2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class review

There’s nothing out there quite like the Mercedes-Benz C350e. That might seem like an odd statement, but it’s true.

Options are limited in Australia’s plug-in hybrid sedan market, so limited that this new arrival from the three-pointed star has no real competition following the local axing of the BMW 330e and Volvo S60 T8.

In a class of its own Down Under, the C350e starts from $98,200 before on-road costs – the same as a turbo-petrol C300, or around half the price of the next cheapest PHEV sedan.

Sounds like a decent deal, right? Perhaps, but the C350e still faces strong competition from indirect rivals such as the BMW 330i M Sport, Audi A5, Lexus ES, Genesis G70, and Alfa Romeo Giulia, all of which are a fair chunk cheaper than the ‘Benz. The A5 is also set to gain a PHEV powertrain by the end of 2025.

So, is it worth spending up for the flexibility of partial electrification? Or is the C350e doomed to become an outcast among modern premium mid-size sedans? Read on to find out.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost?

The plug-in hybrid C350e is priced on par with the C300, despite packing more power and kit.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

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What is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class like on the inside?

There’s plenty of style and substance to be found inside the C350e.

The sloping waterfall dashboard remains kind on the eye, especially when trimmed in wood and leather like our test car. I’m still a sucker for those turbine-style air vents, too.

Beyond the showy design elements, the front seats are comfy leatherette items kitted out with three-stage heating, electric adjustment, and lumbar support. All standard, of course.

While that’s true of even the base C200, the C350e gains AMG Line interior bits including a perforated leather steering wheel which sits nicely in the hands, but unfortunately isn’t heated. That isn’t its biggest issue, however, as the touch-capacitive controls on the split spokes are difficult to use with accuracy.

“Uh oh”, I hear you say, “another new car with filled with annoying and unnecessary tech”. Not so fast, as the rest of the screens and gadgets in the C350e are refreshingly user-friendly.

Shared by many current Mercedes-Benz products, the 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment screen is easy to operate and loaded with useful applications including detailed navigation, YouTube, Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, weather, news, and games. Each app is easily identifiable with large text and image labels, so you’ll never get lost looking for something.

The same can be said of the climate controls, which are permanently located at the base of the screen, in addition to other handy shortcuts.

Mercedes-Benz must be hiding some sort of supercomputer behind the dash, such is the vibrance, brightness and responsiveness of the infotainment system.

Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard across the C-Class range, and devices can be replenished using either the central wireless charging pad or USB-C outlets scattered throughout the cabin.

Moving across, the C350e features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, as well as a head-up display.

The rectangular instrument panel can be programmed to display a variety of different layouts, my choice being straightforward gauges separated by a customisable centre data readout. Again, the visuals are slick.

While the fancy screens undoubtedly steal the show, there’s a decent amount of practicality built into the front row of the C350e. The door bins and glovebox are both surprisingly spacious, and there’s also room enough for bits and pieces in the centre console.

On a more negative note, scouring the cabin for storage options also served to highlight some of the less premium materials that Mercedes-Benz has chosen to pad out the interior of the C-Class. Hard plastic is abundant below the belt line, including where the driver rests their knee – ouch.

Still, you’d rather sit up front than in the back… not that the C-Class is designed to ferry around a family or friendship group on a regular basis. After all, those who want first class comfort for rear passengers should be looking at an E-Class or S-Class.

With that said, average-sized adults can still squeeze into the back of the C350e fairly easily, and the presence of a rear sunroof alleviates the threat of claustrophobia.

The absence of USB outlets in the second row is disappointing, but a pair of air vents and a folding centre armrest improve the experience over longer journeys. Rear storage options include door bins and map pockets on each side.

Further back you’ll find a fairly conventional boot area with 315 litres of capacity – that’s 140L less than other versions of the C-Class, and also well below what rivals promise.

As such, I can foresee many owners flipping the switch on the boot wall to drop the second row of seats for more cargo space.

Regardless, loading bulky items can be a bit of a hassle as there’s an annoying lip to get over and the boot floor sits quite high. A standard power tailgate offsets some of the inconvenience.

As the C-Class gets run-flat tyres across the range, there’s no spare wheel under the boot floor.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

This rear-wheel drive sedan mates a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque with a 95kW/440Nm electric motor, a 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the rear seats, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Total system outputs are 230kW and 550Nm, with claimed electric-only range of 103km under the more accurate WLTP cycle, and a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.

11kW AC charging is standard, as are both a charging cable for public charging and one for home charging from a domestic socket.

DC fast-charging capability is a $1500 option, and allows the C350e to be charged at up to 55kW.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class drive?

Don’t let the numbers fool you, the C350e isn’t a sports sedan… and that’s perfectly okay.

Sure, it’ll sprint from 0-100km/h in just over six seconds when prompted, but don’t expect theme park thrills. And while combined outputs of 230kW and 550Nm suggest potent performance, you can always feel the added weight of the PHEV battery under the rear seats.

That heft is especially apparent when the road gets twisty, as the C350e isn’t as quick to turn as some rivals, with a tendency to understeer through high-speed bends. There’s a decent dollop of body roll, too.

And, as was the case in the GLC350e we drove alongside this new C-Class, there’s not much steering feel or feedback. In a sense, driving the C350e is a bit like playing a video game, and no I’m not referring to Need for Speed.

