2018 Mercedes Benz C Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When you hear the name Mercedes-Benz, images of luxury and power come to mind. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is just one of the automaker's fine examples of how exciting driving a luxury car can be. With three different body stylings to choose from and many options for customization, the C-Class has something for everyone.

What's New for 2018?

While there aren't a ton of noticeable changes, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class now comes with more standard features than ever before. A rearview camera, 9-speed automatic transmission, and remote start and keyless entry are now standard features on the C-Class. Also, Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto smartphone app integration are now available.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Mercedes Benz C Class – The Pros

1. Three Body Styles

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has three different options for body styles. You can get the coupe, convertible, or sedan. If you don't plan on toting more than three passengers at a time, the coupe and convertible offer two sculpted rear seats instead of the bench that you find in the sedan. The sedan offers a supple 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space while the coupe and convertible only offer 8.8.

2. A Plug-In Hybrid Variant

There is a plug-in hybrid variant that is now available. The C350e has the equivalent of a 51 mpg rating. It comes with a 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, one electric motor, and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle comes with a lot of standard features found on the lineup, including a touchpad controller and pre-entry climate control.

3. High-Quality Interior Materials

Inside and out, the C-Class embodies luxury through Mercedes-Benz's usage of high-quality materials. The Nappa leather upholstery is particularly eye-catching and appears to be well-stitched. All of the knobs and controls look durable, and the wood paneling on the center stack is indeed very upscale.

4. Multiple Powerful Engines

Regardless of whichever trim you choose, you will get a powerful engine. The base 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is nicely paired with the new 9-speed automatic transmission, is capable of generating an impressive 241 hp. At the top of the line is a massively powerful V8 engine which garners an astounding 503 hp.

5. A New 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

The 9-speed automatic transmission is a nice upgrade for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It provides ample power to the vehicle on all of the powertrains where it can be equipped and runs with a sense of ease. It won't lurch or spend time searching for gears.

6. Remote Start and Keyless Entry Are Now Standard

Mercedes-Benz seems to recognize that customers want the most bang for their buck and have decided to make keyless entry and remote start standard features on the C-Class. These two convenience features come standard on some competitors, but not on all, so Mercedes-Benz adds these on as a nod to its customers.

7. A Standard Rearview Camera

In keeping up with the growing trend of having a rearview camera be standard, Mercedes-Benz has made this feature available across its 2018 C-Class lineup. Although you get a good view of the rear from your spot in the driver's seat, this camera makes backing up a whole lot easier.

8. LATCH is User-Friendly

All of the LATCH child seat tethers and anchors work extremely well. Parents will have no problem strapping child seats into the rear, as the two lower-anchor sets and three tether anchors are easy to reach and secure.

9. High Safety Scores

The C-Class is known for its high safety ratings. The C-Class earns a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and has also received high marks from the IIHS. In every NHTSA side crash test, the C-Class passed with flying colors.

10. A Long List of Safety Features

Adding to the element of safety, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a long list of standard and optional safety features. These features include crosswind alert, driver drowsiness monitoring, forward collision warning with braking assist, the Mercedes Pre-Safe System (which braces occupants for a predicted impact), automatic emergency braking, a head-up display, and cross-traffic alert.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Mercedes Benz C Class – The Cons

1. Poor Ride Quality On the Sport Models

The biggest drawback for drivers of the Sport models is that they don't give the best ride quality. If you are looking for a smoother ride quality, you will need to invest in the optional air suspension system. The ride quality feels a bit softer on other C-Class trims.

2. Crammed Rear Seat In the Coupe

Regardless of which body styling you pick, the rear seat will feel cramped. The sedan is somewhat more generous, but anyone who tries to fit into the rear in the coupe or convertible will feel crammed in.

3. The Infotainment System Isn't User-Friendly

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class does not have a user-friendly infotainment system. While the 7-inch screen is visually appealing, its controls are ridiculously difficult to use. The touchpad and rotary knob are downright confounding, even for some tech-savvy drivers.

4. A Short EV Range

Most plug-in hybrids average somewhere between a 10- and 20-mile range. The C-Class's plug-in hybrid falls short of this at just 8 miles, so if you're looking for a decent electric range, this isn't the vehicle for you.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. 2018 Audi A4

The 2018 Audi A4 has an impeccably quiet and comfortable cabin and has an infotainment system that far outperforms that on the C-Class. However, the A4 suffers from lackluster steering and lacks some of the power found in the C-Class's powertrain options.

2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. 2018 BMW 4-Series

The 2018 BMW 4-Series is a popular competitor in the luxury sedan and coupe segment, especially since even the base trim offers a strong powertrain. The 4-Series also provides a comfortable and quiet ride, and it offers responsive steering and handling. The vehicle, however, isn't as high-tech as the C-Class and has an incredibly small trunk space.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a spunky vehicle with a good amount of options. All of the powertrains are more than capable of getting the vehicle up-to-speed on the highway, and the vehicle handles slower-speed roads with ease. If you can overlook the cramped rear seats, the confusing infotainment system, and opt for a non-Spot model, you will find a lot to enjoy about the C-Class.