Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a Good Car? 4 Pros and 4 Cons

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been a popular choice in the compact luxury sedan market, offering both the upscale amenities and the prestige buyers are looking for in the category. But a 2022 redesign arrived to a rapidly changing marketplace, with both traditional rivals and newer competitors nipping at the sedan’s heels as buyers demand ever more advanced tech and alternative powertrains to go along with luxurious interiors and features. Against this backdrop, Mercedes-Benz may be coming up short.

Related: 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 Review: Losing Its Way

The redesigned C300 has a lot to offer, including a stylish new exterior, a high-tech powertrain that provides brisk acceleration and decent fuel economy, responsive handling, and the requisite upscale interior loaded with tech and features. But it also seems to be in the throes of an identity crisis, unsure of where it fits compared to traditional competitors like Audi and BMW or upstarts Genesis, Tesla and even Mercedes’ own EQ brand of electric vehicles.

Cars.com reviewer Brian Normile recently spent some time with a 2022 C300 (which is identical to the 2023 model). Not surprisingly, he came away with mixed feelings. Click the link above for Normile’s expert review; for a quicker synopsis, below are four things we like about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and four things that could use some improvement.

Things We Like

1. Potent Powertrain

The new standard powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for a total of 255 horsepower, and it’s a gem. Matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission, power delivery is effortless from a standstill and just keeps on coming, and the mild-hybrid system aids with low-end grunt.

2. Light on Its Feet

In terms of handling, the C300 can hold its own with any comparable, non-performance competitor in the category, such as an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series. The redesigned C300 feels nimble and agile in turns, and the available AMG Line With Night Package adds a sport suspension, a thick and grippy steering wheel, and more. (Unfortunately, the steering offers little feel.)

3. Impressive Instrumentation

One of the better uses of tech in the refreshed C300 is its new digital instrument panel. Bright, vivid and easy to read, the display is also easily configurable. While arguably not anything too special compared to digital instruments from a variety of manufacturers, it just works well. Easy-to-use voice commands are another plus.

4. A Safe Bet

The redesigned C-Class earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is the highest designation offered by the agency. That means it excelled in a variety of crash tests, that all trims have at least acceptable headlight scores, and that vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems earn advanced scores.

However, it’s worth noting that Mercedes charges extra for some safety systems, while competitors such as Lexus and Genesis include them as standard equipment.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Tough Brakes

The AMG Line With Night Package also includes a sport brake system, consisting of drilled rotors and calipers emblazoned with the Mercedes logo. The result looks all business, but Normile found the system required a lot of pedal travel and provided little feel. That makes it hard to execute a smooth stop.

2. Harsh Ride

Ride quality in our test car was disappointing, which was especially surprising given its winter tires with a softer compound and higher sidewall than more performance-focused tires. Instead of a mushy ride, the C300 delivered a ride that was brittle, harsh and anything but luxurious.

3. Alternate Reality

When dialed into its sportiest setting, the exhaust system produces a healthy sounding low rumble — at least for those inside. The sound is synthesized and not nearly as noticeable outside the car. Another odd touch is prominent-but-fake exhaust tips protruding from the rear bumper; the real exhaust tips are under the car. Frivolous touches like these take away from any upscale pedigree.

4. Cabin Complaints

We were disappointed with the interior of the C300 both from a comfort and usability standpoint. Several editors complained of difficulty finding a comfortable driving position, and rear-seat room is limited all around. Other gripes include the new 11.9-inch touchscreen, which does away with most physical controls. The MBUX multimedia system is another cause of frustration: It’s needlessly complicated and awkward to use.

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