2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A Detailed Look at Models, Features, and Specs

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been a benchmark in the compact luxury sedan segment, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class continues this tradition with a blend of sophistication, performance, and cutting-edge technology. For the model year 2021, Mercedes-Benz has enhanced the C-Class with more standard features and a striking new Night Edition, making it an even more compelling choice for discerning drivers.

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Model Lineup and MSRP

The 2021 C-Class sedan offers a range of models to cater to different preferences and performance needs. From the efficient and elegant C 300 to the high-performance AMG variants, there’s a C-Class for every enthusiast. Here’s a breakdown of the models and their starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP), excluding the $1,050 delivery and destination charge:

Mercedes-Benz C 300 (RWD) Sedan: $41,600
Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC Sedan: $43,600
Mercedes-AMG C 43 Sedan: $56,500
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Sedan: $68,600
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan: $76,200

This price range reflects the diverse offerings within the Mercedes C Class 2021 lineup, ensuring options for both those seeking refined luxury and those craving exhilarating AMG performance.

What’s New for the 2021 C-Class?

Mercedes-Benz has made significant enhancements to the standard features of the 2021 Mercedes C-Class, elevating the driving experience right from the base models. Key updates for the model year include:

Standard 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Replacing the analog gauges, a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster is now standard across all models. This upgrade provides a modern and customizable display for vehicle information, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Standard Heated Front Seats: Addressing comfort, especially in colder climates, heated front seats are now standard, adding a touch of luxury and convenience for both driver and passenger.
Introduction of the Night Edition: For those seeking a bolder and more distinctive look, the new Night Edition package is available. This package brings a suite of dark aesthetic enhancements, including:
- Black front splitter, grille trim, rear diffuser, window trim, and side mirrors, creating a striking contrast and sporty appeal.
- Exclusive black diamond grille pins, adding a unique and sophisticated touch to the front fascia.
- Exclusive black 19-inch AMG Multispoke wheels with a silver rim flange as an upgradeable option, further enhancing the aggressive stance.
- Available in three exterior colors: Polar White, Black, and Lunar Blue, allowing for personalized style choices.
- “Night Edition” badging on both the exterior and interior, signifying the special edition nature of the vehicle.
- Exclusive AMG sport seats in MB-Tex/DINAMICA with blue and grey stitching, offering both sporty aesthetics and comfortable support.
- AMG Line steering wheel in Leather/DINAMICA, providing enhanced grip and a premium feel.

These updates solidify the mercedes c class 2021 as a leader in its class, offering enhanced standard features and distinctive styling options.

Standard Feature Highlights of the 2021 C-Class

Even in its standard form, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is generously equipped with a host of luxury, technology, and safety features. Key standard highlights include:

12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster: As mentioned, this is a key new standard feature, enhancing the driver’s interface.
DYNAMIC SELECT: Allows drivers to tailor the car’s driving characteristics with modes like Comfort, Sport, and ECO.
18″ Twin 5-spoke wheels: Stylish and standard wheels that complement the C-Class’s elegant design.
All-Season Tires: Providing confident grip and performance in various weather conditions.
ECO Start/Stop: Enhances fuel efficiency by automatically turning off the engine at idle.
Power sunroof: Adds an open-air feel and natural light to the cabin.
KEYLESS START and KEYLESS-GO®: Offers convenient push-button start and keyless entry.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS: Makes accessing the trunk easier when your hands are full.
Electronic Trunk Closer: Provides effortless closing of the trunk.
LED headlamps and tail lamps: Offer superior illumination and modern aesthetics.
Heated front seats: Now standard for added comfort.
Blind Spot Assist: Enhances safety by alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spots.
ATTENTION ASSIST®: Monitors driver behavior for signs of fatigue and suggests breaks.
Active Brake Assist: Helps prevent or mitigate frontal collisions.
PRE-SAFE®: Prepares the vehicle for a potential collision by tightening seatbelts and adjusting seats.
Rearview camera: Aids in safe and easy parking and maneuvering.
Smartphone integration: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
FrontBass® 5-speaker Audio System: Delivers rich and clear sound quality.
Bluetooth technology: Enables hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Wood trim with analog clock: Adds a touch of classic elegance to the interior.
40/20/40-split folding rear seats: Offers versatile cargo and passenger configurations.

These standard features demonstrate the commitment of mercedes c class 2021 to providing a luxurious and well-equipped vehicle from the base level up.

AMG Performance: C 43, C 63, and C 63 S

For driving enthusiasts, the AMG variants of the 2021 Mercedes C-Class deliver exhilarating performance and dynamic handling. Here’s a glimpse at the standard feature highlights of the AMG C 43, C 63, and C 63 S models:

AMG C 43 Standard Feature Highlights:

AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo engine: Produces 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque for impressive acceleration.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9-speed transmission: Offers rapid and responsive gear changes.
AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive: Provides enhanced traction and handling with a rear-biased torque distribution (31/69).
10.25″ center media display screen: Houses the infotainment system.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT: Includes AMG-specific driving modes for tailored performance.
AMG Performance Steering Wheel: Designed for sporty driving with enhanced grip and control.
AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension: Features adaptive 3-stage damping for optimized handling and ride comfort.
64-color ambient lighting and AMG illuminated door sills: Enhance the sporty and luxurious cabin ambiance.
Burmester® Surround Sound System: Delivers premium audio quality.
18″ AMG wheels: Sporty and performance-oriented wheel design.

AMG C 63 / C 63 S Standard Feature Highlights:

Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine: Available in two power outputs: 469 hp (C 63) and 503 hp (C 63 S), delivering immense power and a signature V8 sound.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed transmission: Specifically tuned for high-performance V8 engines.
New generation of AMG steering wheel: Features advanced controls and premium materials.
Retuned AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension: Further refined for even sharper handling and performance.
AMG Performance Exhaust System with selectable exhaust flaps: Allows drivers to control the exhaust sound intensity.
AMG-specific grille: Distinctive AMG grille design.
10.25″ media display screen: Central infotainment display.
Extended AMG DYNAMICS driving modes: Offers a wider range of performance settings.
Electronically controlled limited-slip differential: Enhances traction and cornering performance.
AMG Drive Unit (C 63 S): Provides quick access to driving dynamics functions.
Adjustable 9-setting AMG TRACTION CONTROL (C 63 S): Offers fine-tuned control over traction in performance driving situations.
Dynamic engine mounts (C 63 S): Optimize engine mounting stiffness for different driving conditions.

These AMG models within the mercedes c class 2021 range offer a significant step up in performance, handling, and driving excitement.

Optional Feature Highlights

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a wide array of optional features and packages to further personalize and enhance the vehicle. Some notable options include:

C 300 / C 300 4MATIC Optional Feature Highlights:

Driver Assistance Package: Includes advanced safety and driver-assistance systems like Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®, Active Blind Spot Assist, and more.
Multimedia Package: Features COMAND® Navigation and Voice Control for enhanced infotainment.
Parking Assistance Package: Includes Surround View System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for easier parking.
Night Package: Available for C 300 models, bringing the dark aesthetic elements to the non-AMG models.
Ventilated Front Seats: Provide cooling comfort in warmer conditions.
Heated steering wheel: Adds warmth and comfort for colder weather.
3-zone Climate Control: Offers individualized climate settings for rear passengers.
Panorama Roof: Expands the open-air experience.
Burmester® Premium Sound System: Upgrades the audio experience to an even higher level.
Head-Up Display: Projects important driving information onto the windshield.
Inductive Wireless Charging with NFC Pairing: Provides convenient smartphone charging.

