Used 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Yes, even as corporate climbers flock to SUVs, there is still a place for sedans, especially luxury ones. And few play that role better than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Mercedes’ compact luxury sedan remains fresh as a spring day thanks to a complete update last year that brought new technology, an improved engine, and the latest safety tech in the brand’s arsenal. This year brings what the all-new model lacked: The option for more firepower.

That comes thanks to the new Mercedes-AMG C 43, which packs more than 400 horsepower and enables the C-Class range to further its long rivalry with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, not to mention other worthy contenders like the Genesis G70, Lexus IS, and Acura TLX. The C-Class also remains available as a coupe and cabriolet, but they are carryover models still using the prior generation’s platform. Here we review the sedan, which comprises a vast majority of C-Class sales.

In reality, it would be hard to go wrong with any of C-Class’ rivals, but the Mercedes is the only one that can claim this: It is the royal progeny of the company that actually invented the automobile.

Quick off the line, nimble in the city, and as at home on busy Southern California freeways as it is barreling down a German autobahn. We’ve tested the C-Class in all these locales and instances — and have come away impressed every time. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class does almost everything right.

Most buyers will be happy enough with the C 300 model powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is now even smoother and punchier thanks to a mild-hybrid system. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the invigorating de facto setup, but Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is always a good option if you deal with slick, wintry roads and want enhanced traction.

If you’re the kind of driver who craves power as much as you do a premium experience, turn your attention to the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 model. This latest version now packs over 400 horsepower from its hand-built engine and the ability to launch from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds.

Regardless of powertrain choice, we appreciate the C-Class’ ability to match the mood of the driver with a flick of a switch. Comfort, Sport, Eco, or some drive mode in between? This little Benz will oblige. One area where we found room for improvement is brake feel. In the latest C 300 we tested, the pedal felt soft initially, though ultimately performed its job.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of compact luxury cars, including this Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

It may be the “baby Benz,” but the C-Class sedan mimics Mercedes’ flagship S-Class. That’s been the case for years now and remains true for this latest generation. And who wouldn’t want the feel of a $100,000-plus car in one costing less than half that price?

Familial traits include a big, tablet-like 11.9-inch touchscreen that acts as a focal point in the center of the cabin, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and even air vents and speaker grates that look expensive. Plus, a biometric identification system will set an individual’s preferences with the touch of a finger.

All in all, we found the C-Class a comfortable place to be. We felt cocooned in the driver’s seat and not too cramped in the rear.

Know that due to a lack of physical dials and buttons, many functions necessitate a touch, sometimes a very gentle one, such as two tiny pads on the steering wheel. Too hard of a press on the volume slider of the touchscreen made us nervous with the way it briefly concaved, and some of the more out-of-the-way materials felt like un-Mercedes-like hard plastic.

The interior of the C-Class sedan isn’t the only place where it mimics its bigger and more expensive S-Class sibling. The exterior, too, wears a svelte and sweeping design. Appropriate for its audience, however, the C-Class has more of a youthful flair. Think name-brand athleisure wear vs. a three-piece suit.

The C-Class is fresh off an update, so its design still looks new yet familiar. We appreciate that Mercedes offers candy-like colors such as blue metallic and a deep red in addition to the slate of blacks and grays.

11.9-inch touchscreen
The C-Class’ standard tablet-like touchscreen conveys everything from navigation and climate info to smartphone functions, all in crisp detail.

Burmester audio
This system by high-end German audio brand Burmester remains among the best we’ve heard in a vehicle. Whether you’re an audio snob or just love driving to music, having this system can make every mile more enjoyable. It becomes standard on the mid-tier Exclusive trim.

AMG C 43 model
Mercedes’ AMG 43 models have long been a Goldilocks between the base version and the no-holds-barred 63 models. All-new for 2023, the AMG 43 C-Class sedan now packs over 400 horsepower.

Interior color choices
A surprising array of upholstery colors are available, including red and various shades of brown.

Driver Assistance Package
It’s a shame this isn’t standard, but we recommend this option that’s available on the Exclusive and Pinnacle trims. It bundles features like Distronic adaptive cruise control, Evasive Steering Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist. It’s well worth the $1,700 price.

Augmented video
Even with today’s easier-to-use navigation systems, it’s all too easy to miss a turn. This feature, standard on the Pinnacle trim, helps make sure you never do by overlaying digital graphics such as big turn arrows on the navigation display exactly as you approach a street.

The 2023 Mercedes C 300 sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is about average for the segment and enables both peppy acceleration and good efficiency. The powertrain also benefits from a mild-hybrid system that further helps on both counts.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard setup, while all-wheel drive (AWD), which Mercedes calls 4Matic, is optional.

The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 sedan uses a new, hand-crafted engine of the same displacement that makes an impressive 402 horsepower and comes standard with 4Matic AWD.

2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan
Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
9-speed automatic transmission
Rear- or all-wheel drive
255 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000–3,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25 mpg/36 mpg (RWD), 24 mpg/33 mpg (AWD)

2023 Mercedes-Benz C 43 Sedan
Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
9-speed automatic transmission
All-wheel drive
402 horsepower @ 6,750 rpm
369 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA

More C-Class fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty that covers the powertrain and just about everything else beyond normal wear items.