The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is all-new this year, with styling that’s clearly different yet somehow familiar. The doors and roof sit back further, with a long hood like past Mercedes big sedans. Mercedes calls the new look a cab-backward design.
The rear-wheel-drive C 300 and C 300 4Matic all-wheel-drive sedans arrive with an improved 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 48-volt mild-hybrid electric motor that kicks in when the little Benz needs extra power in a hurry. The setup is good for 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with the mild-hybrid motor adding an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque for short bursts.
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz has assigned trim levels to the C-Class sedan: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. It’s a practice long established by rivals like Audi and Infiniti, and we think it will make the C-Class buying experience less complicated. Buyers will still have a long list of options to choose from, allowing for further C-Class customization.
While Mercedes-Benz has not yet released new C-Class sedan pricing, we expect the 2022 C 300 and C 300 4Matic to remain reasonably close to the models they replace. That should mean buyers will get a lot more in the way of innovation and features without a big jump in price.
The C-Class coupes and cabriolets are carryover models for 2022. There are six versions. In addition to a C 300 coupe and C 300 cabriolet, there are the AMG C 43 and AMG C 63 S versions of both the coupe and cabriolet. The C 43 models are powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 385 horsepower; the C 63 S versions get a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 503 horsepower.
4Matic all-wheel-drive models cost $2,000 more than their rear-drive brethren. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan Premium (starting at $43,550)
The Premium trim brings the best of Mercedes-Benz design and tech at a price that we expect will keep it competitive. The 2022 C-Class’ generous standard equipment begins with an exterior that includes LED headlights and taillights, a power sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a hands-free power trunk with a power close feature. Having the key fob on your person is all that is required to unlock the doors and start the vehicle.
As for design, we think the C-Class interior is a stunning work of automotive art, every bit as alluring as a high-end piece of furniture. The faux leather seats are sculpted to hold you in place during spirited drives but not so tight that they pinch. The driver and passenger seats are heated and power operated, including power lumbar support. At the same time, the multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel includes capacitive touch control buttons for the audio, cruise, Bluetooth, and multi-information screen.
Behind the wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster configurable to show numerous displays. Gear selection is handled via a stalk-mounted lever.
The new C-Class’s center console is free of shift levers and touch-pad controls, creating a clean centerpiece that flows unbroken to the 11.9-inch center touchscreen display. In addition, the screen has a slight angle toward the driver, making it easier to see and operate when driving.
The center touchscreen controls everything from infotainment and climate to the Dynamic Select selectable drive modes, all via touch and swipe gestures with your fingertip. And speaking of fingertips, the system includes a fingerprint sensor for identifying who’s behind the wheel. The system is used primarily for logging into your personal Mercedes Me profile, which can also be accessed using voice recognition commands.
Mercedes-Benz’s new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system is impressively quick and intuitive to use. It features an improved voice activation system that understands casual speech prompts, activated by saying, “Hey, Mercedes.”
For example, if you’re cold, you can say, “Hey, Mercedes,” followed by, “set temperature to 70 degrees.” Similar commands exist for interior ambient lighting, audio, and optional features like navigation and the power rear sunshade.
The C-Class infotainment can also accommodate wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Being a Mercedes-Benz, naturally, the 2022 C-Class is all about safety. Included in the suite of standard driver assists are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (Active Brake Assist), blind-spot monitor with exit assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera. On top of these features, Pre Safe can prepare the cabin for a collision by tightening the safety belts and closing the windows and sunroof.
Attention Assist monitors 70 different driving parameters to ascertain if the driver is getting tired or inattentive. An audible and visual alert warns the driver it may be time to pull over and rest. Other features include systems to compensate for crosswinds, monitor the tire pressure, and activate the wipers when mist or rain hits the windshield.
As part of the Mercedes Me app services, the 2022 C-Class will alert you if someone or something collides with your car while it is parked.
Notable options for the C-Class include ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, adaptive front headlights (the turn in the direction of the steering wheel), navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, Burmester high-end audio system, and SiriusXM radio.
The Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control that maintains a preset distance between the C-Class and traffic ahead. Also in the package are lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and Active Stop-and-Go Assist (can slow, stop and then resume speed with the traffic ahead at speeds up to 37 mph).
Also included are front and rear cross-traffic detection with the ability to stop the vehicle if it detects a possible front collision, as when turning across the oncoming lane. Other features of note include traffic sign recognition and automatic parallel and end-on parking with a 360-degree camera.
