Two body styles and four trims are offered for 2013: C250, C350 and C63 AMG coupes and C250, C300 4MATIC, C350 and C63 AMG in Sport or Luxury sedan. Both coupes and sedans are available in rear-wheel drive but all-wheel-drive is standard on the C300 4MATIC. A new 7-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is the only transmission available.
C250 models are powered by a 1.8L direct-injected 4-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The C350 models get a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 268 horsepower and 258 lb-feet of torque. The C300 4MATIC also gets a version of the 3.5L V6 however it produces slightly less power, making 248 horsepower and 251 lb-feet of torque. The high-performance, limited-production C63 AMG is powered by a monster 6.3L V8 engine that produces 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.
All C-Class coupes come with a panoramic sunroof, LED tail lights, power-heated mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. The standard stereo has a USB port, HD radio and Bluetooth built-in. The seats are MB-Tex fabric and are 8-way power-adjustable. It comes with a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and a SmartKey vehicle remote that can open the sunroof, trunk, fuel-filler door and power windows from a distance. The C350 upgrades the engine, but also the front seats, adds steering wheel memory and additional wood trim inside.
Through options, an iPod interface can be added to the stereo, or it can be upgraded entirely to a harman/kardon surround system. Heated leather seats are available, as is a COMAND navigation system with 7-inch display. A lane-tracking system, several wheel options and a choice of woodgrain interiors are also available.
The base-level Sport sedan is equipped similarly to the base coupe. The Luxury sedan adds a comfort-tuned suspension, vented brake rotors and burl walnut trim inside. Both trims are available with the 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. A C350 sedan comes in Sport trim and rear-wheel drive only.
The C63 AMG is the ultimate in performance for the C-Class. It comes with AMG-tuned suspension, brakes and steering systems. 18-inch aluminum wheels, a special AMG spoiler, bi-xenon HID headlamps, special heated seats, floor mats and steering wheel. A limited-slip differential is also available.
Safety is where Mercedes shines the most--dual 2-stage front air bags, side curtain air bags, side-impact bolsters and a driver's knee airbag are all standard. A new "Attention Assist" drowsiness monitor comes standard as well.
Affordable Luxury
A Wide Selection Of Performance Engines
Available 4MATIC All Wheel Drive System
Strong Safety Feature List
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is mostly unchanged for 2013. Only the all-wheel-drive C300 4MATIC receives a significant update. The C300 4MATIC now comes with a less-powerful version of the 3.5L V6 available in the C350. In C300 4MATIC tune it makes 248 horsepower, a significant bump from the 221 it had in 2012.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes directly with BMW's 3-series and INFINITI's G-series. Mercedes brings a century of automotive innovation and a reputation for ultimate quality and performance to their entry-level model. The C-Class starts at $35,350 for the 1.8L-powered sedan. The direct-injected engine makes over 200 horsepower but can also cruise at 31 mpg on the highway, while still allowing for spirited performance, excellent safety and Mercedes trademark cache.
