The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has just undergone a major facelift, with an updated look, more power, and a fantastic interior. Putting an emphasis on technology and style without sacrificing performance, the C-Class continues to be a top choice in the compact luxury sedan segment.
What's New for 2019
Mercedes has undergone a comprehensive redesign. The base engine remains the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged motor, but it has had the power increased by 14 horsepower. They've also made a number of style changes, including new front and rear bumpers, 64-color ambient lighting, new upholstery and paint choices, and LED headlights and taillights.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The C-Class range is deep and wide, mostly separated by body style (it's available as a coupe, cabriolet, and sedan) and engine choice. The base engine in the C300 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The AMG C 43 is given a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that's been tuned by AMG to make a healthy 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Both of these models make use of a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Cranking it up a notch, the AMG C 63 receives another couple of cylinders in the form of a handcrafted twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and if that's not enough the AMG C 63 S has that V8's power turned up even more to 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In order to best use this power, the C 63 and C 63 S use a fast shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. If you feel the need for speed, the C-Class has you covered.
Of these variants, the C300 offers all-wheel drive as an option, while the AMG C 43 comes with it standard. The C 63 and C 63 S are both rear-wheel drive, and won't hesitate to convert their tires into smoke.
C300
Starting at $42,395 for the rear-wheel drive model (all prices include the $995 destination charge) and $44,395 for the all-wheel-drive 4-MATIC variant , the C300 is the base model of the C-Class. However, the C300 is anything but basic. It comes standard with six different colors of faux leather seats, five different trim materials, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, power front seats with memory for the driver, and a seven-inch infotainment screen. There's even a standard subwoofer that Mercedes-Benz calls "FRONTBASS" that utilizes the C300's frame to make a better sounding bass.
The C300 features standalone options galore and almost too many packages to list. The most notable include the $2,000 AMG Line Package that adds AMG-inspired interior and exterior trim, sport front seats, sport brakes, a sport suspension, and five-spoke AMG wheels. Additionally, the $900 Exterior Lighting Package gives the C300 adaptive headlights and automatic high beams, while the $2,500 Multimedia Package offers a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, voice control, and navigation. The Premium Package adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, an electronic trunk closer, hands free keyless entry with push button start, and satellite radio for $1,600. Finally, there's two driver assistance packages, including the $1,090 Parking Assist Package (active park assist, surround-view camera) and the $2,250 Driver Assistance Package (automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, blind-spot monitoring, speed limit assist, steering assist, active distance assist).
AMG C 43
If you'd like a little more power in your life, it's hard to go wrong with the AMG C 43. Starting at $54,395, the AMG C 43 features a zero-to-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds. All of the standard features found on the C300 are in the C 43, but it adds a much more aggressive AMG-trimmed exterior. The standard interior upholstery is black suede with red seat belts, and the features from the C300's Premium Package are included.
New option packages available on this trim include the $350 Air Balance package that includes a cabin fragrance system and an air purifier, along with the $350 Smart Phone Integration Package which adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Notable standalone options include the $850 Burmester sound system, a $1,250 AMG Performance Exhaust, and $2,500 AMG Performance front seats.
AMG C 63
The $68,090 AMG C 63 most notably features a handbuilt V8 which will rocket it to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. If you just have to get under that four-second mark, AMG will sell you the $74,695 C 63 S which will get you to that magic number in 3.9 seconds. Both of these cars are essentially German muscle cars, and won't hesitate to get loose if you aren't paying attention. That being said, that much power is an addictive amount of fun, and you'll find yourself smiling anytime you get the opportunity to open the taps a bit.
The standard features, options and packages of the C 63 largely reflect those of the C 43, but you'll have to pay extra for red seat belts. However, the C 63 S comes standard with Nappa leather seats (as it should for a car that costs almost $75,000), and is offered with $5,450 Carbon Ceramic Brakes in addition to the other packages.
Of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup, the AMG C 63 is an impressive piece of machinery, while the AMG C 43 offers a ton of performance and luxury at a pretty reasonable price. Additionally, the C 43 is much more suited to everyday driving, as it's able to apply its power more effectively than its more powerful brethren.