The all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan brings S-Class flagship design cues, a roomier cabin, more-powerful 4-cylinder and V6 powerplants and a long list of safety and driver-assist technology. Available with rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a choice of standard, comfort or sport suspension, the 2015 C-Class is more engaging to drive than its predecessors. Interior materials and fit and finish, even on base trims, are taken to new heights. The car has great curb appeal.
What We Like
Mini S-class styling; maneuverable size; brisk acceleration; topnotch interior materials, fit and finish; good brake feel; extensive safety features; easy-to-use infotainment
What We Don’t
Backup camera not standard; low rear seating position; electric steering lacks feedback; premium fuel required
Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
The C300 sedan comes with a peppy 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-camshaft 4-cylinder. Peak torque is a generous 273 lb-ft developed over a broad plateau from just 1,300 rpm to 4,000 rpm, enabling healthy low- and midspeed response. A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard. RWD models have an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 4MATIC C300 with AWD is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city/31 mpg hwy.
The C400 sedan is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at a healthy 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC AWD are standard with the V6. EPA ratings are 21 mpg city/28 mpg hwy.
Both engines are equipped with a fuel-saving stop/start system that shuts off the engine at stoplights and then automatically restarts the engine when the driver lifts off the brake pedal.
Standard Features & Options
The base C300 sedan comes well-equipped with standard M-B Tex faux-leather seating, power front seats with driver memory, automatic headlamps, dual-zone auto climate control, cruise control, remote keyless entry, keyless start, a power-operated tilt-and-telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel with remote audio controls, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, a trip computer, a garage-door opener, a central infotainment controller with a 7-in display, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, auto dimming mirrors, 17-in alloy wheels, power windows and heated mirrors and door locks. Standard safety gear includes the usual dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag and window airbags, plus a driver drowsiness monitor, Collision Prevention Assist Plus automatic emergency braking, ABS and stability and traction control.
Moving up to the C400 sedan nets the 329-hp bi-turbo V6, standard 4MATIC AWD, LED headlamps, a Burmester premium audio system with SiriusXM, heated front seats, Keyless Go, 18-in alloy wheels, sport suspension, AMG body accents, a black headliner, sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum pedals and drilled front brake rotors.
Popular C-Class options include the Multimedia Package that includes COMAND navigation with voice control and 3D map views, an upsized 8.4-in display, a backup camera and SiriusXM weather and traffic, an Interior Package with leather seating, ventilated seats, ambient lighting and a power front passenger seat, a Driver Assistance Package with active blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and rear-end collision protection, Airmatic air suspension and a head-up display. Related: 2014 vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What’s the Difference?
Pricing
The C-Class has been the best-selling Mercedes-Benz sedan, so there is a good supply of used examples available, especially the 4-cylinder C300. 4MATIC-equipped models tend to hold their value better, especially in northern climates where snow traction is important.
For a better understanding of the 2015 C-Class sedan’s price range, you can look up used-car values at KBB.com. Search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what’s for sale in your area.
Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the following recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan:
A steering rack locknut may break and jam the steering in one position, increasing the risk of a crash.
A software error may result in the loss of electric power steering assist, increasing effort and the crash risk.
Steering shaft components may become disengaged, resulting in backlash or the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The driver airbag may deploy inadvertently, increasing the risk of injury and a crash.
Incorrectly updated software may result in a failure of the airbags to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Repeated failed attempts to start the car may overheat the starting circuit limiter, melting surrounding components and increasing the risk of a fire.
A fuel delivery module may come loose, leaking fuel and increasing the risk of a fire. Pinched fuel delivery module wiring may stop fuel pump operation, stalling the engine unexpectedly and increasing the risk of a crash.
Unsealed low-beam headlamp adjustment mechanisms allow incorrect adjustments that may dazzle oncoming drivers or fail to provide safe illumination of the road ahead.
Recall repairs are required by law even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed, and if not, they will fix the car for free.
Safety Ratings & Warranties
The 2015 C-Class sedan with rear-seat torso airbags received a 5-star rating overall with a 4-star rating for frontal impacts and a 5-star rating for side impacts and rollover performance from NHTSA. C-Class sedans without the rear torso airbags were rated only 4 stars overall.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2015 C-Class sedan a Good rating for driver-side small-overlap and moderate-overlap frontal impacts, side impacts, roof strength, and for head-restraint and seat crash performance.
Mercedes-Benz covered the 2015 C-Class with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, routine maintenance and roadside assistance were covered for a 4-year/50,000-mile period.
Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned (CPO) cars can’t be more than 6 years old or have more than 75,000 miles on the odometer. The CPO C-Class warranty covers the whole car for one year from the certified purchase date or after the new-car warranty expires and includes roadside assistance.
Other Cars to Consider
2015 Cadillac ATS – The smallest Cadillac has crisper steering and sharper handling than the C-Class, but falls short with a lower level of fit and finish and fewer advanced driver-assist systems. Related: 2015 Cadillac ATS Review.
2015 Lexus IS 350 – The sportiest Lexus sedan is fun to drive with a lively 306-hp 3.5-liter V6 and offers a high level of standard equipment. It speaks to a younger demographic and relies less on traditional appeal.
Autotrader’s Advice
No one will question your taste when you pull up in a clean, late-model C-Class. Its S-Class-inspired lines are classic and if you opt for the more widely available 4-cylinder turbo-powered C300, you’ll end up with a lot of car for the money. Do, however, make sure any C-Class you are considering has had its numerous safety recall items addressed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer. Opt for a Mercedes-Benz CPO car if available.
