2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

“When I drove the all-new S-Class for the first time, it impressed me inside and out. Exterior styling, the new interior design, plus the new technology. But what really excited me about the new S-Class is what it would mean for the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, including here in this entry level all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.”   

It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the 5th-generation C-Class looks like a baby S-Class. Total length grows 2.5-inches, which is just enough to add a little more room for driver and passengers. The “cab backward” design gives the smaller sedan a much bigger presence than what you feel when in the driver’s seat.

Sheet metal is smoother than before and a new grille and taillights really modernize the look. 18-inch wheels are standard with optional 19s.

The singular powertrain comes in the form of a 2.0-liter I4 Turbo that outputs 255-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can give another 20-horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The C300 utilizes a 9-speed automatic and is available in both rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

“There are three drive modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Comfort…there is plenty of power here, you’ll have no issues getting where you need to go. I like putting it in Eco because it sort of chills things out, kind of quiets everything down a little bit. You know, you can work on your efficiency. And then of course if you want to put it in Sport, you get the good sounds.”  

The brake is a little soft but that’s because you can utilize the mild-hybrid system’s regen braking.

The interior is where things start to really shine. The newly designed dashboard includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 11.9-inch center display, which is slightly tilted toward the driver for ease of use.

“The interior of the C-Class is very similar to that of the S-Class, including functionality. Specifically I’m talking about this steering wheel, we have haptic controls here. My left thumb very easily controls the dash cluster and my right thumb very easily controls the center screen. So…pretty simple.”  

All of it is run by Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system with advanced Voice Control and a fingerprint scanner.

Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto is standard along with a sunroof, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and PRESAFE. There’s also plenty of safety systems in the optional Driver Assistance Package.

There is an optional head-up display but it isn’t the awesome Augmented Reality one you can get in the S-Class. But that functionality is still available as the optional Augmented Video for Navigation, which uses the center display to place arrows on a video image of your surroundings.

Being the brand’s best-selling sedan, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 keeps with their winning formula: plenty of luxury and technology in a more attainable package.

The new C-Class will arrive in dealerships this spring with a starting price of $44,600 after destination. Top-of-the-line Pinnacle models begin at $48,550. All-wheel drive will add an additional $2,000.

We’ll have more on all things Mercedes-Benz, coming soon on MotorWeek!