Overview
For the 2022 model year, Mercedes-Benz completely overhauled its entry-level sports sedan, yet the C-class continues to offer luxury and prestige at a competitive price. The C-class now has what it needs to compete more effectively against cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, and Genesis G70. The C-class sedan borrows design cues and technological features from the S-class sedan, so the interior is where we see the most modernization. The 2022 C-class is based on the same rear-drive platform as the outgoing model, has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and offers all-wheel drive as an option.
The C-class handles well and can be hurried over winding sections of the road, but we found the ride to be harsh over uneven ground and the steering to be less responsive than the car's sports-sedan objective demanded. The C-class maintains the tradition of imitating the look and substance of the top-tier S-class sedan in a smaller, more inexpensive form, despite its dynamic weaknesses.
What has changed for 2022?
Briefly: Everything. Even if the new C-class retains much of the appearance of the 2021 model, a new generation with more luxury and high-tech amenities debuts with the 2022 model year.
2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class: Pricing
The 2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class is available at $44,600, just $1,950 more than the 2021 C-Class it replaces.
Which one to Purchase?
The 2022 Mercedes Benz C-class is available in three distinct trim levels from Mercedes-Benz: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. This is in contrast to the previous version of the automobile, which offered options à la carte. Because it comes with conveniences like a 360-degree exterior camera system, a self-parking capability, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester premium music system, we believe the mid-range Exclusive trim should please the widest spectrum of purchasers.
Only the sedan will be offered at launch, though we anticipate Mercedes will continue to offer the C-class in a coupe and convertible body styles. A sunroof, heated front seats, automatic high-beam headlamps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are just a few of the many features that come standard on all versions. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system from Mercedes-Benz is optional, so we'll let you pick whether or not you want it.
2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class: Interior and Comfort
The new high-tech cabin is the C-most class's significant upgrade. A digital gauge display, touch-sensitive controls, and several conveniences are standard on all models. Mercedes offers a long list of standard luxury equipment, including heated front seats with memory settings, a sunroof, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum highlights.
The new model has a steering wheel that resembles that of the S-class sedan. The 2022 Mercedes Benz C-class has grown in length overall by around 2.5 inches over the outgoing model, while its wheelbase has increased by an inch. Although Mercedes-Benz claims it results in increased backseat legroom, the difference is barely noticeable in practice.
2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class: Connectivity
Similar to the one in the revised S-class car, a sizable 12.3-inch vertically oriented infotainment display sweeps up from the center console and toward a trio of circular air vents on the upper dashboard. The most recent version of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system is running on the touchscreen, which is slightly angled toward the driver for ease of use while driving.
It includes the voice-activated digital assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and online access through a Wi-Fi hotspot. All models also include a fingerprint sensor to validate the driver's profile for memory settings and an 11.9-inch digital gauge display. Optional additions include a Burmester surround sound stereo system, an ambient lighting system, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class: Engine and Performance
The same 255-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers all 2022 C-class cars, which sport the designation C300 on their svelte trunk lids. A 48-volt hybrid system that can momentarily provide up to 20 more horsepower enhances the turbo four. Rear-wheel drive is the default configuration, and an all-wheel drive is still an option. The sole available transmission is a nine-speed automatic. The all-wheel drive C300 4Matic outperformed the previous generation C-class by 0.1 seconds in our tests, reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
Although we anticipated brisk handling from a tiny sports sedan, we were disappointed by the lack of steering feel and the choppy ride. The C300 stopped from 70 mph in just 154 feet thanks to its effective braking, but we would prefer a harder pedal feel.