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One is an entry point to the brand, the other perhaps the best sedan for the money. We evaluate the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and C-Class side-by-side.
Big Bro vs Little Bro
The ascendancy of the crossover and SUV maybe well into its third decade, but the sedan, at least in the form of the Mercedes-Benz C- and E-Classes, is far from dead. In fact, these two cars are among the brand’s most impressive offerings. The homogenization of the luxury crossover, with its many, many permutations, means that vehicles refusing to fetishize ride height above all else are well positioned to distinguish themselves. Put simply, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class feel special in a way that the GLC or GLE simply do not. Elegance comes with the lower beltline.
For the prospective Mercedes-Benz buyer, choosing between the C-Class and the E-Class is no simple matter. Yes, the C-class is smaller and less expensive, but it also has significant overlaps with the larger E-Class from features to AMG performance upgrades. So where is the sweet spot of value between the two? Let’s find out.
Specs
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The base C300 features a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The first of the AMG variants, the C 43 sports a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 making 385 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. Next is the AMG C 63 with its twin-turbo V8 producing 469 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. The top-of-the-line AMG C 63 S tunes the same twin-turbo V8 up to 503 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard except in the AMG C 43 where all-wheel drive is standard. AWD is not available on the C 63 or C 63 S. A nine-speed automatic is the only transmission.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The base E 350 starts out with the same 2.0L four-cylinder and likewise makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The E 450 runs a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 making 362 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. The AMGs start with the E 53 which has a tuned version of the twin-turbo inline-six with a mild-hybrid boost that combines for 429 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. The tip top E 63 S features a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making 603 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque. RWD comes standard on the E 350 with AWD as an option. For the E 450 and AMGs get AWD standard.
Driving & Performance
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a decently quick car even in its base form. The 2.0L allows the C300 to reach 60 mph in a little under 6.0 seconds. Upgrade to the AWD version and you cut that number to 5.4 seconds. The AMG versions get progressively quicker the wider you open your wallet. The AMG C 43 can reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds while the AMG C 63 S gets there in just under 4 seconds.
Tuned with comfort as a first priority, the C-Class offers a smooth and comfortable ride befitting its luxury car status. The addition of the optional sport-tuned suspension does stiffen the ride, but not excessively so. Handling is impressive either way with sharp, evenly weighted steering and deft balance in cornering.
Fuel economy is in line with similarly sized cars at 24 city and 35 highway mpg. The AMG versions and their larger engines dim a bit to 18 city and 27 highway mpg.
The larger Mercedes-Benz E-Class is nearly as fast in its base configuration as the C-Class. It hits 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and the E 450 cuts a second off that time. The AMG versions really up the ante with a 4.4 second 0-60 for the AMG E 53 and a blistering 3.3 seconds for the AMG E 63 S. The AMG versions can be optioned with AMG Dynamic Plus Package which adds red brake calipers, a performance steering wheel, and most importantly Drift Mode. Yes, the AMG E 63 S wagon can drift.
And while the uber-wagon version of the E-Class can be a chest-thumping, testosterone shot in the arm, the E-Class is actually a master of both comfort and raw speed. The E-Class is a versatile actor capable of playing the role of plush luxury cruiser or hair-on-fire sports sedan equally well. In fact, its real appeal is being able to play both. In the E-Class, and Mercedes products more generally, the drive modes really do make a significant difference in how the car behaves. Sport and Sport + stiffen the suspension and sharpen the steering response. Eco and Comfort modes give the E-Class an ethereal placidity.
The C-Class, whether in AMG guise or no, is a great entry point to the Mercedes brand, exemplifying its evenhanded approach to comfort and driver engagement. The E-Class does that job just a little bit more convincingly while also offering the higher top end of the E 63 S and its 603 horsepower V8.
Interior & Comfort
Mercedes-Benz tends to offer some of the best interiors on the market and the C-Class is no exception. Fit and finish is exemplary with an impressive array of high-quality materials from open-pore wood and aluminum to supple leather and carbon fiber. The seats too are top notch, endless forgiving even on the longest of highway hauls.
