2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

Performance

Although power ranges from 255 to an astounding 671 horsepower, all C-Class models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four under the hood. The C 300 engine features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, bringing the engine’s total output to 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. The motor’s torque delivers quick bursts of acceleration, resulting in a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds. The engine is paired with a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. As mentioned, the C 300 is available in RWD and 4MATIC®® AWD. With RWD, the model has an EPA city/highway/combined MPG rating of 25/35/29. The 4MATIC® model is close behind at 24/33/27.  

A desire for more power brings you to the first of the AMG®® C-Class models. As mentioned, the AMG® C 43 model also features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, but this one is handcrafted by a single AMG® master engine builder. It too has a hybrid assist, delivering a combined 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed automatic transmission, and all AMG® C 43 models feature AMG® Performance 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. 0-60 comes in 4.0 seconds.  

Finally, there is the mighty AMG® C 63 S E Performance model, which has AMG® putting one of its most powerful powertrains in the brand’s smallest RWD sedan. This 2.0-liter inline-four is also handcrafted and features a turbocharger boosted by both exhaust and electric power at low rpm, along with an additional 150-kW electric motor mounted in the rear. The motor draws power from a 6.1-kWh battery that can be charged overnight via a conventional household socket. Power is rated at 671 horsepower @ 6,750 rpm, with 752 lb-ft of peak torque at 5,000-5,500 rpm. Using the same transmission and AWD drivetrain as the C 43, the AMG® C 63 S E Performance will accelerate from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, rivaling many supercars. Despite this performance, the model still has fuel economy numbers of 19/27/22.  

All C-Class models ride on four-wheel independent suspension with four-link geometry in the front and a five-arm multi-link arrangement in the rear. The AMG® models are equipped with AMG® RIDE CONTROL, which features active dampers that adjust their stiffness in a fraction of a second. This optimizes handling for high performance while maintaining a comfortable highway ride. Higher-performance tires are also available on the AMG® models.

Exterior

The C-Class shares the same refined design language as the E- and S-Class sedans, with a long hood and short rear deck. AMG® models feature a very aggressive, scowling grille, while the C 300 grille has a more neutral expression. Signature Mercedes-Benz design elements give the sedan a larger presence than its compact classification would suggest.  

No fewer than 12 exterior colors are available for the model line. The four MANUFAKTUR® colors offer a particularly intense, high-quality finish, many with a Pearl-lustre effect.  

• Black  

• Polar White  

• Obsidian Black metallic  

• Graphite Gray metallic  

• Selenite Gray metallic  

•  Twilight Blue metallic  

• Cirrus Silver metallic  

• Starling Blue metallic  

• MANUFAKTUR® Patagonia Red metallic  

• MANUFAKTUR® Moonlight White metallic  

• MANUFAKTUR® Graphite Grey Magno (matte)  

• MANUFAKTUR® Alpine Grey 

Interior

The C-Class instrument panel is unlike any other in its category. All models feature a 10.25-inch digital driver gauge cluster with configurable and touch-sensitive controls. The center touchscreen reclines dramatically from the center console, and behind it is an attractive open-pore wood-grain surface with aluminum inlays. Across the dash are five slightly squared, intricately designed climate vents. The steering wheel has two spokes on each side, creating zoned areas for various system controls. Overall, it is a combination of high technology and old-world craftsmanship that is unmatched in a compact sedan.  

There are a host of standard amenities, including three-position driver’s seat memory, heated seats, a sunroof, 64-color LED ambient lighting, and animal-free MB-Tex seating, console, door panels, and steering wheel (new) surfaces. Leather is also available, with new optional Black Nappa leather and Sienna Brown Nappa leather upholstery.  

The cabin accommodates a driver and four passengers, with 36.5 inches of legroom and 55 inches of shoulder room in the rear. The trunk is 11.6 cubic feet, and cargo space can be expanded by folding one or all of the 40/20/40 split rear seatbacks.

Technology

All C-Class models feature a configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The display is available in three styles:  

• Classic – Providing all relevant driver information 

• Sporty – Featuring a dynamic tachometer 

• Discreet – A minimalist display that still provides essential information.  

The 11.9-inch portrait-format display is slightly angled toward the driver and features the standard third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). This includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, as well as a voice-control system that understands everyday language. Starting with a greeting of “Hey Mercedes,” you can say something as simple as “I’m cold,” and the climate control system will respond accordingly.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Advanced Safety has always been part of the Mercedes-Benz value proposition. The company has pioneered safety innovations, including the first crumple zones, the center front airbag, electronic stability control, and more. An innovative feature in the C-Class is PRESAFE®. When it detects instability that suggests an imminent collision or rollover, the system can tighten the front seat belts, adjust the front passenger seat, and close the windows and sunroof to help protect occupants in the moments before a collision. The system even emits a unique “pink noise” tone via the audio system, tuned to trigger a natural reflex in the human ear canal that helps shut out loud noises before the actual impact.  

ATTENTION ASSIST® is another Mercedes-Benz innovation that continuously monitors up to 70 driving behavior parameters and automatically alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips. The C-Class is also equipped with an innovative center air bag integrated within the right side of the driver’s seatback that can reduce the risk of injury to either the driver or front passenger in the event of a sufficiently severe side impact. Of course, the C-Class is fully equipped with an array of driver-assist and safety technologies for highway driving, such as:  

• Active Brake Assist  

• Blind Spot Assist  

• Adaptive Braking Technology  

• Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist  

• Active Parking Assist  

• Rain-sensing windshield wipers  

• Adaptive High Beam Assist  

• Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call service  

• Electronic Stability Program  

• Anti-theft alarm system with remote panic feature  

• Plenty more  

Optional features include Active LED Headlamps, a Surround-View System, DISCTRONIC® adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Keeping and Lane Change assist, additional PRESAFE® features, and much more.