Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What are the various variants on offer for the 2020 C-Class?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered in two primary variants: Prime and Progressive. The C 200 is the petrol version while the C 200d is the diesel variant. The price ranges from Rs. 40.90 Lakh to Rs. 48.18 Lakh. The rest two trim levels are counted under the AMG lineup. The AMG trims are C43 4matic Coupe, and Mercedes-AMG C 63 S. These AMG models have been reviewed separately. 

Mercedes-Benz also provides a bridge variant to smoothen the transition from standard to AMG variants. It is called as the AMG-Line and adds an array of sporty modifications which run deeper than just aesthetics. It has a unique set of features on offer along with a bump in performance.

Which trim should you opt for?

The C200 is available in a single variant dubbed ‘Prime’ and at Rs 40.90 lakh (ex-showroom,) it is Rs 1.59 lakh cheaper than its direct rival, the Audi A4. In terms of equipment, the Audi has a bigger list, although not by much. The C-class’ strength, however, lies in its strong performance, sorted driving dynamics and improved levels of fuel economy. So as far as hybrid luxury cars go, this is one of the best.

Mercedes-Benz C-class April offers

Mercedes-Benz offers its consumers a potential set of financial relaxations in the process of owning a fine piece of German engineering. The automaker provides with pre-approved loans for all of its cars and it helps ease the process.

Also Read,

How does the four-ringed A4 fare against this Merc?

Can the bimmer 3-series get most of its German counterparts?

How pumped up are the powertrain setups in the C-Class?

Powering the new C200 is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that pumps out 184 hp. There’s a boost of 10 kW (14 hp). Merc’s 9-speed automatic transmission works seamlessly and turns out to be very responsive in both city and highway driving conditions. But the interesting addition is a 48V mild-hybrid to the petrol engine which helps improve its fuel efficiency and stand as a win-win for a market like India.

Along with the power, you get different drive modes to alter performance with Sport+ being the most responsive and Eco mode gives you a relaxed run. The 3.0L diesel motor still stand strong and pumps out 194 bhp and 400 Nm in C200ds which handles both city and highways runs without breaking a sweat. It was last updated in 2018 and stills stands in conjunction with 2020 standards.

 The Bimmer surely knows to bring out the 3ril! It is the most powerful of the lot and comes in at a marginal gain in price which is very well digestible. The added list of features and modern equipment make it a much wholesome overall package. Merc is the sober one of this lot but it sure knows how to carry its weight around.

How quick is the acceleration in the C-Class from 0-100?

This C Class takes care of changing gears very well: you will barely notice any movement of a gear change, thanks to the slick-shifting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. All nine gears enable low engine speeds, which increases mileage and ensures lesser noise.

When you select the Comfort and ECO drive programs via DYNAMIC SELECT, the 9G-TRONIC shifts through the nine gears for you smoothly and efficiently, thus providing optimum ride comfort. The availability of low-end torque is a boon which helps the powertrain work at its optimum.

Also, the transmission is extremely smooth and fast. While the swift gear changes, you shall experience a noiseless journey at optimum engine speed range. You can get a more involving driving experience in Sports mode which tends to stiffen things up and thus puts a smile on your face.

How sharp are the 2020 C-Class's driving dynamics?

With Dynamic Body Control, you have an assurance of high damping comfort and increased agility. The vehicle gets automatically optimized for the best possible ride according to the driving route. The sports Direct-Steer system and suspension level also ensure better dynamic driving.

Generally, hybridization takes a toll on the driving dynamics but the C-Class is an exception and it handles the extra load with ease. Moreover, the position of its Lithium-Ion battery pack gives it a lower centre of gravity, thus improving stability.

The suspension comes equipped with continuously adjustable dampers for both front and rear axle and so does  The hybrid setup comes into play to provide with a seamless driving experience as it helps eliminate the turbo lag by adding a crucial 14 hp to give you the head start.

How sure-footed are the slotted brakes in the C-Class?

With the active braking assist, the Mercedes-Benz C-class brakes turn out to be responsive and very effective. Mercedes-Benz has added slotted rotors which helps in better dissipation of heat due to braking and will make sure to provide you with the same feedback even at the nth braking.

Also, the electronic brake distribution ensures that the brakes work well with all rotors engaged. Feedback is crisp and there is no lag, whatsoever in brake actuation. Due to its lower stance and added weight to its benefit, there is nill nose dive and thus would give you control even in the trickiest situations.

Kerb weight has always played an important in the braking performance. C-Class sure has an edge here but Audi A4 has it aggressively done with the least kerb weight, there is less unladen force to cater to which puts the braking setup at a much-relaxed state than the competitors. It also adds up to reliability and longevity.

How mileage-friendly is this German luxury sedan?

The Sedan doesn’t go well with mileage as you can see that it offers 12 kmpl in the city while the rivals are doing quite well. Comparatively, the Audi A4 offers the best mileage with 18 kmpl in the city. Even with the introduction of a hybrid setup, the C-Class still struggles to provide with above average 

The 9-Speed automatic transmission is not hardcoded to provide for an energy efficiency driving experience. It is an all-out setup which loves to be precise and crisp and so has little room for added efficiency.

