2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Performance

Though it no longer has access to a throaty six-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is still rather spry, sprinting from 0-60 mph in a modest six seconds, although independent tests have seen this number drop slightly. This is made possible by the integrated hybrid system that adds 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque when accelerating. Overall, the sedan's performance feels lively, if not sporty, and the available all-wheel drivetrain helps to improve traction and add some versatility for cold-weather climes. This does see a drop in efficiency, though, as the added weight makes the engine work harder. All things considered, the C-Class is a stately cruiser rather than a speedster, so the electronically limited top speed of 130 mph is not much of a downside.

The four-cylinder engine in the Mercedes C-Class develops 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the complementary mild-hybrid system adds 20 hp and 148 lb-ft when accelerating. All of this is sent through a 9-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels as standard, or the all-wheel drivetrain on the C 300 4Matic. With so many gears to cycle through, you might expect a bit of indecision, but the Merc slides smoothly from one to the next and easily shifts down when the throttle is applied in earnest. The only downside is the lack of a throaty rumble as you cruise down the highway, but this has become the norm for the segment, with even Audi and BMW relying on muted turbo four-pots to power their compact offerings.

Though not an economical vehicle, the C-Class returns decent mileage figures. This is thanks to the more efficient turbocharged powertrain. In standard RWD configuration, it manages 25/35/29 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, while upgrading to the heavier AWD will lose you an extra 2 mpg across the board.

With a 17.4-gallon fuel tank, this means the C-Class can travel between 470 and 505 miles before needing to refuel.