The
2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class is an entry-level luxury sport sedan that focuses more on comfort than handling. Offered in several configurations, the C-Class is powered by either the 3.0L V-6 for the C300, the 3.5L V-6 for the C350, or the 6.2L V-8 for the C63 AMG. Only the C300, which is offered in Sport and Luxury trim levels, offers a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, while the seven-speed automatic is on option on the C300 and standard on the C350. The C63 AMG sports an entirely different seven-speed automatic transmission.
Although it's entry-level, the Mercedes C-Class is an impressive luxury car, with not only all of technology that one might desire but also great power train performance and handling. All of the C-Class standard safety equipment is superb and receives high marks. EPA-rated fuel economy is in the 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway range.
New for 2011
For 2011, the C-Class received Mercedes' next generation of their telematics system with emergency assistance, weather and traffic information, and a concierge function. In addition, sport models now have standard LED daytime running lights. Trim levels without bi-xenon headlights have black headlight inlays. The C-Class received a new headlight control switch, and the ESP button was relocated.
Essentials
Engines: 3.0L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 6.2L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: C300 Sport Sedan, C350 Sport Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan
On the Outside
Fender flares are more aggressive on the 2011 Mercedes C-Class than on the S-Class, while headlights and taillights are angular, making its design sharper and more modern than previous C-Class models.
From the Inside
Standard features on the Mercedes C-Class include Bluetooth, SmartKey, eight-way power front seats, a power sunroof, and two-zone climate control. However, some of the plastic looks a little cheap.
Driving Performance
Propelled by 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the C350 Sport surges to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and requires only 117 feet to stop from 60 mph. However, the race-track-ready C63 rushes from zero to 60 in 4.1-seconds.
Safety Equipment
Among the standard safety equipment on the Mercedes C-Class are dual front airbags, dual side front airbags, pelvic airbags, head curtains, a driver-side knee bag, roadside assistance, ESP, tire-pressure monitoring, and four-wheel discs with ABS.
Gas Mileage
C300 Luxury, Sport: 18 mpg city/25-26 mpg highway
C350 Sport: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
C63 AMG: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway
Plusses
- Speedy acceleration
- Nice handling
- Similar S-Class styling
- Marvelous C63 AMG
Minuses
- Interior design could improve
- No manual transmission in C63 AMG
Rating
Quickly catching up to the competition
People Who Like the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Also Like
- BMW 3 Series
- Audi A4
- Lexus IS
- Infiniti G37