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Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 grill

Mercedes-Benz C300

Jeff Zurschmeide, Edmunds Contributor
Jeff Zurschmeide | Edmunds Contributor
September 30, 2026

The Mercedes-Benz C300 is part of the C-Class, a series of compact executive cars designed to be an entry-level offering into the world of Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The C300 is nimble and sport-oriented while offering commendable performance and a luxury interior, and it is also an attractive car that would be at home in any executive parking lot or driveway. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, passed through an automatic transmission to the rear wheels or to all four. Inside, the C-Class is a bit sportier than the larger E-Class, with available sport seats and other performance cues.

Explore the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz C300

Get our expert take on used Mercedes-Benz C300 models, or view year-by-year changes.

Fifth generation
2022 - 2026
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$24,998 - $46,998
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Fourth generation
2015 - 2021
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$14,998 - $38,998
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2022 - 2026

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Fifth generation Mercedes-Benz C300

The fifth generation of the C300 will be the final generation of the C-Class as a gasoline-powered vehicle. The C300 is still powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The combination offers impressive performance, making the C300 an excellent long-distance highway car or an elegant car for urban use.

Inside, the C300 offers a sportier take on Mercedes-Benz luxury than the larger E-Class cars. Sport seats are available, along with other performance cues in a variety of available option packages. The dash is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and the MBUX™ system offers advanced voice control over virtually all the C300's systems, including climate, infotainment, and connectivity. The C300 provides useful trunk space, enough for luggage for four adults, golf clubs, or similar cargo.

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$24,998 - $46,998

Model highlights

  • Available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible through 2023

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission

  • Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

  • Compact executive car

View year by year changes

2015 - 2021

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Fourth generation Mercedes-Benz C300

The Mercedes-Benz C300 grew longer and wider in its fourth generation, which meant improved space for front- and rear-seat passengers. But it was also lighter, thanks to the increased use of aluminum throughout its structure. Available as a coupe, convertible, or sedan, the C300 benefited from upgraded interior materials, a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and improved driver-assist technology. 

A diesel engine option was added in 2016, while either a seven- or nine-speed automatic transmission (depending on model year) sent power to the rear wheels or to all four on 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive models. A wide range of premium design touches and advanced driver-assist features were available on this generation of the C300, such as standard MB-Tex synthetic leather seats, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and automatic emergency braking to avoid a collision.

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$14,998 - $38,998

Model highlights

  • Sedan, coupe, or convertible body styles

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine

  • Automatic transmission

  • Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive

  • Seating for up to five passengers

View year by year changes

Changes by year

Latest generation from 2022 - 2026

2026 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • Final year for the fifth-generation C300

  • Next generation will be all-electric starting in 2027

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2025 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • Updated infotainment system

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2024 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • Coupe and convertible body styles discontinued

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2023 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • No significant changes

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2022 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • First year for the fully redesigned fifth-generation C300 sedan

  • Coupe and convertible models were still made on the fourth-generation platform


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Previous generation from 2015 - 2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • 12.3-inch infotainment screen standard

  • Heated front seats standard

  • New Night Edition package added black exterior trim

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2020 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • No significant changes

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2019 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standard

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2018 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ available

  • New nine-speed automatic transmission


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2017 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • Two-door coupe and convertible body styles added

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2016 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • Diesel engine option added to lineup

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2015 Mercedes-Benz C300

Highlights

  • First year for the redesigned fourth-generation C300

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine

  • Seven-speed automatic transmission

  • Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

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Jeff Zurschmeide, Edmunds Contributor
Jeff Zurschmeide | Edmunds Contributor

Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.

Meet the full editorial team.



Price excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge.. Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of CA, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions. Limited warranty is 30 days. See store for details. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

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