The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan delivers luxury in an attractive compact package, and some versions bring the performance as well. It takes on the likes of the Audi A5, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Cadillac AT4.
2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class changes for 2026 center around new packages and revised individual feature availability. A new AMG Lite Plus Package goes for a sportier look with 19-inch AMG wheels and a rear spoiler, while also adding a panoramic roof. The surround-view camera system is now available as a standalone option, and 19-inch wheels come as a no-cost option. The C-Class is now available with a Black Fine Structure center console finish, and additional features are added to various trim levels.
Design
The C-Class cuts a stately but sporty profile. It features a long hood and a set-back cabin, with a short bustle of a trunk. Up front, it has a broad grille highlighted by the Mercedes star logo and flanked by scowling LED headlights. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, and the AMG versions add sportier fasciae, larger wheels, and their own version of the grille. Various AMG packages are available to give the standard-line models a sportier appearance.
Powertrain
2026 C 300 models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system that together make 255 horsepower. Power goes to the rear wheels in the C 300 and all four wheels in the C 300 4Matic.
Moving up to the C 43 AMG brings a 416-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the C 63 S E Performance gets a 469-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric turbocharger plus a 201-hp rear electric motor for a total of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. It also gets a 4.8-kWh battery for a short electric range of eight miles. Both AMG models come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and all versions use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Interior
The C-Class seats five on standard synthetic leather upholstery with heated and power-adjustable front seats. Real leather and upgraded Nappa leather are optional, and the AMG models get sport seats with more aggressive bolstering. A sunroof comes standard, and buyers can get a panoramic roof with a built-in sunroof as well. The trunk has a healthy 17.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Technology
The 2026 C-Class is tech-forward, with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system is the MBUX interface that responds to voice commands triggered by saying “Hey Mercedes.” A wireless charging pad and 64-color ambient lighting are standard. Navigation is optional, as are a head-up display and a 15-speaker, 710-watt Burmester audio system.
Safety
Standard driver-assist features in the 2026 Mercedes C-class include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, an exit warning system, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic parking. A Driver Assistance Package adds route-based adaptive cruise control with automatic lane changes, steering assist for the blind-spot monitor, intersection assist, lane-keep assist, limited hands-free freeway driving, and traffic-sign recognition. A surround-view camera system is also offered.
Pricing and Release Date
As of this writing, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C 300 starts at $50,900, including a $1,250 destination fee. Moving up to the C 300 4Matic adds $2,000. The C 43 AMG runs $65,400, and the high-performance C 63 S E Performance costs $89,250.
The C 43 AMG adds performance features such as a sport exhaust system, rear-axle steering, a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, and bigger brakes. The C 63 version gets even bigger brakes, Race and Drift modes, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is on sale now.
