2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price
$33,990 - $39,990

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranks 4 out of 21 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. Please check back soon for our full review.

In the rough and tough world of upscale midsize cars, competition is as hot as ever. Reviewer favorites like the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G and Hyundai Genesis mean that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has to make up a lot of ground to stay competitive. But, reviewers are saying that the 2011 Mercedes is only getting better with age.

If cachet appeals to you, then the C-Class should win you over in a heartbeat. With a unique look and a prominent grill decked out with the legendary three-pointed star, there’s no mistaking the C-Class for anything but a Mercedes-Benz. While there are plenty of elements borrowed from its six-figure S-Class sibling, the C-Class is priced with a wider range of buyers in mind.

Though much of the C-Class’s competition favors performance over luxury, the C-Class is weighted towards comfort. However, don’t count the C-Class out yet: the more-powerful C350 comes equipped with a robust engine that lets it run with the pack. It’s not going to win a drag race, but it’s still more than most consumers need on their daily commute.

Other Cars to Consider

Buyers shopping for an aggressive performance machine should expand their search. That’s just not the C-Class’s strongest suit. Cars like theBMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37 are highly regarded for their performance. However, those models sacrifice to provide drivers with the sportiest experience.

If you’re more interested in cars that deliver more luxury, the Cadillac CTSand Lexus IS are the best bets. Both the Cadillac and Lexus carefully balance performance and luxury while injecting handsome styling. These aren’t cars that your grandparents would drive. With their balance of comfort and performance, the Cadillac CTS and Lexus IS are the closest competitors to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The Details

For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available with two different powertrains: a 3.0-liter V6 in the C300 and the 3.5-liter V6-equipped C350. The C300 is available in two trim levels -- Luxury and Sport -- while C350s are only available in Sport trim. Additionally, if you live in areas with wet weather conditions, you may want to consider the 4MATIC all-wheel drive option on the C300.

The high-performance C63 AMG, packing over 450 horsepower, is reviewed separately.

• "In a recent comparison test of $38,000 sports sedans, a C300 Sport took on the BMW 328i, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35. The Mercedes finished last, but that result isn't quite as bad as it looks given the stellar competition. The C300 impressed us with its solidity, subdued mechanicals, supple ride, and easy-to-use navigation and radio controls. The last-place finish is largely due to the car's smaller size, unimpressive interior materials, and bias toward luxury." -- Car and Driver
• "Impeccably built to a standard befitting its legendary status, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an impressive luxury car. At the same time, the C-Class's pricing tends to be higher than its rivals despite giving away a bit in terms of performance."--Edmunds
• "Considering that the closest competitors are the Audi A4 (wagon and sedan) and BMW 3 Series (coupe, sedan, and wagon), this appears to be the least varied line in its class, and compared with the 3 Series, skews more toward comfort than handling."--Motor Trend

C-Class Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

Although the C-Class is armed with two capable V6 engines, it still has a tough time keeping up with rivals in the upscale midsize class. While the C-Class isn’t sluggish, reviewers are mixed on whether its power is enough when its competition has more. Read More

C-Class Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The C-Class commands a presence on the road with its large grille, big headlights and stately sheetmetal. Many testers liken its look to the much more expensive S-Class, which means the C-Class’s crisp lines make it appear more expensive than it really is. Read More

C-Class Interior - 7.5 (Good)

While the C-Class’s exterior receives applause from nearly all testers, the interior gets mixed reviews. Some critics say that the hard-edged design and materials seem cheap, while others say it is beautifully crafted and appropriate for its price point. Read More

C-Class Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class receives good scores from both the federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which names the 2011 C-Class a Top Safety Pick for earning top scores across the board and having standard electronic stability control. Read More

C-Class Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Although in recent years Mercedes-Benz has dealt with reliability issues, new data suggests that the brand is taking care of the problem. The C-Class is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile