of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class portfolio compare very favorably to rivals in the class, including the BMW 3 Series and M3, Audi A4 and S4, as well as the Cadillac CT4 and CT4-V.

Positives

Premium interior design and materials. Potent power with admirable efficiency. Sporty AMG models.

Considerations

Infotainment system can be distracting to use.

Verdict

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the most refined pick in the class of small luxury sedans. There are sporty versions for drivers seeking more excitement, including the exceptional AMG C63.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is available in three trim levels: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. Each of the three trims is available on both the rear-wheel-drive C 300 and the all-wheel-drive C 300 4Matic sedans. We think the well-equipped Premium is the best value, and we'll explain why. For more spirited drivers, there are higher-performing AMG C43 and AMG C63 models, too.

Premium

The rear-wheel-drive C 300 is the least expensive of the models. It has a starting price of $48,100 (including a $1,150 destination fee), and it includes a long list of luxury features. Leading the list are the 12.3-inch digital driver information display and the 11.9-inch digital touchscreen infotainment display. Among the other upscale standards are 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, a wireless charging pad, sunroof, keyless start, and hands-free access with an electronic trunk closer. With all of this standard equipment, we believe the C 300 Premium sedan is the best value for most buyers.

Exclusive

The C 300 Exclusive combines the Premium trim's features with several worthwhile additions. Among them are active parking assist, a surround-view camera system, wireless device charging, and a Burmeister audio system. Ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel are among the available options.

Pinnacle

The C 300 Pinnacle takes the luxury level of the C-Class to, well, its pinnacle. In addition to all the equipment standard in the Exclusive trim, it offers head-up display and integrated navigation with augmented video. The super-sophisticated navigation superimposes useful information like addresses on the digital screen in real time as you drive. Among the available options are an adaptive curve lighting system, dash cam, and an integrated toll pass.

In addition to these trim levels, the C-Class can be equipped with a long list of stand-alone options. Most prominent among them is 4Matic all-wheel-drive, which is available on all trim levels for an additional cost. Various C-Class models also offer several inclusive packages, including AMG Line packages meant to give the C-Class AMG-style exterior and interior features.

AMG C43

This introductory AMG model increases output to a potent 402 horsepower and is only available in Premium and Pinnacle trim levels. Upgrades include a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, rear-wheel-steering, a sport exhaust system, carbon-fiber exterior elements, a sport steering wheel, sport seats, and four-zone automatic climate control.

AMG C63

This new top-performing C-Class somehow extracts 671 hp from a four-cylinder hybrid. We expect a raft of performance upgrades as well as a few added features. We'll have details on those closer to its on-sale date.

The standard 2024 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Combined output is 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels or all four wheels if you opt for 4Matic all-wheel drive. We expect this model to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6 seconds.

The AMG C43 uses the same engine, but output increases to 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and all-wheel drive is standard. In addition to sharper handling, this entry-level AMG should reach 60 mph in around 4 seconds. The new AMG C63 pushes things to absurd levels by pumping out a combined 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is also standard and this model should hit 60 mph in 3 seconds.

The power specs for the C 300 and C43 are in line with the BMW 3 Series, but the C63 blows the 503-hp M3 out of the water. The Audi A4 engine choices are comparable to the C 300's power while the sportier S4 maxes out at 349 hp. For a distinctly American flavor, the Cadillac CT4 produces 237 hp but also has two high-performance models. The CT4-V jumps to 325 hp, while the top Blackwing model is rated at 472 hp.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet rated the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan's fuel economy, but we expect it to mirror the 2023 estimates. The standard 2023 C 300 is estimated to return 25 mpg during city driving and 36 mpg on the highway. Adding 4Matic all-wheel drive drops those figures slightly to 24/33 mpg city/highway. The more powerful AMG C43 takes an expected hit and is rated at 19/26 mpg. Estimates for the AMG C63 are not yet available, but it's a sure bet it will be lower than the C43.

The base Audi A4 with its mild-hybrid powertrain offers 26/35 mpg city/highway. The BMW 330i is rated at 25/34 mpg and the 340i at 23/31 mpg. The base Cadillac CT4 delivers as much as 22/32 mpg city/highway while the CT4-V is rated at 20/29 mpg.

The well-styled interior of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is dominated by two giant digital displays, giving the car a modern interpretation of luxury. The 12.3-inch instrument panel is free-standing rather than being integrated into a conventional dash design. And the 11.9-inch central touchscreen, which has a vertical orientation, is placed immediately before an extremely clean center console area. The screen is canted toward the driver by 6 degrees to emphasize the car's driver orientation and to relieve potential glare. The C-Class uses the now-familiar and dainty steering-column gear selector, freeing up space in the console area. Another bow to Mercedes-Benz tradition is the use of five near-circular dash vents.

Synthetic leather upholstery is standard, but buyers can choose from multiple grades of leather upholstery. Buyers can also select from several types of wood trim with glossy or natural-grain finishes.

Behind the three-spoke steering wheel, the C-Class offers an excellent driver position, expansive exterior visibility, and a feeling of openness unusual in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. C-Class models equipped with the large, colorful head-up display give their drivers several format choices.

The C-Class sedan has 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which is on par with the Audi A4's 12-cubic-foot trunk. The BMW 3 Series provides more luggage space, with 17 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has not yet been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated the identical 2023 model year. In those tests, the institute gave the C-Class its highest score of Good across the board and named it a Top Safety Pick+, its highest honor.

The C-Class concentrates on advanced driver-assist features. With active distance, steering, and lane-change assist, the car can maintain its lane, speed, and distance from the traffic in front of it in a semi-autonomous hands-on-the-wheel driving mode. Other technologies available include evasive steering assist, active braking assist with cross-traffic functionality, active emergency braking, active blind-spot assist, speed limit assist, and route-based speed assistance. An automatic parking system and surround-view monitor are available in uplevel trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes the model to a new level of sophistication and technological excellence. It approaches the ambience, feel, and high-tech features of the vaunted Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the all-new electrified Mercedes-Benz EQS. With all this, the C-Class assumes a new position in the sweet spot of the brand. Still, the Audi A4 is a solid competitor. Various iterations of the Cadillac CT4 are interesting alternatives, but their interior quality isn't up to Mercedes standards. The BMW 3 Series is more of an athlete in this group and is a great pick for spirited drivers.

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