2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class review

There’s nothing out there quite like theMercedes-Benz C350e. That might seem like an odd statement, but it’s true.

Australia’s plug-in hybrid sedan scene? Barren. Desolate. A virtual ghost town. Enter the new Mercedes-Benz marvel, strutting onto a stage practically cleared for its solo performance. With the BMW 330e and Volvo S60 T8 now distant memories on our shores, Stuttgart’s latest offering doesn’t just enter the market; itownsit.

Forget the Outback,thisDown Under marvel is the Mercedes-Benz C350e. Starting at $98,200 (before on-road costs), it matches the C300’s price tag, but here’s the kicker: you’re getting plug-in hybrid prestige for about half the cost of the next closest PHEV sedan. Talk about value in a class all its own.

Is it a steal? Hold that thought. While the C350e aims for value, a hungry pack of rivals circles. Consider the BMW 330i M Sport’s precision, the Audi A5’s sleek lines, the Lexus ES’s serene comfort, the Genesis G70’s audacious style, or the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s passionate performance – all available for considerably less. And the plot thickens: the A5 is poised to electrify the field with its own plug-in hybrid by 2025.

Partial electrification: A worthwhile investment in flexibility, or a path to premium sedan purgatory for the C350e? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep to uncover the truth.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost?

The plug-in hybrid C350e is priced on par with the C300, despite packing more power and kit.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Mercedes-Benz C200 | $87,800 | | 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 | $98,200 | |2026 Mercedes-Benz C350e|$98,200| | 2026 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC | $123,800 | | 2026 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance 4MATIC+ | $193,900 |

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class like on the inside?

There’s plenty of style and substance to be found inside the C350e.

The dashboard cascades like a gentle waterfall, a soothing visual treat made even more luxurious by the wood and leather accents gracing our test car. And those turbine-inspired air vents? Still captivating.

Sink into the embrace of the front seats: supple leatherette thrones offering a three-stage heated caress, power adjustments to sculpt the perfect driving position, and lumbar support that whispers sweet relief to your spine. And yes, that’s all standard.

Even the base C200 has its charms, but the C350e elevates the experience with AMG Line interior touches. Your hands will appreciate the perforated leather steering wheel, though you might miss the warmth of a heated one on a chilly day. The real frustration, however, lies with the touch-capacitive controls on the split spokes – accuracy suffers, leaving you wishing for simpler, more tactile interaction.

"Another tech-laden car, another headache-inducing interface?" Hold that groan. Beneath the sleek exterior of the C350e lies a surprisingly intuitive digital world. Prepare to be delighted, not defeated, by its suite of user-friendly screens and gadgets.

Imagine stepping into a world where your car anticipates your every need. That’s the magic of the 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment screen gracing many of today’s Mercedes-Benz models. Forget fumbling through menus; this isn’t your grandpa’s clunky interface. Think crystal-clear navigation guiding you effortlessly, a personal concert from Spotify or Apple Music filling the cabin, and instant access to YouTube, Amazon, weather updates, and the day’s headlines. The secret? Intuitively designed app icons, splashed with bold visuals and easy-to-read text, ensuring you’re always in control and never lost in a digital labyrinth.

The climate controls, along with other essential shortcuts, remain steadfastly anchored at the screen’s base, a familiar touchpoint in a digital sea.

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t just put an infotainment system in their cars; they embed a visual symphony. The screen isn’t merely bright; it’s a portal, bursting with vibrant color and responding to your touch with the speed of thought. One suspects they’ve smuggled a quantum computer into the dashboard.

Ditch the cords and embrace seamless connectivity in the C-Class. Wireless smartphone mirroring comes standard, effortlessly projecting your digital world onto the central display. Power up on the go with the convenient wireless charging pad, or juice up your devices using the strategically placed USB-C ports throughout the cabin. Stay connected, stay charged, stay ahead.

Moving across, the C350e features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, as well as a head-up display.

Imagine a digital canvas, a rectangular instrument panel that bends to your will. Forget fixed dials; this display morphs, offering a symphony of layouts. I prefer the classic elegance of traditional gauges, cleanly separated by a dynamic data stream – a personalized dashboard reflecting precisely whatIneed to know. And it’s all rendered with breathtaking clarity, a visual feast for the road ahead.

Forget the dazzling displays for a moment. The C350e’s front row is surprisingly practical. Think Mary Poppins’ handbag, but in car form. Door bins and the glovebox? They’re cavernous. The center console? Enough room to swallow your everyday essentials whole. Beneath the futuristic facade lies an unexpectedly useful cockpit.

The quest for cabin storage, however, unearthed a less glamorous truth: the C-Class’s interior isn’t uniformly luxurious. Below the beltline, hard plastics proliferate, a stark contrast to the plush surfaces elsewhere. And the unforgiving plastic where your knee rests? Let’s just say long drives might require strategic padding.

C300 shown

Let’s be honest, fighting for the front seat is practically a C-Class tradition. While itcantechnically accommodate passengers in the back, let’s just say it’s more suited for brief cameos than extended tours. If you’re envisioning chauffeured comfort for your entourage, you’re shopping in the wrong aisle. The E-Class and S-Class are waiting to roll out the red carpet for your rear-seat riders.

Even taller passengers will find the C350e’s rear seats surprisingly accommodating. The panoramic sunroof banishes any hint of stuffiness, creating an airy and comfortable space.

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While the missing USB ports in the back sting, all is not lost. Passengers are treated to a pair of directional air vents, a welcome relief on sweltering days, and a folding center armrest transforming the rear into a more comfortable lounge for extended road trips. Stash your gear in the generously sized door bins and map pockets, keeping essentials within easy reach for backseat adventurers.

The boot? Think compact. At 315 litres, it’s adequate, but a far cry from the cavernous holds offered by other C-Class models (140 litres less, to be precise) and competitors. Pack light, or prepare to play Tetris with your luggage.

Imagine this: With the touch of a button, countless owners will unleash a cavernous cargo area as the boot wall gracefully folds the second-row seats down, transforming their vehicle into a hauling haven.

Even with a power tailgate smoothing the way, wrestling hefty cargo over the high boot floor and unforgiving lip feels like an unnecessary workout before you’ve even left for your adventure.

As the C-Class gets run-flat tyres across the range, there’s no spare wheel under the boot floor.

| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz C350e | | — | — | |Length| 4784mm | |Width| 1820mm | |Height| 1446mm | |Wheelbase| 2865mm | |Cargo capacity| 315L |

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Imagine a rear-wheel-drive sedan where exhilarating power meets electrifying efficiency. A potent 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 150kW and 320Nm of torque, harmonizes with a 95kW/440Nm electric motor. Nestled beneath the rear seats, a 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack fuels the electric motor, seamlessly managed by a responsive nine-speed automatic transmission.

| Specifications | Mercedes-Benz C350e | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol | |Engine outputs| 150kW/320Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 95kW/440Nm | |System outputs| 230kW/550Nm | |Battery| 19.5kWh (usable) lithium-ion | |Transmission| 9-speed automatic | |Drive type| Rear-wheel drive | |Weight| 2100kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 6.1 seconds | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 1.5L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 4.2L/100km (Hybrid mode, charged battery) | |Energy consumption (as tested)| 7.1kWh/100km (Hybrid mode, charged battery) | |Electric driving range(claimed)| 104km | |Fuel tank capacity| 50L | |Fuel requirement| 95-octane premium unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 34g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 6 |

Harnessing a combined 230kW of power and a massive 550Nm of torque, this machine isn’t just eco-friendly, it’s electrifyingly quick. Experience pure electric driving for up to 103km (WLTP), then unleash its full potential and rocket from 0-100km/h in a mere 6.1 seconds.