Audi A4 utilises its strict diet plan and so helps it achieve the pack leading range. It is closely followed by the Bimmer which is shy of 60 km in the overall range. Despite having a better mileage figure than the C-Class, Jaguar XE falls back due to its smaller fuel tank. 

How subtle does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class look?

On the exterior front, you still have the swept-back full LED headlamps, the strong muscular bonnet followed by a bold twin slatted grill. The front bumper is designed in a minimalistic way that ensures the aerodynamic approach, just like most aerodynamic cars in its class.

The sleek side profile is further featured by prominent character lines and gorgeous 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear takes attention through its muscular shoulder line and those irresistible LED tail lamps shaped like an emerald necklace structure. Giving it a sporty touch is an integrated spoiler along with a black diffuser.

Exterior Features

Some of the notable exterior features are:

• Panoramic sliding Sunroof
• Multibeam LED headlamps
• 16-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in vanadium silver
• "AMG" badged exhaust tips on the C300d

How luxurious is the 2020 C-Class on the inside?

You’ll find subtle changes once you enter into the C-Class interior. The most interesting thing is the new steering wheel and a bigger infotainment system. The steering features Merc’s latest metallic switchgear alongside steering-mounted buttons and trackpads on each side for easy navigation for infotainment.

The rest of the interior is very much similar to the outgoing model- with the introduction of a panoramic sunroof and dual-tone dashboard with the integration of aluminium and wood. This update adds significant beauty to the cabin. 

Seating is well planned out as there is ample space for both rows and the front seats proper back and under-thigh support with electric seat controls. The rear seats are comfortable and offer good legroom and headroom, with a recline headgear as well. There is dearth of rear under-thigh support though. You get manual sunblinds, AC vents and an automatic blind for the rear windshield. 

We are a fan of the contrasting bold upholstery colours used in the cabin and gives it a sporty outlook. All of the cars in this lot provide similar seating comfort and so the only bits to look out for our choice of materials and attention to detail. In that matter, the Germans never cease to satisfy and Jaguar XE follows suit.

Interior Features

• Folding rear seat backrests
• Roller sunblinds in left and right rear doors
• 64 colour Ambient lighting
• Audio 20 with HD media Display
• Smartphone integration package - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

How much cargo can the boot suffice?

With a boot capacity of 475 litres, you’ll find ample space behind the rear seats. The cargo offers sufficient space to carry your household groceries and stuff. But the addition of the 48V battery pack has pushed the spare tyre out of its well and now bluntly stays in the cargo space.

It takes away from much of the practical nature of this sedan and if you are bold enough to leave the spare tyre at home, that will be feasible! The opening is wide and the opening is not so high which makes for easy access to goods.

 Talking of cargo, you have ample space for a weekend escape and apart from the spare tyre which is well insulated, there is commendable space. But not as much as its competitors among which Audi and Bimmer have a tie in the cargo volume.

What are the various modern safety features on offer?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is yet to be tested for safety. However, the car offers a good amount of the latest safety features. In comparison to the outgoing model, the 2020 C-class had been updated with more standard safety features.

A noteworthy safety feature is the Pedestrian Protection with Active Bonnet which detached itself opposite to the action of force to ease up in case of a mishap. 

Safety Features:

• PRE SAFE System
• Cruise Control
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
• Parking package with reversing camera 
• Pedestrian Protection with Active Bonnet
• Cruise control

How does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class fare against its luxury competitors?

Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 3-Series

The BMW 3-Series is the pinnacle of driving perfection in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. It is the yardstick that puts every newcomer in its place and rightfully so. If Performance, handling, and hooligan behaviour is what is on your mind, just simply walk into a BMW Dealership and put down a deposit on one. Even though the C-Class is bloody brilliant, it doesn’t come close to the BMW when driving dynamics are concerned. Will there ever be a day that someone other than BMW will be able to take over the mantle?

Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4 

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its latest avatar brings about a very attractive package with sumptuous interiors and classy looking exterior. It most definitely will appeal to the chauffeur-driven crowd, but when pitted against the Audi A4, it certainly falls short in the luxury department as the Audi A4 features better materials, more robust construction and much nicer features. The A4 with it’s much more fuel-efficient engine thus certainly trumps the C-Class in their current avatars.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Jaguar XE

Jaguar XE is certainly one of the sportier-looking cars of the lot with its edgy exterior styling and sporty interior bits. Jaguar is the most different feeling car in terms of its design approach when it comes to the cabin and the feel of it but the A4 still feels a couple of notches above the XE. The XE also has a pretty small boot and extremely low ground clearance, taking away some massive practicality points. 

The not so great parts quality and underwhelming after sales may put you off the XE if you are not already keen on the brand. The A4 as a package then is the better choice.

Is the 2020 C-Class a luxury starter package?

The recent updates on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are quite compelling. The car has improved on both exterior and interior fronts. The best update for the interior is the bigger MBUX infotainment system that is good that the outgoing model. Another positive aspect is the powerful engine. The introduction of a mild-hybrid range is much appreciated by the carmaker. With the newly added features and updates, the C-Class is a good car with a base price tag of Rs. 40.90 Lakh.