Pros: Classy styling; tech powerhouse; ultra-smooth powertrains
Cons: Learning curve to all that tech; on the expensive side
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as well-rounded as it gets for a compact luxury sedan. Mercedes’ lineup of C-Class variants may not be as wide-ranging as it was before the 2022 redesign, but the C is still going to appeal to most folks searching for a bit of luxury. S-Class-inspired tech and design always elevates the C-Class, and the similarities are unmistakable once again with this generation. The massive MBUX infotainment system and wide array of optional tech features may be a bit overwhelming at first, but nobody offers as much futuristic tech as Mercedes does. Both the exterior and interior design are simple but decidedly upscale with, once again, tech playing at the forefront.
Driving the C-Class leaves no mistake that it’s one of the best luxury sedans money can buy. The ride and handling balance of the C 300 toes the line between sumptuous and sporty, just the way we’d expect from an entry-level model in this class. It’s not the sportiest amongst its competitors – the BMW 3 Series is still better to drive – but any enthusiast will find joy in the way it comports itself on the road. Per usual when it comes to Mercedes-Benz products, the C-Class finds its home at the top of the class in most areas, and assuming you can afford one, we highly recommend it.
What is the 2023 C-Class’ price?
Pricing for 2023 isn’t out yet, but we expect C 300 pricing to be similar to prices in 2022. Mercedes is using its simplified lineup strategy for the C-Class, and it offers three distinct trim lines – Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle – with far fewer ? la carte options. A C 300 Premium started at $44,600 in 2022. This includes a lot of great standard features like LED headlights/taillights, 18-inch wheels, sunroof, heated front seats w/memory, the 11.9-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital cluster and a whole host of driver assistance feature that we’ll detail in the next section.
What are the C-Class’ safety ratings and driver assistance features?
The redesigned C-Class received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. It scored the maximum “Good” rating in every crash test. Additionally, the standard headlights received an “Acceptable,” and the optional lights scored a “Good” rating. The NHTSA has yet to score the new C-Class.
The C-Class comes with a couple of driver assistance systems standard, including blind spot warning (with exit warning assist) and auto high beams. However, most of the driver assistance systems you can get on the C-Class are optional. This long list includes auto emergency braking (w/turning and cross-traffic assistance), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, auto-lane change assist, active blind spot assist (guides you back to lane if accident is imminent), surround view camera, front/rear parking sensors and auto parallel/perpendicular parking.
