Two body styles and four trims are offered for 2013: C250, C350 and C63 AMG coupes and C250, C300 4MATIC, C350 and C63 AMG in Sport or Luxury sedan. Both coupes and sedans are available in rear-wheel drive but all-wheel-drive is standard on the C300 4MATIC. A 7-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is the only transmission available.
C250 models are powered by a 1.8L direct-injected 4-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and 229 ft-lb of torque. The C350 models get a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 302 horsepower and 273 ft-lb of torque. The C300 4MATIC also gets a version of the 3.5L V6; however, it produces less power, making 248 hp and 251 ft-lb of torque. The high-performance, limited-production C63 AMG is powered by a monster 6.3L V8 engine that produces 451 hp and 443 ft-lb of torque. The C63 AMG Edition 507 is new for 2014, and delivers 507 hp and 450 ft-lb of torque.
All C-Class coupes come with a panoramic sunroof, LED taillights, power-heated mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. The standard stereo has a USB port, HD radio and Bluetooth built-in. The seats are MB-Tex fabric and are 8-way power-adjustable. It comes with a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and a SmartKey vehicle remote that can open the sunroof, trunk, fuel-filler door and power windows from a distance. The C350 upgrades the engine, but also the front seats, adds steering wheel memory and additional wood trim inside.
Through options, an iPod interface can be added to the stereo, or it can be upgraded entirely to a harman/kardon surround system. Heated leather seats are available, as is a COMAND navigation system with 7-inch display. A lane-tracking system, several wheel options and a choice of woodgrain interiors are also available.
The base-level Sport sedan is equipped similarly to the base coupe. The Luxury sedan adds a comfort-tuned suspension, vented brake rotors and burl walnut trim inside. Both trims are available with the 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. A C350 sedan comes in Sport trim and rear-wheel drive only.
The C63 AMG is the ultimate in performance for the C-Class. It comes with AMG-tuned suspension, brakes and steering systems, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a special AMG spoiler, bi-xenon HID headlamps, special heated seats, floor mats and steering wheel. A limited-slip differential is also available. The Edition 507 adds 19-inch wheels.
Safety is where Mercedes-Benz shines the most -- dual two-stage front air bags, side curtain air bags, side-impact bolsters and a driver's knee airbag are all standard. An "Attention Assist" drowsiness monitor comes standard as well.
Affordable Luxury
A Wide Selection Of Performance Engines
Available 4MATIC All Wheel Drive System
Strong Safety Feature List
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is largely unchanged for 2014, though a new trim level tops the range in the C63 AMG Edition 507. Offered in both coupe and sedan bodystyles, the car boast an even more powerful 6.3L AMG-tuned V8, which produces 507 hp and 450 ft-lb of torque. It rides on 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. Elsewhere, the 3.5L V6 that powers the C350 now has more power -- 302 hp and 273 ft-lb of torque -- up from 268 hp and 258 ft-lb last year.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes directly with BMW's 3-series and Infiniti's G-series. Mercedes-Benz brings a century of automotive innovation and a reputation for ultimate quality and performance to their entry-level model. The C-Class starts at $35,800 for the 1.8L-powered C250 sedan. The direct-injected engine makes over 200 horsepower but can also cruise at 31 mpg on the highway, while still allowing for spirited performance, excellent safety and Mercedes-Benz trademark cache.
