Rank
What's New for 2025?
All C-Class models get updated MBUX infotainment software and an airbag between the front seats, while the sporty AMG C43 is treated to a modest 14-horsepower bump.
2025 C-Class Selector
FAST FACTS
"The C-Class continues to be one of the more well-rounded entrants in this segment, but the fact that all of its engines now have four cylinders gives us pause. The broad appeal of the 'baby Benz' has always had something to do with the variety of options under the hood, yet even the AMG C 43 and AMG C 63 models now offer mere variations on that four-cylinder theme. Be that as it may, the entry-level C300 acquits itself well in this segment, nailing the one-two punch of swift acceleration and frugal fuel economy. Additional virtues include impressive cabin technology and commendable passenger space for a small sedan. It's also got good genes, sharing Mercedes' second-generation MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform with the current E-Class and S-Class sedans."—Ranked #2 out of 9 Compact Luxury Sedans
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
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Few automakers do sedans as well as Mercedes, and even the entry-level C300 bears this out. It's quick yet fuel-efficient, and it drives with the composure of a larger car — helped, no doubt, by a hefty curb weight of more than 3,800 pounds.
The C300 4MATIC only runs you $2k more than the base rear-drive C300, so it looks like a no-brainer at first. Check out the fuel economy, though — the 4MATIC is notably less fuel-efficient (27 mpg combined vs. 29 mpg for the rear-drive version). It's not a gas hog by any means, but that's a little more of an AWD MPG hit than we're used to seeing from the Germans.
Although the C43's turbocharged and electrically assisted 2.0-liter engine makes eye-popping power for a four-cylinder — more than 200 horsepower per liter is almost unheard of — it's the "four-cylinder" part that will be the problem for many enthusiasts. AMG, after all, is an enthusiast sub-brand, and its loyal customers will likely be disappointed in this complex new engine's lack of character. The previous C43's twin-turbo V6 was far more engaging. By the way, what's up with getting only 22 mpg combined out of this downsized four-banger powertrain? The C43 V6 was EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined. You can look it up.
There's much that we won't know about the C63 until the EPA publishes its data on fuel economy and electric range (remember, it's a plug-in hybrid). Now in its second year of production, the C63 still doesn't appear on the EPA's fuel economy ledger as of this writing. But early reviews indicate that real-world fuel economy won't be dramatically better than what the previous C63 returned with its twin-turbo V8, thanks in part to the new car's massive weight gain of roughly 750 pounds. Electric range, meanwhile, is expected to be in the single digits, which isn't exactly what PHEV enthusiasts want to hear. It's hard to believe that many AMG fans will be lusting after this hugely complex four-cylinder supersedan; on the contrary, we suspect that interest in used V8-powered C63s will see a sustained spike.
What are the different versions of the 2025 C-Class, and how much do they cost? Select a version below or just hit the button to see our full 2025 C-Class specs and model data.
| Version | Price | Fuel | MPG | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz C300 (2.0T Rear-Wheel Drive) | $48,450 | Gas | 29 | 255 hp | 295 lb-ft |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC (2.0T All-Wheel Drive) | $50,450 | Gas | 27 | 255 hp | 295 lb-ft |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 4MATIC (2.0T All-Wheel Drive) | $62,500 | Gas | 22 | 416 hp | 369 lb-ft |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance (2.0T Plug-In Hybrid AWD) | $86,050 | Plug-In Hybrid | N/A | 671 hp | 752 lb-ft |
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008. Prior to founding MotorDonkey, he spent 15 years shaping Edmunds' expert automotive content in various capacities, starting as an associate editor and ultimately serving as a senior editor before wrapping up with a five-year term as the company's first-ever director of content strategy. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has driven, compared and critiqued thousands of cars in his career. Helping people find their perfect car never gets old—seriously!
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