You can spice up the appearance of your C 300 with the AMG Line with Night Package option. It includes gloss black exterior accents, 18-inch AMG wheels, diamond grille with star design in chrome, AMG body styling, AMG line sport front seats, a flat-bottom AMG sport steering wheel, and sport suspension and steering.
A selection of interior colors, wood or aluminum inlays, and other standalone options round out the possibilities. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Premium for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan Premium includes:
- Heated front seats – helps quickly warm occupants’ backside.
- Automatic high-beam headlights – detect oncoming traffic and automatically dim. When the system senses only darkness, the high beams come back on, giving improved visibility.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allows you to stream either system from your smartphone without the need for wires or a USB port.
- Power sunroof – lets in fresh air or sunlight and can be set to the vent position to help with internal airflow or to equalize cabin pressure with the rear windows lowered.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan Exclusive (starting at $45,800)
The Exclusive trim includes all the features found in the Premium. It then adds Active Park Assist, a surround-view 360 monitor with security, 64-color enhanced ambient lighting, a wireless charge pad, and the 13-speaker Burmester sound system.
Options for the Exclusive trim mirror those for the Premium. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Exclusive for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan Exclusive includes:
- 360-degree surround – provides a clear view around the entire car, helping avoid unwanted fender benders.
- Active Park Assist – works in conjunction with the 360-degree surround monitor, allowing the C-Class to parallel or end-on park automatically.
- Wireless charge pad – allow for wireless charging of compatible smartphones.
- Burmester sound system – design specifically for the C-Class interior, this 13-speaker sound system is one the best in the world.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan Pinnacle (starting at $47,500)
Includes all the Exclusive equipment plus MB navigation, a head-up display, and MBUX augmented video for navigation.
Optional equipment unique to the Pinnacle includes the Integrated Toll Pass, and a dashcam employing the windshield camera to film and save what’s happening in front of the car, including time and speed. In the event of an accident, the dashcam footage can be replayed to help prove who was at fault. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Pinnacle for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan Pinnacle includes:
- Head-up display – projects important information in the driver’s line of sight.
- MBUX augmented video navigation – enhances the navigation map with arrows or resident numbers superimposed over the displayed location.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 coupe (starting at $47,850)
Though largely carryover and employing the same chassis it had last year, the 2-door 2022 C 300 coupe hasn’t been totally ignored. Parking Damage Detection (which sends you an alert if your parked car gets bumped) is now standard on this compact 4-seat Mercedes, as are adaptive high-beam headlights.
Under the hood is the familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but without the mild hybrid assistance found in the new C-Class sedans. The engine mates to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and 4Matic all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the price.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights and taillights, power-folding mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Burmester sound system, Sirius satellite radio, heated front seats, sport-tuned suspension, illuminated door sills, and wood interior trim with an analog clock.
In addition to a standard safety suite that includes blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, the C 300 coupe has Pre-Safe. When this safety feature detects a collision about to occur, it tightens the seatbelts and closes the windows for added safety.
Options include a blacked-out Night Package and Driver Assistance Package that includes active cruise control, active blind-spot assist, active steering assist, active lane-change assist, evasive steering assist, and route-based speed adaptation.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 coupe will cost $48,900. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the monthly payment is $879. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 coupe for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 coupe includes:
- Power tilt and telescope steering wheel – to accommodate drivers of various sizes.
- Split-folding rear seats – these give the coupe added cargo-carrying ability.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 cabriolet (starting at $55,400)
The C 300 cabriolet is equipped much the same as the C300 coupe, and a 4Matic version is available for an extra $2,000.
The C 300 Cabriolet continues in 2022 with a powered fabric roof, which is complemented by a standard Aircap wind deflector and a neck-heating Airscarf. Standard safety equipment on the C 300 cabriolet includes driver and passenger knee airbags, plus front and rear side airbags.
Options on the C 300 cabriolet include upgraded wheels and interior leather, plus an AMG Line package that features AMG styling details inside and out, plus a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum pedals.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 cabriolet will cost $56,450. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the monthly payment comes to $1,014. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 cabriolet for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 cabriolet includes:
- Heated power front seats – the driver also gets memory and 4-way lumbar support.
- Burmester Surround Sound audio – helps you hear your favorite tunes when the top is down.
