2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

The C-Class we tested, the C 300, places few demands on the driver. It makes sufficient power for a luxury sedan with a base engine and, when equipped with the optional AMG sport suspension, offers exceptional handling. You also get responsive steering and unflappable braking.

Acceleration feels strong, although, with an Edmunds-tested 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, the C 300 trails both the Audi A4 (5.3 seconds) and the BMW 330i (5.6 seconds) by a tad. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly but can seem a little hesitant to downshift when you're driving in the default Comfort drive mode. You can liven it up with the Sport mode, but then the shifting can seem overcaffeinated.

It's unfortunate that the C 300 scores so poorly here. We like how the front seats are supremely comfortable and offer a broad range of adjustment for all body types. The climate control system is full-featured and effective too.

But our test car had the optional AMG sport suspension coupled with 19-inch wheels. So equipped, the C 300 suffers from an overly firm ride quality. There's a constant level of jarring vibration that will make you question whether the car is, in fact, a Mercedes-Benz. The engine, too, comes across as unrefined and sounds buzzy when you lay into the gas pedal.

An elegant center stack with only the most necessary controls adds to the C 300's classy vibe. Unfortunately, the price for this minimalist design is that some functions lack physical buttons. The only way to access them is through menus in the infotainment display screen.

Getting in and out is easy thanks to wide door openings and a tall enough ride height that makes entry feel more like sliding in than dropping in. There's plenty of room up front, and the wide range of seating adjustments ensures drivers of all sizes can find a comfortable and commanding driving position. On the downside, there's less rear legroom and footroom than you'll find in some other rival luxury sedans.

The C 300's trunk (12.6 cubic feet) is small for the class. A low bumper height and a fairly wide trunk opening make it easy to load luggage and gear. But the trunk is deeper than it is wide, and there's no compensating for the lack of overall space. There aren't a lot of places to store your small items in the cabin either.

Got kids? You won't have trouble finding the lower car-seat anchors and rear tether points. But because of the C-Class' limited rear legroom, installing a bulky rear-facing seat might be a tight squeeze depending on where you position the front seats.

The C 300's infotainment system gets a boost for 2019. Our test car had the optional 10.25-inch display (a 7-inch display is standard) and we liked its crisp, clear graphics. There are multiple ways to control the infotainment system, including touchpad controllers on the steering wheel and a more traditional dial-and-button array. It's overkill, but all the controls work seamlessly, and many drivers will appreciate the choice.

The optional Burmester sound system is excellent, and the (also) optional digital gauge cluster is worth the expense. It puts the status and control of several functions (navigation, audio, phone) in your direct line of sight. Driver assist features work well and are well-calibrated, but they're a pricey option.