Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Overview | |
Years produced1993-Present | Years produced1994-Present |
MSRP$43,550 | MSRP$114,500 |
Average price$31,749 | Average price$67,531 |
Listings1419 | Listings218 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
Reviews SummaryThe Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new-car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money. The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, the Lexus IS, and the Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, the Cadillac CT4, and the Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress. The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form, and in Canada, 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard while rear-wheel drive (RWD) is not offered. Our test car was a C300 4Matic with a long list of optional equipment. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring. | |
Reviews SummaryWhen it comes to good design, even better luxury, and stellar performance, it’s tough to beat the three-pointed star. The S-Class is a few years into its latest generation, but Mercedes trotted out a new powertrain for 2023. It’s not a full battery-electric vehicle—for that you’ll want the EQS—but for many consumers the plug-in hybrid can be a convenient stop-gap for those not ready to commit to leaving the gas station behind for good. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine | Engine3.0L 429 hp I6 |
Drive Train | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower429 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name3.0L 429 hp I6 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque384 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower429 hp @ 6100 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.6 cu ft | Cargo Space12.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3825 lbs | Curb Weight4740 lbs |
Height56.6 in | Height59.2 in |
Length187.0 in | Length208.2 in |
Width80.0 in | Width83.0 in |
Wheelbase112.8 in | Wheelbase126.6 in |
Maximum Payload1202 lbs | Maximum Payload1387 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1993-Present | 1994-Present |
MSRP | $43,550 | $114,500 |
Average price | $31,749 | $67,531 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new-car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money. The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, the Lexus IS, and the Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, the Cadillac CT4, and the Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress. The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form, and in Canada, 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard while rear-wheel drive (RWD) is not offered. Our test car was a C300 4Matic with a long list of optional equipment. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring. | When it comes to good design, even better luxury, and stellar performance, it’s tough to beat the three-pointed star. The S-Class is a few years into its latest generation, but Mercedes trotted out a new powertrain for 2023. It’s not a full battery-electric vehicle—for that you’ll want the EQS—but for many consumers the plug-in hybrid can be a convenient stop-gap for those not ready to commit to leaving the gas station behind for good. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.0L 429 hp I6 | |
Drive Train | AWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 429 hp @ 6100 rpm | |
MPG City | 20 | |
MPG Highway | 28 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 3.0L 429 hp I6 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 384 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 429 hp @ 6100 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | |
MPG Highway | 28 | |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.6 cu ft | 12.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3825 lbs | 4740 lbs |
Height | 56.6 in | 59.2 in |
Length | 187.0 in | 208.2 in |
Width | 80.0 in | 83.0 in |
Wheelbase | 112.8 in | 126.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 1202 lbs | 1387 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.