DecodedCars2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- C 300 4matic 4dr Sedan, C 450 Amg 4matic 4dr Sedan, C 63 Amg 4dr Sedan, C250 Coupe 2dr
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 180.7–187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,417–3,781 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,583 lb (C 300 4matic 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 34 highway), 13% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2016
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Engines dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 28 to 30
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 C-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C 300 4matic 4dr Sedan | 184.6 in | 71.3 in | 56.7 in | 111.8 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 3,583 lb | 55/45 |
| C 450 Amg 4matic 4dr Sedan | 184.6 in | 71.3 in | 56.7 in | 111.8 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 3,726 lb | 55/45 |
| C 63 Amg 4dr Sedan | 187.4 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 111.8 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 3,781 lb | 55/45 |
| C250 Coupe 2dr | 180.7 in | 69.7 in | 55.5 in | 108.7 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,417 lb | 53/47 |
| C350 4matic Coupe 2dr AWD | 180.7 in | 69.7 in | 55.5 in | 108.7 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,682 lb | 53/47 |
| C350 Coupe 2dr RWD | 180.7 in | 69.7 in | 55.5 in | 108.7 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,561 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C350e Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 / 32 / 30 | +13% | $2,750 | 215 |
| C300 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +5% | $2,950 | 315 |
| C300 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 330 |
| C450 AMG | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -10% | $3,400 | 375 |
| AMG C63 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -25% | $4,100 | 440 |
| AMG C63 S | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -25% | $4,100 | 440 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other C-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 C-Class | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 C-Class | 29 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 C-Class | 29 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 C-Class | 30 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 C-Class | 29 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 C-Class | 29 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 C-Class | 27 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 C-Class | 28 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 C-Class | 27 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 C-Class | 30 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 C-Class | 30 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 C-Class | 28 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →