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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Overview

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2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

For many, the Mercedes-Benz name represents the pinnacle of automotive design and good taste. While they may not have the means to climb into a new S-Class, the upwardly mobile still have a shot at joining the exclusive M-B club without breaking the bank. Mercedes-Benz' most affordable offering, the 2011 C-Class, comes loaded with style and content. Starting around $35,000, the C-Class must contend with the likes of the Audi A4, Infiniti G37 and Cadillac CTS. And while some will note the C-Class lacks such technological gadgets as adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights, it is still a lot of car for the money. More importantly, it is a lot of Mercedes-Benz for the money.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you desire a reasonably-priced premium luxury car guaranteed to impress the neighbors, but still require a functioning sedan for clients and family, the C-Class has you covered.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If bang for the buck is more important than the Mercedes-Benz name, makes from Audi, Infiniti, Lexus and even Hyundai provide more features for about the same or less money.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, C-Class Sport models gain LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and black inlays around the headlamps. All C-Class Sedans come with a new headlamp switch and ESP controls relocated to the instrument cluster.

Driving the C-Class

Driving Impressions In the Luxury trim, the C300 delivers an enjoyable ride, responsive handling and a quiet cabin. Acceleration with the 3.0-liter V6 is brisk and passing power is ample, even at...

high speeds. In Sport trim a six-speed manual transmission brings out the C300's playful side, making us wish for more aggressively bolstered front seats. The high tech Agility Control, which selectively stiffens or softens the shocks in response to road conditions and steering input, performed as promised. Like the C300 Sport, the C350 rides on larger tires and sits about an inch closer to the ground. While handling is improved over the Luxury model, ride comfort is somewhat diminished and cabin noise levels see a slight increase. The 3.5-liter V6 packs a bit more punch than the base engine, but does not offer a manual transmission, saddled instead with a seven-speed automatic with manual shift feature. Unfortunately, the sometimes slow-to-come shift points often make it more enjoyable to just leave the lever in the "D" position.

Favorite Features

Panoramic Glass Sunroof
When open, the roof exposes half the cabin to the open air and, when closed, delivers equal quantities of sunlight to front and rear passengers.

harman/kardon Audio
With 450-watts, 12-speakers and surround sound LOGIC7 technology, the system is good enough on its own. Add in a six-gigabyte storage unit for uploading songs, voice control and PCMCIA slot, and the C-Class delivers one of the most advanced audio systems in its class.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Details

Interior

A blend of the old with the new best describes the C-Class interior. Optional leather seating and tasteful wood inlays surround the cabin, but the power-extendable LCD display screen and multifunctional central controller are far from traditional. The front seats are wide and somewhat flat, which is fine for the Luxury model but definitely lacking in the support that would be appropriate for the Sport. The optional panoramic glass sunroof opens the C-Class interior, making it feel larger and more airy. A few oddities stand out, namely the less-than-intuitive steering-wheel controls for the information screens and audio system.

Exterior

The once-sedate C-Class comes alive with eye-catching sheetmetal and two different grille designs (one for Luxury, the other for Sport). Following the styling of the elegant S-Class, the C-Class appears more on design's cutting edge. A long wheelbase and body give the car a substantial road presence as well as adult-sized interior dimensions. Mercedes-Benz loyalists will quickly notice the Sport model's transference of the three-pointed Mercedes-Benz star from the hood to the grille, a first for a Mercedes-Benz sedan. Racy alloy wheels, a lowered suspension and AMG-inspired lower bodywork complete the Sport model's aggressive look.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard features for the 2011 C-Class include a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with manual lumbar control, Bluetooth connectivity, eight speaker 100-watt sound system with auxiliary input jack, 17-inch alloy wheels, agility control selective dampening suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, central controller and a motorized LCD display. The C300 Sport features a six-speed manual transmission, while the 300 Luxury and 350 Sport have a seven-speed automatic. Standard safety features include eight airbags, adaptive braking, traction and stability control, active front head restraints and extensive use of high-strength steel.

Optional Equipment

Among the more noteworthy options are Mercedes-Benz' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system (C300 models only), DVD navigation, 450-watt harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound audio with iPod connectivity and a six-gigabyte music storage register, Keyless Go, leather seating, panoramic glass sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps, universal media interface, a rear sunshade and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Dynamic Handling Package adds an active dampening suspension, along with faster speed-sensitive steering and 18-inch alloy wheels. Standard on the C350 and optional on the C300 are auto-dimming power folding side mirrors, 10-way driver's memory seat, a power adjustable steering wheel, heated front seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, rain-sensing wipers and split-folding rear seats.

