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.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class nets an 8 for its interior. It has good front and rear seats and a surprisingly spacious trunk, plus everything’s lined in nice enough materials.
The standard front seats have power adjustment and memory for the driver, while the rear seat has a reasonable 36.0 inches of legroom. Taller occupants might find tight headroom, particularly with the sunroof.
Synthetic leather comes standard, but it has a nice enough feel that opting for the real stuff isn’t necessary. We’d spend instead on dressier trim; Mercedes offers several different choices including various grades of real wood, aluminum, and carbon fiber.
Overall, the C-Class is fairly quiet inside, though the available extra-insulated glass may be worth it if you spend a lot of time at speed.
Behind the cargo area, look for a 17.9 cubic-foot trunk.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz C ClassSafety
The C-Class is a safe choice, but you’ll pay extra for the best assistance tech.
How safe is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
It has done very well in what crash tests have been performed. The IIHS says that the C-Class rates a Top Safety Pick+, though this model has yet to be tested by the NHTSA. Its IIHS rating, its standard equipment, and its optional hands-off tech net it an 8 on the TCC scale.
All C-Class models have automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitors, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver-attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control is optional, but we suggest spending up for the Driver Assistance Package that has a more advanced system that will push the car away from what it detects as a dangerous situation. It also allows for limited stints of hands-off driving at speed.
Outward vision is good forward, but somewhat compromised to the rear due to the way the roofline slopes downward.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz C ClassFeatures
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes well-outfitted with in-cabin tech.
The C-Class is a well-equipped compact luxury car even in its cheapest form, though at nearly $50,000 we’re long past the days of a budget Benz with this name.
Standard equipment for the base C 300 includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a wireless device charging pad. Synthetic leather upholstery with heated and power-adjustable front seats are also standard. We rate the lineup at 8 out of 10 thanks to all that standard kit, a good infotainment system with a big screen, and numerous options as you work your way into even bigger bucks. The 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is nothing special for a luxury car.
All-wheel drive costs another $2,000 on the C 300.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class should I buy?
The base C 300 is likely good enough, though the $2,250 upcharge for the Exclusive trim level adds navigation, Burmester audio, and a surround-view camera system. Another $1,900 nets a head-up display, improved LED headlights, and insulated glass. We’d also consider budgeting at least $600 for adaptive cruise control, or $1,950 for a package that allows for limited stints of hands-free motoring.
Before you add too much to a C 300, though, consider that the C 43 is $63,650. It’s a bit better outfitted, but you’ll still have to pay extra for navigation, Burmester audio, and adaptive cruise control.
How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The C 63 S E runs $88,050 to start. Add matte paint, dressier styling bits, leather upholstery, sports seats, carbon fiber trim, cooled front seats, and driver-assistance tech, and you’ll find yourself looking at a $110,000 car. Ceramic composite front brakes run $5,450, but beware of their maintenance costs, too.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz C ClassFuel Economy
The C-Class is pretty frugal in base form, and offers a plug-in edition.
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class good on gas?
The Mercedes-Benz C 300 is, yes. Other models? Not so much. The base C 300 with rear-wheel drive checks in with EPA test estimates of 25 mpg city, 35 highway, 29 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version is rated at 24/33/27 mpg. Either way, those figures score a 3 on the TCC scale. There’s no plug-in hybrid model; for that, you’ll want to shop the GLC 350e and its electric-only range of 54 miles.
The C 43’s 19/27/22-mpg estimates aren’t nearly as good, but then again this model has 416 hp. The C 63 hasn’t been posted to the EPA’s website yet, but we have low expectations for its fuel economy. Somewhat comically, the C 63 S E is a plug-in hybrid that offers around 8 miles of range on a full charge. Yes, 8 miles.