AMG C 43 Optional Feature Highlights:

AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package: Adds carbon fiber exterior accents for a sportier look.
AMG Night Package: Extends the dark aesthetic theme to the AMG C 43.
AMG TRACK PACE: A data logger for track driving performance.
AMG Performance Exhaust System: Allows for a more aggressive exhaust sound.
AMG Performance Seats: Offer enhanced lateral support for sporty driving.
AMG DRIVE UNIT: Provides additional controls for driving dynamics.

AMG C 63 / C 63 S Optional Feature Highlights:

AMG Ceramic Composite Front Braking System (C 63 S only): Offers ultimate braking performance for track use.
AMG Performance seats: Enhance support during high-performance driving.

Technical and Safety Highlights

The 2021 Mercedes C-Class is at the forefront of automotive technology, especially in driver assistance and connectivity. Key technical highlights include:

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: The C-Class features an array of intelligent driver assistance systems, including:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®: Adaptive cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: Provides warnings and can initiate braking to prevent lane changes into occupied lanes.
- Active Steering Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Warns of unintentional lane departure and can steer the vehicle back into its lane.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Extends PRE-SAFE® functions to rear-end collision scenarios.
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function: Detects potential collisions and can automatically brake.
- Speed Limit Assist: Automatically detects and displays speed limits.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Assists in lane changes when the driver indicates.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Provides steering support during evasive maneuvers.
- PRE-SAFE® Sound: Emits a sound to trigger the stapedius reflex in the ear, potentially reducing hearing damage in a collision.
Car-to-X Communication: Allows the C-Class to communicate with other Car-to-X enabled vehicles and infrastructure to share warnings and information about road conditions.
Touch Control Buttons: Steering wheel touch controls offer intuitive operation of the instrument cluster and infotainment system, similar to smartphone interfaces.

These technologies underscore the mercedes c class 2021‘s position as a leader in safety and innovation within its segment.

Model Positioning

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class firmly holds its position as a benchmark in the mid-luxury sedan class. It offers a comprehensive range of models equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz safety and connectivity technology, along with potent engine options, especially in the AMG variants. It competes directly with models like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Lexus IS, consistently offering a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and innovation.

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class At a Glance

	C 300 Sedan / C 300 4MATIC Sedan	AMG C 43 Sedan	AMG C 63 Sedan	AMG C 63 S Sedan
MSRP	$41,600 / $43,600	$56,500	$68,600	$76,200
Length	184.5″	185.0″	187.2″	187.3″
Width (w/ mirrors)	79.5″ (71.3″)	79.5″ (71.3″)	79.5″ (72.4″)	79.5″ (72.4″)
Height	57.0″	56.3″	56.1″	56.1″
Wheelbase	111.8″	111.8″	111.8″	111.8″
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,483 / est. 3,627	3,836	3,968	3,975
Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb)	23 / 35 / 27 / 4MATIC: 23 / 33 / 27	18 / 27 / 21	17 / 26 / 21	17 / 26 / 21
Engine	2.0L inline-4 turbo	AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo	Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo	Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo
Displacement	1,991 cc	2,996 cc	3,982 cc	3,982 cc
Drive Config.	Rear-Wheel Drive / 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive	AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive
Performance	255 hp / 273 lb-ft	385 hp / 384 lb-ft	469 hp / 479 lb-ft	503 hp / 516 lb-ft
Transmission	9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic	AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9- speed	AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9- speed	AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9- speed
0-60 mph (sec)	5.7 / 5.7	4.5	3.9	3.8
Top speed (mph)	130 (electronically limited)	130 (electronically limited)	155 (electronically limited)	180 (electronically limited)
Main Competitors	BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS	BMW M340i xDrive, Audi S4	BMW M3	BMW M3 w/ Competition Package

In conclusion, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands as a compelling offering in the luxury sedan market, blending refined comfort, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance, particularly in its AMG iterations. Whether you prioritize efficiency and elegance or crave high-performance thrills, the mercedes c class 2021 lineup has a model to meet your desires.