2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranks 7 out of 24 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as well as reliability and safety data.

Reviewers say the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a handsome interior and composed ride, but rivals offer sportier handling, a peppier base engine or more interior space.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that reviewers say makes adequate, but unimpressive, power. As a result, most reviewers recommend stepping up to more powerful C-Class models, such as the V6-powered C300 or C350. A high-performance C63 AMG model comes with a V8 engine that test drivers say enables very strong acceleration. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard with the C250, C300 and C350, and reviewers say this transmission shifts smoothly. Fuel economy is rated as high as 22/31 mpg city/highway, which is a bit low for the class. While some test driver say that some of the C-Class' competitors offer more agile handling, most agree that the C-Class nonetheless has a comfortable ride and feels fairly buttoned down when pushed a bit harder.

Test drivers say that the C-Class' cabin is constructed with high-quality materials, and that the front seats are comfortable and supportive. Test drivers say the five-seat C-Class sedan's back seats are not especially spacious, but are livable, while the four-seat C-Class coupe’s back seats are small, but on par for a coupe in this class. Some reviewers say that the C-Class sedan offers limited cargo space. The 2014 C-Class comes standard with Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth. Options include a Harman Kardon stereo system and a backup camera. A number of safety features are also available, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which tightens the seatbelts and adjusts the head restraints in preparation for a crash. Some critics say that the central knob and touch screen that control some audio and navigation functions are somewhat complicated to use, but others write that the COMAND infotainment system is easy to use, and one of the better units available.

"It may not be the prettiest. It may not be the sportiest. It may not be the most spacious. It's definitely not the cheapest. Yet the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is nevertheless an impressively refined and well-rounded luxury car that feels every bit as meticulously screwed together as Mercedes' pricier sedans. Even in the face of newer competitors and on the eve of an all-new replacement, the current C-Class sedan and coupe are superb choices." -- Edmunds
"Offered in coupe and sedan form, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is more than just an entry ticket into an exclusive car club, it is a safe, reliable and luxurious mode of transportation respected for excellence. Be it the classy coupe, the sub-$40,000 4-cylinder turbo C250 or the pricey yet thrilling V8 powered C63 AMG, there is a C-Class to fit most tastes and budgets. While not as performance tuned as rivals from Cadillac and BMW, the C-Class offers a more compliant ride preferred by many luxury buyers." -- Kelley Blue Book
"With this latest C-class, Mercedes has addressed the small sedan's major interior deficiencies and added a couple of compelling engine choices." -- Car and Driver (2012)

Other Cars to Consider

The Audi A4 earns reviewer praise for its upscale, high-quality interior and balanced handling. Additionally, the A4 gets better fuel economy estimates than the C-Class. If you're shopping for a C-Class coupe, the Audi A5 is mechanically similar to the A4, and is available in coupe and convertible body styles.

Reviewers say the Cadillac ATS has sporty handling and a solid, planted driving feel. Further, the ATS has a great safety score and the base model earns a slightly better fuel economy estimate than the C250.

Details: 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available as a five-seat sedan or a four-seat coupe. Four trims are available, ranging from the C250 with a turbocharged, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission to the C63 AMG with a 6.2-liter V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Most trims have rear-wheel drive, except for the C300, which has all-wheel drive. The C-Class was redesigned for the 2008 model year and updated for the 2012 model year, but hasn’t changed much since. As a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the 2008 to 2014 model years.