Under the Hood

For most C-Class drivers, the 3.0-liter V6 should prove more than adequate. With 228-horsepower and ample torque, this engine delivers a nice balance between fuel economy and performance, taking only 7.1 seconds to go from zero to 60 miles per hour. Although the C350's 3.5-liter V6 delivers 40 more horsepower and shaves one second from the C's zero-to-60 time, it costs some $6,000 more than the C300 and offers neither the manual transmission nor the 4MATIC option.

3.0-liter V6
228 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
221 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 (gasoline), 13/19 (E85, automatic), 17/24 (4MATIC)

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 217 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.4/10

Does it all.

By Brutess (MN) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 34,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great car fun to drive"

Cons: "Haven't found one yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This car has been everything we expected and more. Great for around town and on long trips we couldn't be happier with the car. we don't drive a lot but when we do it is nice to know we have the 300C to juimp into."

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love it !

By bill (OK) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"4 door sports car. Plenty of engine. Great brakes. Fun to drive. (years ago I raced a G production in SCCA - so I like a car that drives and handles). Only problem has been when outside temp is over 100 the transmission seems reluctant to shift into next higher gear."

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One of the best car I have ever driven

By las vegas (NV) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,511

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quiet, Smooth, Fast"

Cons: "Cruise Control too close to the blinker"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased this car as used on March 8, 2013 (2009, C300 Luxury) with 13,511 for $24,000, and it looks like it never broken-in yet. Whoever the previous owner was not even used it for a long ride. I really love this car. Driving over 80 mph, you will not hear a noise from the outside unlike other cheaper car. It has a very good mileage up to 28-29 mpg on the highway and get 23 on the city with a normal acceleration. The only thing I found out was the Cruise Control; sometimes I hit the blinker instead but I am used to it now. Other than that, it is very excellent car."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Already got T Boned... No problem

By THEKGB (AK) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "sporty, comfy, safe, great price, head turner"

Cons: "Wish they would deliver them haha."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Haha yup 3000 miles now you can read my review just few people down. I got my 2013 C class sport with 5 miles from the show room. Car is still amazing and now has 3000miles its great car to own Mercedes does great financing and very good on services. I do agree with review below that Sport mode handles much better no lag and in Eco boost with Economic mode it's laggy and not as sharp steering but duh it's economic for grandmas. In sport you still get great miles in town and highway. Amazing piece of car. But I was T boned by a big delivery truck for local school district that slid through stop sign on fresh snow and I seem it coming braced my self and I did not even feel the impact it was at 30 mph and I was traveling 25 down hill and I didn't feel the impact it spun the car 180 and put me in the snow bank. Car suffered 10000$ of damage but wasn't totaled thanks to very well built hard metal it's made of. And only doors and minor things had to be replaced. No frame damage thanks to that. Impact wasn't even felt. Like a wind blew me over. I am very thankful to everyone in MB for building such great car. My child wasn't with me and even if she was I know she would be safe. Getting T boned ? I say bring it on !!!! I am getting some money for the crash and will probably use it to get newer model after few years. I did use their great system called MBrace they knew one of the airbags went off. They called local ambulance and police and told them my location all in under 2 min they asked me if I was ok and we're super nice and stayed online until help came. Thank you Mercedes !!!!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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2012 C250 Coupe - My wife and I just love it!

By OliveP (TX) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Style, equipment, performance, gas mileage."

Cons: "I wish the reaview camera was standard."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is our 3rd Mercedes and we just love it. I do not get tired od looking at it. Great styling, beautiful sporty interior and the new 1.8L tubo, 4 cylinger engine has a lot of punch! This is probably the best car we ever owned."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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This car Rocks!!! 5 Years and still LOVE IT!!

By Jimbo (TN) on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 156,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great Price to Value, Limited Repairs, Fun Car!!"

Cons: "High Maint Costs and Paint Chips Easily."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned this M-Benz C-300 for going on 5 years now and drive a lot. 156,000 miles to be exact. Lot's of Highway and am still getting 32 MPG. Still working on the Original Factory Brakes also. They simply won't wear out. Only problem was at 150K I had a leak around my oil cooler. I didn't have to but I chose to have it replaced. Service is somewhat expensive but if you're going to own a Mercedes, suck it up. Interior is plush, comfortable, easy to clean and wears like Iron!! Survives grandkids and dogs. Engine is spunky and the car handles like a dream going throught he NC mountains. Really fun to drive. I love it and will likely hang on to it just to see how many miles I can get out of it."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 217 reviews