For the 2022 MY, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has streamlined its many complex packages into a simple three trim layer. The 2022 C-Class will be offered in three trims-Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle. Mercedes is now offering several features as standard on the Base trim too.

Mercedes is going all eco-friendly with the new C-Class. The entire lineup will now utilize no more than four cylinders. All four-cylinder engines are turbocharged inline-four equipped with an Integrated Starter Generator, a 48 volt EQ Boost electrical system, and a 25.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined the output of this setup amounts to a respectable 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost system accounts for almost 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of additional torque. 

The company also claims that this new setup will be 10-15 percent more fuel-efficient than the previous one. The engine is mated to the same 9-speed 9G-Tronic Automatic Transmission. The brand claims a zero to 60 MPH run in about 5.9 seconds and the top speed will be electronically limited to 130 MPH. As standard, the 2022 C-Class will come as a rear-wheel-drive variant with the 4-Matic All-Wheel Drive system reserved for 2 grand extra.

In terms of the pure straight-line performance, the new C-Class seems to be head to head with its main rivals, the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4. All the three sedans claim similar zero to 60 times and quarter-mile times around 6 seconds and 13.8 seconds respectively. And the Cadillac catches up a little later to the Germans.

In the end, it boils down to personal bias, the Mercedes-Benz is certainly the priciest out of the bunch. But it will likely offer a sublime ride quality as well as the latest and most technologically advanced powertrain. So, the additional expense might just be worth it when it comes to the 2022 C-Class.

How does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan handle?

The 2022 C-Class family now also boasts a new four-link axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear. This will certainly help the driving dynamics.

The wheelbase is now 112.7 inches which is almost an inch longer than the previous generation. This should result in a more planted feel. The outgoing C-Class was also an excellent and engaging car, and considering all the improvements, the 2022 C-Class will likely be even more exciting to drive.

While the exact fuel efficiency is still to be assessed by the EPA, Mercedes has claimed that the new powertrain setup will be 10 to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than the previous one. Considering this estimate we can gauge that the new C-Class should deliver around 25 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg out on the highways. 

These are pretty healthy numbers. And when combined with the largest fuel tank in this segment, the 2022 C-Class boasts by far the largest range compared to other rivals.

If the estimations are correct, then the new C-Class will likely be the most fuel-efficient car in this segment, tied with the BMW 3-series sedan. However, the BMW boasts a much smaller fuel tank which results in drastic reductions in the overall range.

The exterior has seen significant changes but it still is quite muted. However, the interior is where the 2022 C-Class differs the most from the outgoing model. The 2022 model boasts a cabin that mimics the minimal yet sublime luxury of the new S-Class. The 12.3-inch vertical ventral touchscreen dominates the landscape. The center console touchpad and the controller knob that the previous sedan utilized are completely gone. Thus, the result is a far cleaner-looking center stack. The car also features a brand new steering wheel that looks and feels far better than the previous ones. Behind the steering wheel resides an 11.9-inch diagonal digital driver's display.

The seats are plush and as comfortable as they can get in this segment. As standard Mercedes also offers heated front seats. Details about the interior room have not been revealed just yet. But the previous C-Class sedan was quite spacious. And considering the longer wheelbase and overall length of the new C-Class, the interior room will likely be more than enough for adults.

*2021 MY used for reference

On the spec sheet, the Mercedes seems to pale in comparison to the BMW and the Audi. However, these specs are from the 2021 model year since Mercedes has not revealed the interior dimensions. However, due to the longer body and wheelbase, the new C-Class will likely be more than enough to take on the spacious BMW 3 series sedan.

Details about the cargo capacity are also yet to be revealed. It all depends on how Merc utilizes the newly redesigned exterior. However, the outgoing model's 12.6 cubic feet capacity is still good enough to take on the Audi A4 and Cadillac CT5. The new sedan's cargo hold will likely be bigger.

Standout Interior Features:

• Heated Front Seats with Memory Settings
• Sunroof
• Open Pore Wood Trim with Aluminum Accents
• Available Nappa leather upholstery

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan: Infotainment and Connectivity

The 12.3 Inch vertically oriented infotainment display is similar to the one in the latest S-Class. It is equally crisp and high quality and rivals the latest system by Tesla. The software is also improved along with the hardware. It runs the most up-to-date version of Mercedes's MBUX infotainment system. It has nifty features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice-activated digital assistant, WiFi Hotspot, and many more. All models also come standard with an 11.9-inch digital driver's display which is equally crisp and responsive. 

With the new C-Class, you also get a fingerprint sensor to authenticate the driver's unique profile and memory settings. A heads-up display, wireless smartphone charging pad, ambient lighting system, and a Burmester surround sound system are all accessible through options. 

Standout Infotainment features:

• 12.3 inch Vertically oriented Infotainment Display
• 11.9-inch Digital Driver's Display
• Voice Activation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• WiFi Hotspot

Indeed, the 2022 C-Class represents the fifth generation of the same family. And so the exterior of the 2022 model has been completely revamped. The new exterior borrows design cues from the flagship S-Class sedan that was redesigned just a year ago. The headlights are now sleeker and more focused. 

The tail is redesigned to look sportier and meaner compared to the bulbous design of the outgoing model. Overall, the new C-Class looks much cleaner than before. As standard, the C-Class comes with 18-inch wheels which do compliment the overall look quite well.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasts the longest wheelbase amongst the rivals. However, the bodywork limits the overhangs due to which it is the shortest one in terms of overall length. 

Standout exterior features include:

• LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• 18” alloy wheels
• Available AMG Line with AMG body styling, floor mats and wheels
• Available Night Package
• Adaptive LED headlights
• 18-inch wheels

We need not worry about safety when it's a Mercedes-Benz. All the trims of the C-Class are pre-loaded with a vast line of safety features and driver-assistive technology as standard. Only a few features like the Mercedes’s Adaptive Cruise-Control system that works on the grounds of navigation system by which the vehicle’s speed is automatically adjusted for the narrow and curvy roads that come along are made optional. Some of the safety features include:

• Lane-keep Assist
• Active Blind-Spot Assist
• Pedestrian alert
• Attention Assist and Active Brake Assist
• Distance Assist
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC

The next-gen 2022 C-Class will surely be worth the premium. It is certainly a step up over the outgoing model in almost every possible way. It now has a more matured and refined exterior combined with a futuristic and technologically advanced interior. It is also now more luxurious as well as more fuel-efficient.