Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels. Our test car was a C300 4Matic in the top Pinnacle trim. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

Enthusiasts are the target audience for Alfa’s sole non-crossover. For starters, it’s a sedan in a world gone mad for SUVs. Also, crash-test ratings are nonexistent, making it a non-starter for anyone who cares about safety. But the elephant in the room is wearing a hat that says reliability and, depending on which publication or research organization is doing the reporting, all the signs point in the wrong direction.

Verdict: With only a four-year/50,000-mile warranty protecting Alfa Romeo owners from potential doom, buying a Giulia is a gamble. Leasing one might be fun, as long as it spends more time in your driveway than in the shop. If only the Giulia boasted the dependability of a Toyota Camry, it could be the most desirable car in its class.