DecodedCars2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Amg C 63 S 2dr Convertible, Amg C 63 S 2dr Coupe, C 300 4matic 4dr Sedan, C 300 4matic 4dr Wagon
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 184.6–187 in
- Curb weight
- 3,583–4,275 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2021 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- 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 24 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,275 lb (Amg C 63 S 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 15% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 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 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 C-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 C-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amg C 63 S 2dr Convertible | 187 in | 71.3 in | 55.1 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 4,275 lb | 53/47 |
| Amg C 63 S 2dr Coupe | 187 in | 71.3 in | 55.1 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 4,134 lb | 53/47 |
| 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 300 4matic 4dr Wagon | 185 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 111.8 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,759 lb | 51/49 |
| C 43 Amg 4matic 4dr Sedan | 184.6 in | 71.3 in | 56.7 in | 111.8 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 3,825 lb | 55/45 |
| C 43 Amg 4matic 4dr Wagon | 185 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 111.8 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,880 lb | 51/49 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C300 Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +15% | $3,050 | 330 |
| C300 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 329 |
| C300 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 324 |
| C300 4matic Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +11% | $3,150 | 338 |
| C300 Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +11% | $3,150 | 347 |
| C300 4matic Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +7% | $3,300 | 359 |
| AMG C43 4matic Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 409 |
| AMG C43 4matic Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 404 |
| AMG C63 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 21 | -24% | $3,900 | 433 |
| AMG C63 S | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 21 | -24% | $3,900 | 433 |
| AMG C43 4matic | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -24% | $3,900 | 428 |
| AMG C63 S Convertible | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -15% | $4,100 | 452 |
| AMG C63 Convertible | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -15% | $4,100 | 452 |
| AMG C63 S Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -15% | $4,100 | 440 |
| AMG C63 Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -15% | $4,100 | 440 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | 405 mi | Not rated | 23 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 2016 C-Class | 30 | 184.6 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 →