What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class? What does it compare to?
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s compact sedan, though it’s fairly roomy inside. Compare it to the BMW 3-Series, Audi A5, and Genesis G70.
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
These are highly appealing choices with lovely style, lots of tech, and an impressive range of performance side. We rate them at a 7.0 out of 10 overall. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
All models see an updated infotainment system with a 5G antenna as well as an airbag located between the front seats designed to prevent occupants’ heads from making contact in a collision. The C 43 gains 14 hp for a total of 416 hp.
Offered only as a sedan (though closely related to the CLE coupe and the GLC crossover SUV), the C-Class is a stylish four-door with a pretty interior, too. Its classic lines should age well, and it’s capable of blending in to just about any situation. It won’t raise too many eyebrows in the
The base C 300 uses a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system helps it accelerate smoothly from a stop and offers a small fuel economy boost. These models have a comfortable ride and willing handling, though they’re not quite as sporty as the BMW 3-Series. That’s the C 43’s job. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder has been tweaked by Mercedes’ AMG division for more power, and it has a buttoned-down suspension to match. The top C 63 boasts a Formula 1-inspired powertrain with a turbo-4 teamed to a separate electric motor that boasts its own 2-speed transmission for a total output of 671 hp. It’s wickedly complicated and downright fast, though we’ve yet to actually put it through its paces.
The C-Class is rated as high as 29 mpg combined, which is pretty good for a compact luxury car.
Inside, look for nice materials to go with the dressy look. The front seats have good support and the rear seat is spacious by compact luxury sedan standards, even if taller occupants may find themselves brushing the top of their heads against the headliner. Mercedes drapes the cabin in nice materials, though it’s worth spending up for upgraded trim since wood, metal, or carbon fiber will dominate the dashboard.
The C-Class has earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. All models come with basic crash-avoidance tech that can detect and stop for pedestrians or cyclists. Adaptive cruise control is an inexpensive option, while a more advanced system that can allow for some hands-off driving is on the options list.
How much does the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost?
A base C 300 sedan is $49,600, though it’s really not missing much at that price point. You’ll find synthetic leather seats with power adjustment and heating up front, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, an 11.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Where is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class made?
In Germany.
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good-looking car?
Absolutely. It’s a stylish, versatile choice that looks right in just about any setting. We rate the 2025 C-Class at 8 out of 10, with one point for its exterior and two for its divine cabin.
The C-Class comes only as a sedan, though the way its roofline seems to flow gently into the trunklid gives it almost a four-door coupe profile. Everything gets off to a good start with the broad grille that gives the C-Class a wide, planted look. Its headlights float just above with minimal drama, though the twin power dome-like look to the hood provides a sense of sportiness. Clean, elegant taillights that look like any other Mercedes model finish things off.
AMG versions have more pizzazz, but it’s all bolted on. They have zestier bumpers and bigger wheels, though they don’t go nearly as far as BMW does with its M offerings.
The cabin is an exercise in restraint, at least in terms of surface detailing. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen take up a lot of space and absorb most controls, resulting in a somewhat austere look unless you pick the right color and trim combination. Do so—with lighter or warmer upholstery and wood trim, we say—and there’s not a better $50,000-or-so cabin around.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasts a broad lineup when it comes to power output, but all versions we’ve tested so far are equally impressive for what they are. We score the lineup at 7 out of 10 overall, though AMG versions would easily net another point for their acceleration and possibly two for handling.
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4WD?
Generally, yes, though there’s a rear-wheel-drive version of the C 300. All-wheel drive is $2,000 more. AMG models come with all-wheel drive.
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The C 300 is quick enough with its 255-hp courtesy a 2.0-liter turbo-4 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It’ll zip to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, Mercedes says, but that does lag behind some rivals. Its 9-speed automatic is a gem, with rapid downshifts when needed.
In its purest form, the C 300 isn’t really all that sporty, though it handles well enough thanks to direct, quick steering and a compliant ride that’s just firm enough to entertain on a twisty road. It doesn’t take in bumps with the firmness you’ll find in a 3-Series, though, and it can lean a bit more in hard cornering. Opt for the AMG kit on the C 300 and its personality shifts only slightly toward athletic. It’s more about styling in the C 300.
We’ve yet to drive either the C 43 or the new C 63 S E, but both promise lots of power.
The AMG C 43 ratchets the turbo-4 up 416 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the mild-hybrid can add brief 13-hp boosts to limit lag off the line. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 mph run of 4.6 seconds. We’ll let you know how the rear-wheel steering system and buttoned-down suspension with adaptive dampers change this model once we drive it.
Meanwhile, the C 63 has its own 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at a commanding 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque, which the automaker says can vault this car to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds before topping out at 174 mph. There’s more to the story, though. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 features an electric turbocharger; all in, this setup delivers 469 mph. The 400-volt electrical system powers an electric motor mounted at the rear that’s good for short stints of 201 hp.
This model also offers 8 miles of estimated all-electric range on a full charge, which is… something.
