Used 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The small sedan is important to Mercedes-Benz. If you include the Mercedes 190 predecessor, the German company has sold 10.5 million C-Class models since 1982. And now, 40 years later, comes the 2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class sedan, an all-new compact sedan that has grown in size, style, and luxury. This brand-new C-Class also shares lots of modern technology with its larger and considerably more expensive stablemate, the S-Class.

Although Europeans get a C-Class wagon (along with diesel and plug-in hybrid variants), the U.S. gets only the C 300 sedan and the C 300 4Matic sedan. Don’t pity us, though, because the new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the U.S. C-Class is a sweet engine with abundant low-end torque. Boosted by a twin-scroll single turbo, this engine puts out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, supplemented by an electric motor mounted between the longitudinal engine and 9-speed automatic transmission.

Called an Integral Starter Generator (ISG), this 48-volt electric motor has multiple purposes. It adds up to 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque for short periods when needed. It also serves as the engine’s starter motor.

The ISG aids fuel economy by allowing the new C-Class to “sail,” which means it can sustain highway speeds for short periods with the gas engine not running. And during deceleration, ISG efficiently recharges the high-voltage battery pack.

Available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), the new C-Class sedan has grown. It’s 2.5 inches longer than the car it replaces, and its wheelbase is up by an inch. Rear legroom has increased by about an inch. Trunk volume, at 17.9 cubic feet, remains the same.

Just as significant, this new 2022 C-Class interior represents a big advancement in technology and style. Most notable are a massive 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The touchscreen is angled toward the driver to create a cockpit feel, and the 2nd-generation of the “Hey, Mercedes” Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system is standard. With excellent voice recognition, it can control the navigation, stereo, and climate control, and even explain the various systems standard in the new C.

The new 2022 C-Class has a fingerprint scanner like the one on your iPhone. It recognizes your biometric profile, then loads your personal settings for music, destinations, calendar links, and the like.

Competitors for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CT5, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60.

KBB’s Matt Degen was among the first media to drive the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 C-Class. Here are his impressions from the initial 2-day event.

The headline of the 2022 C-Class, at least in terms of its new heart and how that affects its driving manners, is a new 4-cylinder turbo engine with a mild-hybrid system. Without requiring an engineering degree to understand the consequence of this, the takeaway for everyday drivers is an experience behind the wheel that is both smoother and snappier, if not necessarily much more fuel efficient.

One of the best attributes of the mild-hybrid system is its ability to negate turbo lag. If you’ve ever driven a vehicle with a turbocharged engine and felt some delay between hitting the accelerator and actually accelerating, you’ve experienced turbo lag. Using a mild-hybrid system such as this helps mitigate this via electricity. Think of it as a little electric push. The German luxury automaker has been using such a system in other cars with larger, 6- and 8-cylinder engines, but this is its first application in a Mercedes 4-cylinder.

Additionally, the powertrain gains torque compared to last year’s model: 295 lb-ft, vs. the previous 273. Fuel efficiency is up slightly in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models, now rated at 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway, vs. 23/35 mpg last year. The numbers for all-wheel-drive models – 23/33 mpg – remain the same.

But let’s get beyond the numbers and address how the new C-Class actually drives. In short, it’s impressive. The new electrified heart provides a nice punch of power both at lower and higher speeds, and does a good job of curtailing if not completely nullifying turbo lag.

Overall power output should suit buyers of a base C-Class, and when the mood for sportier driving strikes, a switch into Sport mode noticeably livens up throttle response and transmission programming. Conversely, Eco mode notably mutes the powertrain in the name of economy.

The majority of buyers of this C-Class will likely leave it in Normal mode and happily go about their business. And keep in mind, if you want more scoot, you need only look to one of the higher-performance AMG models, such as the alluring new C 43 that packs over 400 horsepower (from a 4-cylinder engine, no less!).