Because while something like a Giulia Quadrifoglio or BMW M3 is akin to a shot of expensive whisky, the C350e is the automotive equivalent of a warm mug of tea – homely, restorative, and soothing.

It’s incredibly easy to drive. Chunky side mirrors and large windows ensure ample visibility, while the steering is light as a feather.

The suspension does a good job of absorbing potholes and other less obvious imperfections, especially considering it’s a passive setup. Don’t get me wrong, the C350e is no magic carpet, but it’s comfier than most modern sedans.

And few rivals can claim to offer a silent driving experience, which is exactly what the C350e delivers when driven in ‘Electric’ mode. Want to save some charge for later? There’s also a ‘Battery Hold’ mode, as well as ‘Sport’, ‘Individual’, and ‘Hybrid’.

Switch into ‘Hybrid’ mode and the petrol engine fires up seamlessly. Refinement is a real strength of this model, and the quiet interplay between the two power sources serves as a perfect example of that.

As does the lack of outside noise that penetrates the cabin. Some tyre roar can be heard at highway speeds, but other sounds of the outside world are effectively dampened.

That creates a calm environment in which to enjoy your favourite music, converse with passengers, or just soak up the silence in an increasingly loud world.

As with other Mercedes-Benz models, the C350e is equipped with an intuitive suite of driver assist systems including adaptive cruise control and active lane centring – perfect for long-distance touring.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The C350e shares a similar level of specification to the C300, but gains self-levelling rear suspension.

2025 Mercedes-Benz C200 equipment highlights:

• AMG Line exterior
• Agility Control suspension – lowered
• 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels
• Rear privacy glass
• Metallic paint – excl. Manufaktur
• Ambient lighting incl. logo projection
• Exterior mirrors – power adjust, folding, heated
• Keyless-Go – keyless entry, auto boot
• LED headlights
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• 360-degree camera
• Run-flat tyres
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Panoramic sliding sunroof
• AMG Line interior
• Sports front seats
• Anthracite Linestructure Lime Wood trim
• Centre console in high-gloss black
• Ambient lighting plus
• Artico upholstery
• Roof liner in black
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Electrically adjustable front seats
• Memory Package – front seats
• Heated front seats
• Folding rear seat backrests – 40:20:40 split
• Dual-zone climate control
• MBUX 11.9-inch multimedia system
• MBUX Navigation Premium
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wireless
• DAB+ digital radio
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Mercedes-Me Connect
• Head-up display
• USB Package Plus

Mercedes-Benz C300 adds:

• Burmester 3D surround sound system
• Augmented reality navigation
• 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels – bi-colour
• Tyre repair kit
• Privacy glass
• Digital Light Package with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus

Mercedes-Benz C350e adds (over C200):

• 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
• Comfort Suspension with rear self-levelling
• Charging cable for domestic socket
• Charging cable for wallbox and public charging
• Burmester 3D surround sound system
• Augmented reality satellite navigation

Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Night Package II (dark grille and badging)
• AMG Dynamic Plus package
  • Red brake calipers
  • AMG dynamic engine mounts
  • Race drive mode
• AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, Microcut microfibre
• AMG Performance Seat Package High End
  • Black leather upholstery with red stitching
• Metal Structure centre console, dash trim
• AMG Track Pace

Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance 4MATIC+ adds:

• Rear-axle steering
• Drift Mode
• AMG high-performance composite brake system
• AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension
• Eight AMG Dynamic Select drive modes
• AMG exterior styling with unique bumpers, skirts, badges

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class safe?

The C-Class wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on Euro NCAP testing in 2022.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 10 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
• Active Parking Assist
• Adaptive cruise control – Distronic
• Adaptive High Beam Assist – auto high-beam
• AEB with Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Parking sensors – front, rear
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Surround camera system
• Traffic sign assist

Plus Package adds:

• Driving Assistant Package Plus
  • Active Lane Change Assist
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop, go
  • Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus
  • Evasive manoeuvre support
  • Pre-Safe impulse side
  • Route-based speed adaptation

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost to run?

Mercedes-Benz covers its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia.

While Mercedes-Benz offers long 25,000km service intervals, the five-year Service Plan costs an astonishing $6890. That’s more than double what you’ll pay to service a BMW, Audi, Lexus, or Alfa Romeo over the same period.

To see how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

If you’re in the market for a premium mid-size plug-in hybrid sedan then you have little choice but to go ahead and buy the C350e.

There’s simply no substitute at this point in time, although PHEV versions of the Audi A5 are set to arrive in Australia by the end of the year.

Is it worth holding out for the Audi? Maybe, but the C350e is a pretty solid package. It’s quiet, quick, comfortable and most importantly, efficient.

The sticking point could well be pricing, as Audi Australia has confirmed the A5 Sedan e-hybrid will start from $89,900 before on-road costs – $8300 less than the ‘Benz.

That alone would be enough for me to exercise patience, but the A5 e-hybrid should also garner attention for its superior performance. The 270kW vehicle coming to Australia quotes a brisk 5.1-second 0-100km/h time, making it the preferred option for those who value straight-line speed.

Many, however, don’t. And for those buyers, the C350e may just tick all the right boxes.

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MORE: Explore the Mercedes-Benz C-Class showroom