Standard with every model: a robust 11kW AC charging system, plus two charging cables – one for zipping up at public stations, and another to juice up from the comfort of your own wall socket at home.

DC fast-charging capability is a $1500 option, and allows the C350e to be charged at up to 55kW.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class drive?

Don’t let the numbers fool you, the C350e isn’t a sports sedan… and that’s perfectly okay.

Forget white-knuckle rides; think effortless surge. Yes, it breaches 100km/h in a touch over six seconds, but this isn’t about shock and awe. Those 230kW and 550Nm figures promise punch, and they deliver, albeit with a subtle reminder from the battery pack nestled beneath the rear – a gentle anchor on proceedings.

The C350e’s weight becomes a lead anchor when the road coils. Unlike nimbler competitors, it hesitates in corners, stubbornly pushing wide in sweeping bends. Expect a generous helping of body roll as well, a reminder that it prioritizes comfort over razor-sharp handling.

The C350e’s steering, much like its GLC350e sibling, leaves you feeling disconnected, almost numb. It’s less about feeling the road, more about inputting commands. Piloting the C350e isn’t an adrenaline-pumping driving experience; it’s like navigating a high-end simulator.

Forget the fiery Italian exotics and Bavarian bruisers. While a Giulia Quadrifoglio roars like a double shot of aged single malt, the C350e whispers like a warm cup of chamomile on a chilly evening – a comforting, familiar embrace on four wheels.

The open road calls, and behind the wheel, it whispers promises of effortless control. Visibility is king here, thanks to expansive windows and reassuringly substantial side mirrors that banish blind spots. The steering? A fingertip dream, light enough to dance through city streets, yet responsive enough to carve through winding backroads.

The C350e’s suspension isn’t a magic carpet ride, but it handily smooths out road imperfections, from crater-sized potholes to subtle surface textures. Remarkably, this is achieved without relying on active damping, resulting in a ride quality that surpasses most of its contemporary sedan rivals.

Imagine gliding through city streets, the only sound your thoughts. That’s the C350e in ‘Electric’ mode – pure, silent motion. But the power is yours to command. Conserve battery with ‘Battery Hold,’ unleash the beast in ‘Sport,’ personalize your ride with ‘Individual,’ or let the car intelligently blend power sources in ‘Hybrid.’ Choose your adventure.

Slip into ‘Hybrid’ mode and the engine purrs to life, an almost imperceptible transition. This is where the car truly shines. The hushed ballet between electric and gasoline is a masterclass in seamless power, a testament to sophisticated engineering.

The world outside fades to a muted hum. Only a whisper of tyre song remains to hint at the speed, the rest is swallowed by a blanket of near-perfect silence.

That cultivates a serene sanctuary – a space to lose yourself in beloved melodies, share stories with companions, or simply bask in the rare and restorative quiet of our clamorous world.

Glide into the future of driving with the Mercedes-Benz C350e, where every journey transforms into a serene escape. Long stretches of highway become a canvas for its intelligent driver assistance, seamlessly blending adaptive cruise control and active lane centering into a symphony of effortless motion. Imagine: the road unfolds, and your C350e dances with it, anticipating every curve and contour, turning mundane commutes into captivating explorations.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The C350e shares a similar level of specification to the C300, but gains self-levelling rear suspension.

2025 Mercedes-Benz C200 equipment highlights:

• AMG Line exterior
• Agility Control suspension – lowered
• 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels
• Rear privacy glass
• Metallic paint – excl. Manufaktur
• Ambient lighting incl. logo projection
• Exterior mirrors – power adjust, folding, heated
• Keyless-Go – keyless entry, auto boot
• LED headlights
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• 360-degree camera
• Run-flat tyres
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Panoramic sliding sunroof
• AMG Line interior
• Sports front seats
• Anthracite Linestructure Lime Wood trim
• Centre console in high-gloss black
• Ambient lighting plus
• Artico upholstery
• Roof liner in black
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Electrically adjustable front seats
• Memory Package – front seats
• Heated front seats
• Folding rear seat backrests – 40:20:40 split
• Dual-zone climate control
• MBUX 11.9-inch multimedia system
• MBUX Navigation Premium
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wireless
• DAB+ digital radio
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Mercedes-Me Connect
• Head-up display
• USB Package Plus