The 4Matic all-wheel drive C-Class models will appeal to those living in regions with a thing called winter. Testing along the coast of Southern California didn’t exactly put the traction-enhancing system to its full potential, however. Driven back to back, the rear-driver felt snappier and more athletic than the 4Matic version. In both, the 9-speed automatic transmission felt, to use an over-used automotive writer’s term, like butter. Hey, if the shoe fits…

On the automated front, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems perform an admirable job of pacing traffic and keeping the C-Class exactly where it needs to be. Both of these systems, and plenty more, are bundled in the Driver Assistance Package, a worthwhile upgrade.

You can also purchase adaptive cruise control (Distronic, in Mercedes speak) a la carte. And yes, we know adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and plenty more are standard on many Honda and Toyota vehicles costing half what a C-Class does.

Other notes: The C-Class continues to ape the interior tech of its pricier older brothers, for better or worse. Regarding the former, the interior looks impressive with its glistening screens and elegant yet tech-forward design (though we don’t care much for the hard plastic panels on the lower trim of the doors).

About the latter, if you’re considering a C-Class — and if you’re shopping for an entry-level luxury sedan, you should be — know that many of the controls are reliant on touch. This is hardly exclusive to Mercedes-Benz, but it’s even more apparent in the latest C-Class. The system can be touchy (pun alert!), from tiny targets on the steering wheel barely the size of a fingertip to a sliding volume control. Several times I either accidentally muted or blasted whatever tunes I was listening to.

At least when I accidentally cranked the volume, it still sounded great. That’s thanks to the Burmester high-end audio system, which is reason enough to spend a couple grand more and step up to the Exclusive trim.

The new C-Class has a stylish cabin, and it benefits from technology that’s trickling down from the big new S-Class sedan.

Starring roles are played by the 11.9-inch central touchscreen and 12.2-inch digital instrument panel, which has three display modes: Sporty, Classic, Understated. There’s also a fingerprint scanner that remembers temperature settings, audio selections, and favorite destinations. The voice-controlled MBUX infotainment system – which will answer most of your questions, call up a favorite song, or set the cabin to your desired temp – also is standard.

Although it remains a compact sedan, the new C-Class Mercedes is a bit larger than before. It still seats five, but there’s a bit more width and headroom, plus an extra inch of rear legroom.

The new dash, featuring upper and lower sections, is handsome, and the flattened round air vents are designed to look like aircraft engine nacelles. The central display is surrounded by black trim that extends down and back to a chrome insert and a padded armrest.

Mercedes tells us that the seats are designed to give the visual impression of lightness. The headrests are attached to the backrest with a sealed piece of trim. When the new C-Class is equipped with the AMG Line option package, the top surface of the dash is covered with MB-Tex, the company’s durable synthetic leather.

Sixty-four colors of ambient interior lighting are standard on all new 2022 C-Class sedans. Optional interior trim includes natural veneers in brown and black, plus a natural-grain wood veneer with aluminum inlays.

A Burmester sound system is standard in the 2022 C-Class coupe and convertible, along with 64 colors of ambient interior lighting. When the top of the 2022 C-Class cabriolet is lowered, the standard Aircap system helps to reduce interior turbulence.

With its short front overhang, long wheelbase, and sporty hood with power domes, the new C-Class looks sharp and muscular, and the big logo in the grille leaves no doubt that this is a Mercedes-Benz. The company says the new C has a “cab-backward” design, which means the windshield and cabin have been moved rearward on the chassis.

Designers sought to keep surface lines to a minimum, accentuating the new C’s prominent shoulder line. Further adding to the aggressiveness are the wide track and the way the stock wheels (in 18- or 19-inch sizes) fill the wheel wells properly.

In the standard new C-Class, the grille and front bumper feature chrome surrounds. The grille has a diamond pattern on a new C-Class with the optional AMG Line package, and the Mercedes star is chrome. The taillights are a new 2-piece design.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class color palette includes Starling Blue, Cirrus Silver, Moonlight White, Graphite Grey, and Selenite Grey Magno.

11.9-INCH CENTRAL TOUCHSCREEN
This huge vertically oriented screen is particularly effective for full-screen navigation. It’s slightly canted toward the driver, and it’s especially good when supplemented by augmented video, which uses arrows and house numbers superimposed on the screen.

