beebs
Skip to main content

2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mercedes-Benz C300 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Richly finished interior
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Ride comfort

Cons

  • Sport suspension is too brittle
  • Gets very pricey when adding options

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 29 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

View our Mercedes-Benz C300 inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

Find your C300
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our C300 inventorySearch for a different car

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 delivers an impressive balance of comfort, luxury, and tech touches

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 comes in three distinct flavors: sedan, coupe, and convertible. Each comes standard with a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder that works in cooperation with a nine-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels. For additional grip when Mother Nature doesn’t play nice, all-wheel drive is optional with all three body styles; look for the 4Matic badge.

As for the C300 sedan, it competes against worthy adversaries like the BMW Series, Cadillac CTS, Audi A4, and Volvo S60. The Mercedes stands out for the quality of its cabin and the smoothness of its suspension. So long as you skip the optional AMG sport suspensions, the C300 wafts down the road and is relaxing to drive.

Unfortunately, the infotainment system is starting to show its age compared to newer rivals. Certain functions are slow to respond, and routine commands can require too much of the driver’s attention. Still, in terms of its overall packaging, the 2020 C300 is a smart purchase among compact luxury cars.

All Mercedes-Benz C300 years

What is new for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300?

  • C300 trims have been upgraded with Power Hatch/Deck Lid, Satellite Radio Ready, and Burmester Audio as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Sunshade, Automated Parking, Automated Cruise Control, and CD Audio features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 trims

Curious how Mercedes-Benz C300 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

What We Like

Performance: Yes, there are three choices of AMG-tuned engines that can be fitted to the C300. Yet the standard 255-hp turbo-four delivers plenty of punch when you need to pull off a quick passing maneuver.

Interior quality: This really sets the C300 apart. The interior is filled with rich-looking materials and trim pieces. It doesn’t reset the bar in terms of avant-garde design; it all just simply looks and feels luxurious and expertly engineered.

All-wheel drive: The fact that you can add all-wheel drive to all three body styles is a huge plus if you live in a region where roads can turn slick with rain, snow, or ice. It adds an extra layer of reassurance to this already very solid-feeling Mercedes.

What Needs Improvement

Clunky touchpad infotainment controls: It’s not all bad news regarding the infotainment system, though it’s definitely not all good news either. The touchpad system can take too much attention from the driver and response times are occasionally laggy.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

7 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Mercedes-Benz C300 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mercedes-Benz C300 20th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mercedes-Benz C300

2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 FAQ

Mercedes-Benz C300 articles

BMW 3 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What to Know When Buying Used: Abstract | CarMax

BMW 3 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What to Know When Buying Used

If you're in the market for your first luxury car, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series should be right at the top of your list. Here's a closer look.
These Are the Cars You're Looking For

These Are the Cars You're Looking For

Around the country, shoppers are seeking out different cars and trucks. We see the search patterns, in the northeast, southeast, midwest, southwest, and west coast. And we’re sharing our results with you.
Best coupe cars: Abstract | CarMax

10 Best Coupe Cars for 2021: Ranked

If you're shopping for a vehicle with style and performance, you'll love what a coupe can do for your daily driving and weekend adventures. Take a look at the 10 best coupe cars for 2021 shoppers, based on CarMax vehicle and sales data from February 1, 2021, through July 31, 2021.

Want to view more trending articles?

Research other vehicles


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.