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Mercedes-Benz C300 adds:

• Burmester 3D surround sound system
• Augmented reality navigation
• 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels – bi-colour
• Tyre repair kit
• Privacy glass
• Digital Light Package with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus

Mercedes-Benz C350e adds (over C200):

• 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
• Comfort Suspension with rear self-levelling
• Charging cable for domestic socket
• Charging cable for wallbox and public charging
• Burmester 3D surround sound system
• Augmented reality satellite navigation

Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Night Package II (dark grille and badging)
• AMG Dynamic Plus package

• Red brake calipers
• AMG dynamic engine mounts
• Race drive mode

• AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, Microcut microfibre
• AMG Performance Seat Package High End

• Black leather upholstery with red stitching

• Metal Structure centre console, dash trim
• AMG Track Pace

Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance 4MATIC+ adds:

• Rear-axle steering
• Drift Mode
• AMG high-performance composite brake system
• AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension
• Eight AMG Dynamic Select drive modes
• AMG exterior styling with unique bumpers, skirts, badges

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class safe?

The C-Class wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on Euro NCAP testing in 2022.

| Category | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | | — | — | | Adult occupant protection | 91 per cent | | Child occupant protection | 90 per cent | | Vulnerable road user protection | 80 per cent | | Safety assist | 84 per cent |

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 10 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
• Active Parking Assist
• Adaptive cruise control – Distronic
• Adaptive High Beam Assist – auto high-beam
• AEB with Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Parking sensors – front, rear
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Surround camera system
• Traffic sign assist

Plus Package adds:

• Driving Assistant Package Plus

• Active Lane Change Assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop, go
• Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus
• Evasive manoeuvre support
• Pre-Safe impulse side
• Route-based speed adaptation

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost to run?

Mercedes-Benz covers its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia.

| Servicing and Warranty | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| 5 years | |Service intervals| 12 months or 25,000km | |Prepaid service plan| Up to 5 years | |Average annual service plan cost| $1378 | |Total service plan cost| $6890 |

Mercedes-Benz boasts lengthy 25,000km service intervals, but brace yourself: their five-year Service Plan hits your wallet for an eye-watering $6890. Ouch! That’s a financial knockout, more than double the cost of keeping a BMW, Audi, Lexus, or even a sassy Alfa Romeo purring for the same five years.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Stuck in plug-in hybrid purgatory, craving luxury? The Mercedes-Benz C350e might be your only ticket to mid-size, electrified elegance.

While nothing truly rivals ityet, keep your eyes peeled. Audi’s electrifying A5 plug-in hybrids are slated to land Down Under before the year is out, promising a compelling alternative.

Forget the four rings for a moment. While the allure of an Audi might be strong, the Mercedes-Benz C350e whispers a compelling counter-argument. Imagine gliding in near silence, yet having instant access to satisfying acceleration. Sink into supremely comfortable seats while watching fuel costs plummet. The C350e isn’t just good; it’s a masterclass in understated brilliance.

Audi Australia’s A5 Sedan e-hybrid hits the market at $89,900 (before on-road costs). That’s a notable $8300 undercut to its Mercedes-Benz rival, potentially making price the deciding factor for buyers weighing luxury against electrification.

Beyond mere tolerance, the A5 e-hybrid commands attention with exhilarating performance. The Australian-bound 270kW model explodes from 0-100km/h in a blistering 5.1 seconds, instantly becoming the weapon of choice for speed demons.

Many, however, don’t. And for those buyers, the C350e may just tick all the right boxes.

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