Used 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale near Chicago, IL

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class receives only a few minor updates for 2014 as it awaits a next-generation makeover for the 2015 model year. The 2014 updates include standard split-folding rear seats for the C-Class sedan (they're already standard in the coupe), a revised grille with high-gloss black accents for the sedan and coupe, and new 18-inch 5-spoke standard wheels on the C350 sedan and coupe. Other than that, the 2014 C-Class remains unchanged. Deep into its current generation, the C-Class received fairly extensive updating in 2012 and 2013, designed to help it remain competitive until the next version arrives. While it might have lost a little ground to competitors like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Lincoln MKZ as it awaits a redesign, the C-Class continues to sell well with auto buyers and remains the automaker's top-selling vehicle. For 2014, the C-Class comes in sedan and coupe body styles at C250, C300 with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) and C63 AMG trim levels, as well as a coupe-only C350. Owners can also choose from Luxury and Sport packages at the C250 and C300 levels, while the C350 comes only with the Sport package. The automaker offers a wide range of optional packages to further customize C-Class vehicles, including Leather, Multimedia, Sport Plus and Lane Tracking packages, adding features like upgraded suspensions, exterior enhancements and interior upgrades. Three engines power the various C-Class trims, although Mercedes customizes each powerplant for each trim, with varying levels of horsepower. The C250, introduced in 2012, serves as the automaker's entry-level offering, although some critics find it a little underpowered for the class. Its turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine generates 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. That compares favorably to the entry-level vehicle in BMW's 3 Series, the 320i, which gets 180 hp from its 4-cylinder engine, but it also posts fuel economy numbers of up to 36 mpg. The turbo 4-cylinder in the C250 mates to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters in the coupe. Fuel economy numbers check in at 22 mpg city/31 highway. All C-Class engines require premium fuel. The C300 4Matic and C350 share a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection. In the C300 4Matic, the V6 produces 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, which increases to 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque in the C350. The powerplant in both trims links to the 7-speed automatic transmission and again includes paddle shifters in the C350 coupe. The V6 manages fuel-economy numbers of 20/27 in the C300 4Matic and 20/29 in the C350. The performance-oriented C63 AMG trims continue to receive a hand-built 6.3-liter V8 engine, which puts out 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The C63 makes the run from 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds. Mercedes pairs the V8 with a 7-speed AMG SpeedShift MCT transmission, which has 4 driving modes, including Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and a manual-shift mode. Aluminum paddle shifters come standard. Fuel economy numbers check in at 13/19. The Sport and Luxury packages include a number of distinctive features. Sport trims sit 0.6 inches lower than Luxury trims and ride on a sport-tuned suspension with the automaker's Agility Control, while Luxury trims receive a standard suspension tuned for comfort, also with Agility Control. C63 AMG trims get a unique AMG Sport Suspension. All trims except the C300 4Matic sit on a rear-wheel-drive platform, while the C300 gets 4Matic all-wheel drive. Owners can add the 4Matic system to the C350 coupe as an option. The Sport and Luxury packages also equip the C-Class with unique staggered-width wheels, including 17-inch wheels on the C250 and C300 and 18-inch wheels on the C350. The C63 AMG trims get 18-inch AMG wheels. The Sport and Luxury packages add distinctive looks out front as well. The Sport package displays a wide grille with black louvers and a centrally positioned 3-pointed star, while Luxury trims feature a traditional chrome grille with the star perched on the edge of the hood above the grille. Sport trims also include a front apron with mesh air intakes, sculpted side sills and a rear skirt under the bumper. The C63 AMG trims get a unique grille, headlights, rear spoiler and wheels, as well as a sport exhaust system and unique exterior upgrades, all designed by AMG. All C-Class trims receive LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. Inside, C-Class sedans seat 5 passengers, while the coupes seat 4. The sedans come equipped with 8-way power-adjustable front seats, a 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, Burl Walnut wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 5.8-inch color LCD display for the audio system, which includes Bluetooth, HD radio and a USB port. The Sport sedans as well as the coupes receive sport cabin styling with additional bolstering on the front seats, a 3-spoke sport steering wheel, aluminum trim and aluminum sport pedals. The C350 Sport adds Black Ash wood trim, a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, as well as a 450-watt Harman Kardon audio system. The C63 AMG trims include AMG sport front seats, AMG-design gauges and a 3-spoke flat-bottomed sport steering wheel. All C-Class trims also include a power tilt/slide sunroof, remote keyless entry and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Owners can add such features as leather upholstery, a panorama sunroof and a COMAND hard-drive navigation system. All C-Class trims come equipped with a total of 9 airbags, including a driver's-side knee airbag. Electronic stability control and antilock brakes with brake assist also come standard. Owners can add such optional safety features as a blind-spot alert system, lane-keeping assist, a rear-view camera and a Parktronic parking guidance system. The 2013 C-Class was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, which should continue for 2014.