Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes' compact executive sedan brings S-Class technology to the heart of the range, now with electrified four-cylinder power across the board.
Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a sedan featuring powertrains delivering from 156 to 408 horsepower, achieving up to 40 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with RWD and AWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds a Not Rated-star NHTSA safety rating and zero open safety recalls on the latest production run.
Years
1993 - present
Power
156 - 408 hp
Best MPG
40 MPG
NHTSA
Not Rated★ overall
2021 Recalls
0 campaigns
Complaints
15 filed
01At a glance
Mercedes-Benz C-Class by the numbers
| Topic | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 156 - 408 hp | 6 powertrains verified |
| EPA fuel economy | 25 - 40 MPG | Combined cycle, best trim |
| Safety rating | Not Rated★ overall (2026) | Frontal Not Rated★ · Side Not Rated★ · Rollover Not Rated★ |
| Recalls (2021) | 0 | Open NHTSA safety campaigns |
| Complaints (2021) | 15 | ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM |
| Fuel types | Petrol | RWD, AWD drivetrains |
| Generations indexed | 2 | Each with full spec sheet |
| Dimensions (latest) | 4751 x 1820 x 1438 mm | L x W x H, 2865 mm wheelbase |
02Crash protection
Mercedes-Benz C-Class NHTSA safety ratings
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2026 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2024 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2024 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Safercar_data.csv, official 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Recall counts from NHTSA Recall API. Official NHTSA ratings
05Pick your year
Mercedes-Benz C-Class generations
C-Class W206
2021 – present
C-Class W205
2014 – 2021
05Generation comparison matrix
Compare all Mercedes-Benz C-Class generations
| Specification | C-Class W2062021 – present (W206) | C-Class W2052014 – 2021 (W205) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 204 – 408 hp | 156 – 367 hp |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Up to 40 MPG combined | Up to 37 MPG combined |
| Quickest 0–100 km/h | 4.6s | 4.7s |
| Exterior Dimensions | 4751 × 1820 × 1438 mm | 4686 × 1810 × 1442 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2865 mm | 2840 mm |
| Powertrains Verified | 3 trims | 3 trims |
| Full Specs | View spec sheet | View spec sheet |
Smart Value & Budget Pick
C-Class W205
Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.
Explore C-Class W205specs →Technology & Modern Pick
C-Class W206
Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.
Explore C-Class W206specs →06Answers
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: what buyers ask
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 0 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
Across verified powertrains, the C-Class achieves 25 to 40 MPG combined (EPA cycle).
How much horsepower does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
Power ranges from 156 hp to 408 hp across 6 verified powertrains, spanning Petrol fuel types.
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class safe?
The 2026 C-Class earned a Not Rated-star overall NHTSA rating (frontal Not Rated, side Not Rated, rollover Not Rated). It has earned 5 stars in 2 tested model years.
What are common Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on file for the 2021 model year, most frequently involving ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM.
How many generations does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 1993 to the present.
07Compare
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08Buyer's Guides
C-Class Research & Technical Explainers
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
Front, rear, all or four-wheel drive, what's the difference, and which drivetrain is right for your driving? Mechanics, pros, cons and examples.
September 19, 2026
City vs. Highway vs. Combined MPG Explained: EPA Formula & Real-World Guide
What do the three MPG numbers on a spec sheet actually mean, why is your real-world figure lower, and which should you care about? A complete guide.
September 26, 2026
What Is a VIN Number? How to Decode All 17 Digits (NHTSA & ISO Chart)
Every car built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN. Learn where to find it, what each position means, and how to decode it free in seconds.
October 10, 2026
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Mercedes-Benz C-ClassCertification data across model years
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls and owner complaintsLatest model-year record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Mercedes-Benz official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Check a specific C-Class
Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.
Open VIN checkMore Mercedes-Benz models