After a redesign in 2022 the Mercedes Benz C-Class rolls into 2023 with minimal changes.

The C-Class comes as a C300 in Coupe, Sedan and Cabriolet models, and an AMG 43. The base C300 engine is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower. The C300 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with a 9-speed automatic. Expect a 0-60 time of under 6-seconds for the C300 models, proving that even the entry-level C-Class is extremely quick when called upon.

The AMG C 43 is where things begin to get serious. Powered by a 3.0L V6 sporting a pair of turbochargers, the C43 makes 385 horsepower and claims to be capable of running 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. The way in which the C43 makes power is still somewhat unique however: it makes 384 lb-feet of torque at only 2500 rpms, meaning that drivers get all that passing power almost immediately.

In addition to the eclectic trim lineup, Mercedes offers a ton of option packages to further customize their cars. The C300 can be had with an AMG package for those who don't want the full AMG experience, the package simply adding many of the styling cues from the more expensive trim levels, while also adding more powerful brakes and brushed aluminum pedals.

Even the base C300 comes well loaded with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, heated power folding auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators, chrome accents, cruise control, heated power front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 13-speaker premium sound system with HD satellite radio, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, and a navigation system.

The Mercedes-Benz active radar systems now see up to 820 feet from the front of the vehicle, while also covering 130 feet to each side and 260 feet to the rear of the vehicle. When combined with the automaker's camera systems, the car can detect objects up to 1640 feet from the front of the vehicle. The updated sensitivity works with Mercedes' active and passive safety systems to make the new C-Class a safer car than it's ever been before.

Standard safety features include 8 airbags, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation, a pedestrian detection system, a driver attention alert and a traction\stability control system.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury sedan, putting it in competition with the BMW 3-Series, Genesis G70, Volvo S60 and the Audi A4. While BMW and Audi tend to look at their compact sedans primarily as performance vehicles, Mercedes tends toward luxury. The C-Class offers a level of quiet composure that's rare at this price point. Even the absurdly powerful AMG trimmed C-Class models do luxury better than other German automakers, while offering performance that can compete with cars of any price.

Clean styling; affordable luxury experience; available high-performance AMG models; powerful engines; refined ride