2022 Mercedes Benz C Class

Overview
Mercedes-Benz's entry-level sports sedan has been thoroughly redesigned for the 2022 model year but the C-class sticks with its winning formula of luxury and prestige at an affordable price. The modernization gives the C-class what it needs to better battle rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, and Genesis G70. The cabin is where we see the most modernization, as the C-class inherits styling elements and technology from the S-class sedan. Like the outgoing C-class, the 2022 model is built on a rear-drive platform, is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and offers all-wheel drive as an option. Handling is confident and the C-class can easily be hustled through twisty bits of road, but we've found the ride to be unforgiving over rough patches of pavement and the steering less communicative than the car's sports-sedan mission requires. Besides its dynamic shortcomings, the C-class continues the tradition of mimicking the style and substance of the flagship S-class sedan in a smaller, more affordable package.

What's New for 2022?
In short: Everything. Even though the new C-class's styling isn't a huge departure from the 2021 model, the 2022 model year marks the start of a new generation with more luxury and a greater number of high-tech features.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
Premium $44,600
Exclusive $46,850
Pinnacle $48,550

Rather than serve up options a la carte, as it did on the previous generation car, Mercedes-Benz offers three distinct trim levels on the 2022 C-class: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. We think the mid-range Exclusive trim should satisfy the broadest swath of buyers, as it includes niceties such as a 360-degree exterior camera system, a self-parking feature, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester premium stereo system. Although we expect Mercedes will continue to offer the C-class in coupe and convertible body styles, only the sedan will be available at launch. All models come standard with a large infotainment display, a digital gauge display, heated front seats, automated high-beam headlamps, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sunroof, and much more. Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel drive system is optional, but we'll leave that up to you to decide if you need it.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All 2022 C-class models are powered by the same 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and wear the name C300 on their shapely trunklid. The turbo four is enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system that can temporarily provide up to 20 extra horsepower. All-wheel drive remains an option with rear-wheel drive being the standard setup; a nine-speed automatic is the only gearbox offered. In our testing, the all-wheel drive C300 4Matic hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, beating the previous generation C-class by 0.1 second. Handling is spry, as expected from a compact sports sedan, but we were disappointed with the lack of steering feel and the flinty ride quality. Braking performance was good and the C300 stopped from 70 mph in just 154 feet, but we'd appreciate a firmer pedal feel.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that rear-wheel drive examples of the C-class should deliver up to 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway; adding all-wheel drive drops those figures by 2 mpg each to 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. In our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the all-wheel drive C300 4Matic beat its highway rating with a 35 mpg result. For more information about the C-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

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