2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

New for 2016

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a new C450 AMG® trim, which replaces last year's C400. An optional Night package adds black-and-silver 18-inch wheels and gloss-black exterior trim. 

Beyond Mere Luxury 

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is fresh off a complete redesign from last year, but don't think for a second the popular luxury sedan is resting on its laurels. For 2016, the C-Class returns even better, offering new levels of luxury and refinement that help elevate the C-Class beyond its rivals.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available with a number of different powertrain options to fit your driving needs.

First up is the C300, it's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can select between rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC® all-wheel drive for added peace of mind.  Like all 2016 C-Class trim levels, the C300 is mated to a standard seven-speed automatic transmission. According to EPA-estimates, the C300 should return 28 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway) with RWD, * and 27 mpg combined (24/31) with AWD.* 

Next up, and new for 2016, is the C300d, which employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine that's good for 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

Also new this year is the plug-in C350e hybrid, which pairs a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 275 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. It's worth noting that the plug-in C350e hybrid is RWD only. 

For those out there that desire even more power, there is the all-wheel drive C450 AMG®. This particular model comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 362 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The C450 AMG® employs a sport-tuned version of the seven-speed automatic found throughout the mode line. EPA estimates for the C450 AMG® are 24 mpg combined (21/29).*

For the ultimate C-Class experience, buyers can choose between the AMG® C63 and the AMG® C63 S. Both models employ rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that serves up 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque (AMG® C63) or 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque (AMG® C63 S). It's worth noting that the C63 trims feature a performance-oriented seven-speed automatic that differs from the rest of the lineup. 

Features and Trims

For 2016, the C-Class is only available as a four-door, five-seat sedan (the C-Class coupe will return next year). Pricing for the sedan starts at $38,950 for a base C300.**

Of course, this is a Mercedes-Benz, and even though the C-Class sits at the low end of the model range, there’s nothing “base” about its standard equipment. That list includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a 14-way power driver’s seat with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, and split-folding rear seats.

From there, buyers can choose from a long list of options, some of which wouldn’t be out of place on the luxury automaker’s flagship S-Class. A Premium Package adds LED exterior lighting, Burmester premium sound, and Keyless Go—which lets the driver lock and unlock the doors or start the engine without touching the key. The Multimedia Package adds navigation and the COMAND® infotainment interface with an 8.4-inch screen.

Speaking of infotainment, the 2016 C-Class is also available with the mbrace® telematics system (requires subscription) that includes emergency roadside assistance and remote unlocking, among other features, as well as the Mercedes-Benz Apps suite.

Design

The exterior styling of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is perhaps the best-executed version of the brand’s current design theme so far. It blends the aggressive curves of the smaller CLA Class with some of the more formal tone of the larger E-Class and S-Class sedans.

A traditional cab-rearward profile is paired with the traditionally bold Mercedes-Benz grille, but the look is updated with seemingly-obligatory sports sedan cues like pronounced air-intake scoops and large exhaust outlets.

The interior is pretty sporty as well. The driver is greeted by a three-spoke steering wheel, and held in place by heavily-bolstered seats. The sweeping center console with its three round air vents is nicely done, and the slope makes controls easy to reach.

Models equipped with navigation also come with a dashboard-topping display screen and Mercedes’ new controller, which combines a click wheel and touch pad.

Safety

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes standard with nine airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Crosswind Assist, and Collision Prevention Assist Plus—which detects nearby obstacles and can even apply the brakes in certain situations.

Optional features include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, DISTRONIC PLUS® radar-based adaptive cruise control, and PRE-SAFE® automatic braking with pedestrian recognition.

Bottom Line

While there are many capable luxury sedans out there, why settle for good when you can simply have the best? The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the consummate luxury sedan. It pampers, impressed, and thrills in equal measure. 

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis today. 

*2016 EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.

**Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $925 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.

Image: Mercedes-Benz