The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
If cachet appeals to you, then the C-Class should win you over in a heartbeat. While there are plenty of elements borrowed from its six-figure S-Class sibling, the C-Class is priced with a wider range of buyers in mind.
Though much of the C-Class’s competition favors performance over luxury, the C-Class is weighted towards comfort.
Other Cars to Consider
Cars like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37 are highly regarded for their performance. Both the Cadillac and Lexus carefully balance performance and luxury while injecting handsome styling.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The Details
For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available with two different powertrains: a 3.0-liter V6 in the C300 and the 3.5-liter V6-equipped C350.
For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is unchanged save for some shuffling of options and feature packages. The C300 Sport and C350 Sport models cater to the driving enthusiast with a firmer suspension, a Mercedes SL-style grille, LED running lights and darker wood accents within the cabin.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an entry-level luxury sedan available in four trim levels: C300 Sport, C300 Luxury, C350 Sport and C63 AMG.
The C300 models share the same engine and are both available with 4Matic all-wheel drive, but differ in exterior styling elements, interior trim, suspension tuning, front seat design and standard transmission.
The Premium I package adds auto-dimming mirrors, a 10-way power driver seat, power driver lumbar support, driver memory functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, automatic wipers, heated front seats, satellite radio, a power rear sunshade and a split-folding rear seat. A lighting package adds active xenon headlights with washers, LED running lights (standard on Sport version) and LED taillights.
The C350 Sport is essentially a C300 Sport with the Premium I package, a bigger V6 and black bird's-eye maple wood trim. The C63 AMG is equipped similarly, but ups the performance ante considerably with a V8 engine, firmer suspension, bigger brakes, 18-inch wheels, AMG interior and exterior sport cues, leather AMG sport seats and aluminum paddle shifters.
The current model year of the new C-Class reflects Mercedes' updated design language, with design cues from the new S-Class sedan and R-Class crossover.
The C300 sedan -- offered in Sport and Luxury guise -- offers 228 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 211 pound-feet of torque from 2700 to 5000 rpm. The so-called Sport models are distinguished by a grille-mounted star badge and AMG body styling, with deeper front and rear aprons, under-door rocker panels, and twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width or optional 18-inch wheels.
Sport models also feature firmer suspension, a three-spoke steering wheel, a titanium-colored instrument cluster, and a different choice of interior materials.
All C300 models come as rear-wheel-drive or 4Matic all-wheel-drive.