2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 coupe ($60,500)
With its AMG-enhanced twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and 4Matic all-wheel drive, the 2022 C 43 coupe is a quick and surefooted ride, aided further by an AMG Speedshift 9-speed automatic transmission, AMG-tuned adaptive suspension, and a rear-biased torque split of 31/69.
Naturally, many of the options on the C 43 coupe are from AMG. These include a steering wheel, a carbon-fiber package, a performance exhaust system, and sportier seats.
Including the $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 coupe will cost $61,550. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the monthly payment comes to $1,106. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 43 coupe for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 coupe includes:
- AMG Dynamic Select — allows the driver to quickly switch among the C 43’s drive modes, which includes a Race setting for track driving.
- AMG Performance Steering Wheel – it has a flat bottom, which gives the driver extra thigh clearance. Paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel make you downshift like a pro.
2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 cabriolet ($67,000)
As you might expect, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 cabriolet is for the most part a soft-top version of the C 43 coupe, replete with adaptive suspension and rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel drive. It even has the same electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, although it is slightly heavier and a tenth of a second slower to 60 mph (4.6 versus 4.5 seconds).
The options are similar, too, most from AMG. The powered soft top, a high-quality affair, is available in three colors: black, red, and dark blue.
Given its $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 cabriolet has a price of $68,050. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the monthly payment comes to $1,223. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 43 cabriolet for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 cabriolet includes:
- 4Matic all-wheel drive — like the C 43 coupe, the C 43 cabriolet has 4Matic AWD that is biased 31 front/69 rear to give it highly entertaining driving manners.
- Intelligent Light System – a stand-alone option for 2022, these lights swivel into turns and adjust their illumination based on current driving conditions.
2022 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe ($79,200)
If you absolutely, positively, need the most potent 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe, opt for the AMG C 63 S coupe.It’s powered by a hand-built twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 (on dynamic mounts) that sends 503 horsepower to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission. Rounding out the stout C 63 S package is an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, an AMG exhaust, AMG-specific driving modes, an AMG grille, and even an adjustable 9-setting traction control system derived from the one used by the AMG GT3 racing car.
There are options, too. These include an even bolder carbon-fiber exterior package, carbon-ceramic front brakes, an AMG aerodynamics package, ultra-high-performance summer tires, the AMG Drive Unit controller, and AMG sport seats with even larger side bolstering.
According to Mercedes, the 2022 C 63 S coupe hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 180 mph.
Including its $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe has a price of $80,250. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the monthly payment comes to $1,442. Find a 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe includes:
- Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 — hand-assembled by AMG, this direct-injected engine is a real powerhouse. It produces 503 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 rpm to 4,500 rpm.
- Dynamic Engine Mounts – these automatically adjust in rigidity to masterfully balance ride comfort with crisp handling characteristics.
- Race mode — makes the C 63 S shine on a racetrack. The powertrain is switched to its most responsive settings, and the stability control intervenes only minimally, making hot-lapping for a skilled driver all the more satisfying.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 63 S cabriolet ($87,100)
Like the C 63 S coupe, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S cabriolet is powered by AMG’s hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that sends 503 horsepower to all four wheels via a multi-clutch 9-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles. As such, this open-top Mercedes hits 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds, only a couple of tenths behind the lighter C 63 S coupe. Remarkably, the C 63 S cabriolet even has the same electronically limited top speed of 180 mph as the C 63 S coupe.While it’s tough to imagine going that speed with the top down, the C 63 S cabriolet is built to handle such power, and it’s equipped almost identically to the C 63 S coupe. It wears grippy high-performance tires, and it can be ordered with the carbon-ceramic front brakes and the AMG exterior carbon-fiber package.
When you include the $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S cabriolet has a price of $88,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the monthly payment comes to $1,584. Find a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 63 S cabriolet for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz C 63 S cabriolet includes:
- Pre-Safe Sound — If an accident is deemed imminent, this system emits a sound that triggers the protective stapedius reflex in the human ear. This helps reduce the chance of hearing loss caused by the violent sounds of an accident. Pre-Safe Sound is standard on all 2022 C-Class models.
- Electronically controlled limited-slip differential – Given the C 63 S cabriolet’s insane amount of power, it’s reassuring to know that a limited-slip rear differential is on duty at all times, maximizing grip out of corners.
- Airscarf — All 2022 Mercedes C-Class cabriolets have this unique system, which directs warm air onto the necks of the driver and passenger. Nothing quite like it on a cold night.