MERCEDES-BENZ USER EXPERIENCE (MBUX)
This “Hey, Mercedes” driver interface is now in its second generation, and it has 50 percent more processing power. This intuitive system, which uses Artificial Intelligence, can be operated by voice control, by the center touchscreen, and by buttons on the steering wheel.

As a junior S-Class of sorts, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is remarkably well equipped. The C 300 models coming to the U.S. are powered by a 255-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt integrated starter/generator adding up to 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque when needed.

Dynamic Select, which allows the driver to choose a particular driving mode, is also standard, along with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Standard features inside the new C-Class Mercedes include a huge 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the voice-controlled “Hey Mercedes” MBUX infotainment and navigation system.

Additionally, the new C has a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication of the driver, plus a new multifunction leather-covered steering wheel. Heated front seats with lumbar and memory also are standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a sunroof.

LED headlights and taillights are fitted to all the new C-Class models, the former with high beams that shut off automatically when cars approaching in the oncoming lane are sensed. Other standard safety fare includes blind-spot monitoring, active brake assist (which applies the brakes if necessary to prevent a collision), a driver drowsiness sensor, and Pre Safe, which tightens the seatbelts and closes the windows if an imminent collision is sensed.

The base-model 2022 Mercedes C-Class sedan is called the C 300 Premium. Two other trim levels are available — the C 300 Exclusive and the C 300 Pinnacle.

Options abound on the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Beyond AMG Line aesthetics and a blacked-out Night Package, highlights include Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated seats, a head-up display, dashcam, wireless smartphone charging, panoramic roof, and enhanced ambient interior lighting with illuminated door sills.

You can also get the new C-Class with a Burmester 3D Surround Sound audio system, plus an active parking-assist program with a 360-degree camera system. An optional USB package provides additional data ports front and rear, including 100-watt ports for quick charging.

The Driver Assist Package (optional in all three trim levels) is about as comprehensive as they get. In addition to adaptive cruise control (with Stop & Go) and active steering assist (to help the C stay in its lane on the highway), it includes an active braking function designed to prevent collisions, specifically when making a turn across traffic. It also has a system that will bring the C-Class to a complete stop if it senses the driver is incapacitated.

Other welcome technology in this thorough safety package includes an active blind-spot system that uses single-sided braking to prevent the C-Class from moving into a lane that’s already occupied.

The top 2022 Mercedes C-Class sedan, the Pinnacle, is the only new C available with a dashcam and special headlights that point their beams into corners to more effectively illuminate the road around curves.

All 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is augmented by the EQ Boost system, a 48-volt electric motor mounted between the powerplant and 9-speed automatic transmission that seamlessly adds up to 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque for short periods when needed.

In addition to serving as a super-smooth engine starter, the electric motor (what Mercedes calls an Integrated Starter Generator) permits the new C-Class to sustain freeway speeds for short periods while the gasoline engine is not running. Mercedes calls this “sailing,” a driving mode that’s good for fuel economy. The ISG is multi-talented — it also assists with C-Class acceleration and efficiently charges the high-voltage battery during vehicle deceleration.

Mercedes says the new C 300 sedan, in RWD or 4Matic form, hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. 4Matic models benefit from strengthened drive axles.

The AMG C 43 coupe and cabriolet models continue to be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that sends 385 horsepower to all four wheels. The even mightier C 63 S coupe and cabriolet, though, are rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models powered by an AMG-built twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with a whopping 503 horsepower.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 (C 300 sedan, C 300 coupe, C 300 cabriolet)
255 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 – 3,200 rpm
EQ Boost: 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25 mpg/35 mpg (RWD C 300 sedan), 23 mpg/33 mpg (AWD C 300 sedan), 22/31 mpg (RWD C 300 coupe and AWD C 300 coupe), 21/28 mpg (RWD C 300 cabriolet), 21/30 mpg (AWD C 300 cabriolet)

Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 (C 43 coupe, C 43 cabriolet)
385 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg

Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 (C 63 S coupe, C 63 S cabriolet)
503 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
516 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg, estimated (C 63 S coupe), 17/25 mpg (C 63 S cabriolet)