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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Overview

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2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

While Mercedes-Benz is mostly associated with providing high-priced cars to the rich and ultra-rich, the company also has a series of coupes and sedans built to the same high-quality standards but wearing a 5-digit price tag. Offering younger buyers a way into the Mercedes-Benz fold is the C250, a turbocharged 4-cylinder model with a sub-$40,000 price tag. With the C250, Mercedes hopes that first-time buyers will remain loyal as their ages and incomes rise. But the C-Class isn't all about price, with a number of enticing upscale models including the fire-breathing V8-powered C63 AMG.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're shopping a loaded Chrysler 300 or Nissan Maxima, it's not a far leap to land in an equally well-equipped 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. And, when it comes time to move to a bigger Benz, the C-Class promises a good return on your investment.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While a 2013 C-Class is within reach of most professionals, there is a higher price to be paid for long-term care and service down the road. The C-Class also isn't as accommodating to rear-seat passengers as a similarly-priced Hyundai Genesis, Chrysler 300 or Buick LaCrosse.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.4
Driving Dynamics

7.5
Comfort & Convenience

7.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.5
Value

6.9
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#11

out of 30

MPG

#25

out of 28

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

New for 2013 is the C300 4Matic's 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 that bumps output to 248 horsepower. A fuel-saving ECO start/stop feature is added to the C350 and C300 4Matic, while Distronic Plus becomes a stand-alone option. Mbrace2 internet and app connectivity is made standard on all trims.

Driving the C-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Even the basic C250 sedan feels as solid and screwed together as the best S-Class. Stable and confident, the C-Class for 2013 is loaded with creature comforts and overflowing with...

technology. With the exception of the C63 AMG, the C-Class sedans and coupes tend to favor a ride that is more about comfort and quiet than tight turns and blistering acceleration. That's not to say that the rear-drive C-Class is slow or ponderous, far from it. Nimble in the corners and providing strong acceleration through the 7-speed automatic transmission, the C-Class is truly an enjoyable driving experience. Just don't expect it to perform like the BMW 3-Series. We found the C250's 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder a willing partner, but only when left in Sport mode. In the Comfort setting the power is only acceptable for a car of this cost and caliber. Models with the new 3.5-liter V6 are plenty potent even in Comfort mode.

Favorite Features

ATTENTION ASSIST
This standard feature can detect when a driver is drowsy and alerts him or her via visual and audible warnings. How does it do that? The car uses sensors that "observe driver behavior," based primarily on steering wheel movements.

MBRACE2
A true leap forward in telematics, Mbrace2 is a Cloud-based subscription service that uses your smartphone to connect to the internet, allowing apps like Facebook, Google and Yelp to be online and at work whenever the car's in motion. Mbrace2 can even download system and map updates.

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Details

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is elegant yet relatively understated inside. A 4.5-inch color display sits before the driver relaying trip, audio and navigation information. Even when outfitted with the base M-B Tex vinyl upholstery, the C-Class seats are comfortable and supportive. Rear-seat space is a bit tight in the 5-passenger sedan, and even more cramped in the coupe, which seats four and has a lower roofline that can bump against heads. Like other luxury cars, audio, telephone and navigation are controlled via a console-mounted dial whose functions are viewed on a color-LCD screen in the center dash.

Exterior

While most of the updates for the 2013 C-Class are under the hood and dashboard, Mercedes has made tweaks to the outer design of its smallest car. The biggest news is last year's introduction of a curvaceous coupe. Though it has two fewer doors than its sedan siblings, the C-Class coupe is nearly identical in length, width and wheelbase, but lower in height, giving it a more sporty appearance. C-Class Sedans retain their angular look and feature a lighter aluminum hood, revised front and rear bumpers and redesigned headlights and taillights.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All C-Class models come with a 7-speed automatic transmission, Attention Assist drowsiness monitor, 11 airbags, Mbrace2 telematics, a power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, garage door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone climate control, 8-way power front seats, 5.8-inch color screen with center controller and AM/FM/HD Radio with CD player and auxiliary/USB inputs. Coupes add a panorama roof, split-folding rear seats and paddle shifters for manual gear selection.

Optional Equipment

Comfort, tech and safety options abound in the 2013 C-Class. Among them are an in-vehicle hotspot for internet connectivity, blind-spot monitor, rear-view camera, push-button start/stop, and a navigation system loaded with useful information such as ATM locations and Zagat Survey restaurant ratings. The high-end audio option is a 12-speaker, 450-watt harman/kardon Logic7 Surround Sound system. A new AMG Sports Package Plus adds enhanced exhaust tuning, sport interior, 18-inch 7-spoke wheels and, on coupes, a revised front suspension.

Under the Hood

After a long absence, Mercedes is again using a 4-cylinder engine for its base model C-Class. The fuel-efficient 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 201 horsepower, enabling the C250 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds. More powerful still is the C350, with a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 that makes 302 horsepower (248 in the C300 4Matic). The incredible C63 AMG boasts a 6.3-liter V8 that makes 451 horsepower - and has fuel-economy numbers that add a one-time $1,700 gas-guzzler tax. All models now use a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode (no manual transmission is available).

C250 sedan and coupe:
1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4
201 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
229 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg

C300 4Matic sedan:
3.5-liter V6
248 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
251 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg

C350 sedan and coupe:
3.5-liter V6
302 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (gasoline), 15/21 mpg (E85)

C63 AMG sedan and coupe:
6.3-liter V8
451 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 mpg

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a 2013 C250 Sedan is a little over $36,000, including destination. At the other end, a C63 AMG Sedan is over $62,000. In between, a C300 4Matic sedan starts around $40,000 and a C350 sedan starts at over $42,000. Coupe versions of the C250, C350 and C63 increase their cost about $2,000. Options can easily add $10,000 or more to the base price. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a similar starting price to the BMW 328i Sedan and matches the rest of the 3-Series closely up the model line. It has a higher starting price than the Lexus IS 250, Infiniti G Sedan, Audi A4 or Cadillac ATS. A relative bargain, the C63 starts lower than a Lexus IS F, BMW M3 and Cadillac CTS-V ($65,410). To see what buyers in your area are paying for a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price. Down the road, the C-Class boasts exceptional resale value.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 219 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

Absolutely Fun to drive and an attention getter

By akaSigFreak (FL) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,700

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: 8/10

Pros: "Styling, Performance, Fun to Drive"

Cons: "Rear seat room"

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

"I purchased the 2013 C250 Coupe with the AMG Sports PLUS package back in April. I planned on buying another sedan and was pulled towards the styling and handling of the Coupe. The Sports PLUS package includes bigger brakes, enhanced engine tuning, custom AMG wheels, Designo interior similar to the C63 Black Series, and other upgrades to the standard C250 Coupe. The car has incredible handing and beautiful styling. My only complaint is the non-existent back seat. I'm 6'2" and 280 lbs and when I have the seat in a comfortable position- there is less than 5" of space behind the seat. It is definitely a Sport Coupe and the aggressive bolstered seats are not kind to larger posteriors. I have some friends that say they absolutely love my car but don't want to drive in it, however, I am comfortable."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great car!!

By Itproca (TX) on Sunday, June 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Solid, reliable and great looking"

Cons: "interior is a bit plain"

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

"Excellent car. Bought car with 17k mileage and have had zero issues with the car for the last 40k miles. Diamond white is beautiful. The interior is a bit plain, but overall a very classy car for the price."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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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."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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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."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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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."

5 people out of 5 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 !!!!"

14 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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