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Mercedes-Benz C-Class - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranks 6 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes with the world's best entry-level luxury sedans in every category, but doesn't clearly win any of them. An optional Dynamic Handling Package, new for 2010, may bring it more in line with the BMW 3-Series in terms of performance -- but the automotive press hasn't tested it yet, so the jury is still out on whether Mercedes can catch the BMW at last.

The C-Class offers head-turning, muscular looks and the cachet of the Mercedes badge at an entry-level price. Its safety scores are strong, and it retains its value well over time.

But the C-Class, since its 2008 redesign, has continued to miss the high-performance bar set by the true canyon-carvers of its class, the Infiniti G37 and BMW 3-Series.

The C-Class is available as the 300 or 350 sedan, with a "luxury" and "sport" version offered at each level. A high-performance C63 AMG, powered by an asphalt-eating 451-horsepower 6.2-liter AMG V8, is reviewed separately.

• "In a recent comparison test of $38,000 sports sedans, a C300 Sport took on the BMW 328i, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35. The Mercedes finished last, but that result isn't quite as bad as it looks given the stellar competition. The C300 impressed us with its solidity, subdued mechanicals, supple ride, and easy-to-use navigation and radio controls. The last-place finish is largely due to the car's smaller size, unimpressive interior materials, and bias toward luxury." -- Car and Driver
• "If you desire a reasonably-priced premium luxury car guaranteed to impress the neighbors, but still require a functioning sedan for clients and family, the C-Class has you covered. If bang for the buck is more important than the Mercedes-Benz name, makes from Audi, Infiniti and Acura provide more features for about the same or less money." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has many key attributes that make it a competitive, entry-level luxury performance sedan -- the C63 AMG in particular offers power and torque unmatched by its competitors. However, in certain aspects, the C-Class misses the mark." -- Edmunds
• "Within the confines of its compact dimensions, the new C-Class acquits itself quite well. C63 excepted, others in this segment trump all C-Class models for all-out performance, but buyers seeking brand cachet and a refined driving experience would do well to check out this newest version of Mercedes' entry-level sedan." - Consumer Guide
• "But did Benz go far enough? We're not sure, especially with BMW's 335i, the top-tier Audi A4 and Lexus's coming IS-F all poised to ambush the new car." -- Motor Trend
• "While the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is still not in the same performance league as the BMW 3 Series, the Sport models close the gap a bit, while the Luxury version softens the car up for the benefit of motorists who prefer a comfort-oriented driving experience." -- Forbes
• "If you're interested in a C because you are looking for a low-cost Mercedes, you won't be disappointed -- the C offers the stately manner and solid feel for which Mercedes is famous." -- About.com

C-Class Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2010 C-Class is a competent performer with a pair of energetic V6 engines available, but reviewers often say it falls short of the standard set by the most athletic cars in its class, showing instead a bias toward a soft luxury ride. A new Dynamic Handling Package offered on Sport models for 2010 may help to close that gap, but reviewers haven't yet been given the chance to test it. Read More

C-Class Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

The 2010 C-Class is one of the most dramatic-looking cars in its price range, with a huge, prominent grille and muscular creases all drawing the eye toward an oversized Mercedes-Benz logo on the front. The Washington Post calls the C-Class "stunningly beautiful," and it's hard to find dissenting opinions. Read More

C-Class Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The interior of the 2010 C-Class splits the press, with some reviewers saying it is one of the most luxurious entries in the upscale midsize class, and others finding it lacking. Edmunds calls it "austere," but Mother Proof says the interior made "me feel like a rock star -- specifically a safe, comfortable rock star." One thing most agree on, however, is that it's small - the rear seat of the C-Class is smaller than those found in some affordable small cars. Read More

C-Class Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class earns four out of five stars in government frontal-impact crash testing, though some of its rivals earn five out of five. It earns a perfect five out of five for side impacts, with its dual-chambered side airbags protecting the torso exceptionally well. The mechanically-similar 2009 C-Class was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" for its excellent crash test scores and standard stability control, though the Institute hasn't tested a 2010 model. Read More

C-Class Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The C-Class is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. Read More