As nice as the C-Class is, it does feel a bit behind the recently updated S-Class or the larger E-Class. Take for instance the 10.25-inch infotainment display perched atop the dash, a position that leaves it with a very tacked-on appearance. The upcoming 2022 version of the C-Class looks to remedy its interior’s deficiencies.
The E-Class likewise offers an assortment of luxury materials and elegant design. Not only is the E-Class beautifully realized, but its design is also function forward for ease of use and maximum comfort. With that said, Mercedes is a leader in the movement to house more and more functions within the infotainment interface rather than using physical buttons. Though we’d prefer a few more knobs, the MBUX system, found in both the C- and E-Classes, is among the most intuitive and sophisticated on the market. The E-Class’s 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and practically devoid of lag.
The C-Class offers decent interior space for passengers and cargo alike with 12.6 cu. ft. in the sedan’s trunk and 10.5 and 8.8 cu. ft. for the coupe and convertible versions, respectively. The E-Class, despite its larger footprint, doesn’t add a whole lot to the cargo situation. The sedan offers 13.1 cubic feet in its trunk, the coupe 10 cu. ft., and the convertible 9.5 cu. ft. The wagon, however, is very generous, offering most than many crossovers with 35 cu. ft. in back and 64 cu. ft. with the second row folded down.
Trims & Features
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
C 300 – $41,600 –Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD radio, 5-speaker stereo, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a sunroof. Mercedes offers a deep roster of optional features, making the higher trims mostly for larger engines. Options include an aero package that adds a diffuser, front splitter, and rear lip spoiler. There are two separate carbon fiber trim packages as well as an AMG performance exhaust and ceramic front brakes. The optional AWD adds $2,000.
Some options come along for the ride with the coupe version which adds a 13-speaker Burmester stereo, sport-tuned suspension, ambient lighting, and satellite radio. Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera.
AMG C 43 – $56,500 – Adds the upgraded twin-turbo V6 along with the sports suspension and 13-speaker Burmester sound system.
AMG C 63 – $68,600 – Adds the twin-turbo V8, performance exhaust, and electronic limited-slip differential.
AMG C 63 S – $76,200 – Features the upgraded V8 along with optional ceramic brakes.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
E 350 – $54,250 – Standard features on the base E-Class include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD radio, two USB ports, proximity keyless entry, synthetic leather upholstery, a sunroof, and navigation. Options include the Premium Pack 13-speaker Burmester stereo, satellite radio, parking assist, and rear cross traffic alerts. Other options include a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, massaging front seats, a heads-up display, and the MBUX digital assistant. AWD adds $2,500 to the final bill.
Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, rearview camera, pre-collision warning and braking, and pedestrian detection.
E 450 – $62,000 – AWD now standard, the wagon version is also available here starting at $67,600, heated rear seats can be optioned too for an additional $580.
AMG E 53 – $73,900 – Features the mild-hybrid set up producing 429 horsepower, sport suspension, performance brakes, sport exhaust, and options for the ultra-premium 23-speaker Burmester stereo and soft-close doors.
AMG E 63 S – $107,500 (wagon starts at $122,450) – Adds the range-topping 603 horsepower V8.
Conclusions
At their respective price poles, the Mercedes-Benz C 300 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S are pampering compared to non-luxury sedans, but while both are fancy only one can genuinely frighten you. And that’s a lot of what you pay extra for with these cars, performance. For as much as the options lists (and their prices) may annoy, it’s nice to be able to freely upgrade your “entry-level” Mercedes with all manner of luxury goodies. The engines on the other hand, are what really drive the prices up.
Therefore, if performance is more of a consideration that price, the E-Class AMGs variants are very attractive. And for as wonderful and awe-inspiring as the AMG E 63 S wagon is, it also starts at $112,450, nearly the price of three C 300s. For the best of both performance and price, we’d recommend the E 450. It’s fast enough without being so fast you can’t let your teenager drive it (when they’re thirty of course), while also allowing you to live your uber-wagon dreams.
Just as the S-Class saw significant and impressive changes this past year, the C-Class will be getting its own revamping for the 2022 model year, including the addition of a plug-in hybrid option and a redesigned interior. If the E-Class is a bit too big or expensive, we’d suggest waiting for the 2022 C-Class, slated to hit dealerships in early 2022.
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