2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 C-Class, and includes Mercedes-Benz C-Class safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Mercedes-Benz has made several changes to its compact sedan for 2011. Across the model range, all C-Class models receive new headlight control switches and relocated ESP (electronic stability control) switchgear. The Sport models are fitted with standard LED running lights, mimicking the upmarket E-Class and S-Class, while models without the bi-Xenon headlights receive black headlight inlays to change their cosmetic appearance. There are new 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels on the C350 Sport models, and the range-topping C63 AMG is offered with an optional "P31" AMG Development Package — the performance option adds 30 horses to bump the engine's output to a tire-shredding 481 horsepower.

In a move not mirrored on any of its other models, Mercedes-Benz sells the C-Class in two distinct levels of trim aimed at two different kinds of buyers: Luxury and Sport. An aggressive grille design with a large three-pointed star integrated directly into the fascia characterizes the Sport model, which also has a suspension tuned for spirited driving with a slightly firmer ride. The Sport model’s interior continues the theme, with bolstered seats, unique instrumentation, and special trim. A traditional chrome grille with the Mercedes three-pointed star ornament standing proud at the front of the hood is the best way to identify the Luxury model. The Luxury model’s interior is much more elegant, while the suspension and underpinnings are tuned with ride comfort in mind.

Mercedes-Benz offers its 2011 C-Class in six different configurations: C300 Luxury, C300 Luxury 4MATIC, C300 Sport, C300 Sport 4MATIC, C350 Sport and C63 AMG.

Even though the C-Class is the entry-level model from Mercedes-Benz, it includes a full complement of standard amenities, which is expected at this price point. The C300 models share a 3.0-liter V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels (there are two slightly different designs), a power-operated sunroof, eight-way power seats, a COMAND infotainment control system with a retractable display, and MB-Tex upholstery (MB-Tex is the automaker's trademark name for its high-grade vinyl). Standard C-Class models are rear-wheel drive, while 4MATIC versions are configured with the automaker's full-time all-wheel-drive system.

The C350 Sport model features a larger and more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, bird’s-eye maple wood interior trim, driver memory settings for the seat and exterior mirrors, a power-adjusted steering column, and exterior mirrors that tilt down in reverse gear for a better view of the curb. The C350 Sport also receives all of the upgrades found in the C300’s extra-cost Premium I Package including rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, satellite radio and heated front seats. Mercedes-Benz sells its C350 Sport only with an automatic transmission, and only in a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

An optional Premium II Package, available on both the C300 and C350, adds bi-Xenon headlamps, folding rear seats and a power rear sunshade. Either model may be optioned with a Multimedia Package that adds a hard-drive based navigation system with 40GB of storage as well as restaurant information from the Zagat database. Voice control, an in-dash CD player, and a premium Harmon/Kardon surround-sound audio system are also included in the Multimedia Package. Additional C-Class upgrades include leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels (of various designs), an iPod integration kit, and TeleAid satellite communications.

The C63 AMG is a C-Class that has been performance-tuned by the automaker's AMG division. Engineered to compete against the high-powered BMW M3 and Audi S4, the C63 AMG dumps its mild V6 powerplant in favor of a torque-laden 6.2-liter V8. Matching the engine’s aggressiveness is special body cladding, a sport exhaust system, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, and unique interior bits including a flat-bottom steering wheel, AMG-style gauges, and heavily bolstered sport seats.

Mercedes-Benz offers a Performance Package for the C63 AMG that includes stiffer springs, upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential, and a top speed governor bumped to 174 mph. For 2011, the automaker has upped the ante with the announcement of a P31 AMG Development Package to provide an extra 30 horsepower. It's not just an extensive engine upgrade either, as the P31 Package includes a track-calibrated sport suspension, a beefier limited-slip differential, red brake calipers, and a real carbon-fiber rear spoiler. The top speed is 174 mph.

All C300 models are fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, measurements that are middle of the pack within this segment. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual in the C300 Sport, but that will likely be a rare combination. Most will be built with the optional seven-speed automatic transmission, which is standard in the C300 Luxury model. If the C300’s rear-wheel-drive powertrain doesn't bode well with your region's weather, Mercedes-Benz sells the C300 4MATIC with full-time all-wheel drive in both Sport and Luxury configurations.

The C350 Sport has a 3.5-liter V6 under its hood. The engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque — again, the middle of the pack when compared to its competition. The seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard.

The C63 AMG delivers the goods, thanks to a high-performance 6.2-liter V8 rated at 450 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque — that's the best in its class. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow manual control over the AMG-modified seven-speed automatic transmission, and Mercedes says the C63 AMG will hit the 60 mph benchmark from a standstill in less than five seconds. If that's too slow for your backside, the new-for-2011 P31 AMG Development Package (exclusive to the C63 AMG) buys new lightweight forged pistons, forged connecting rods, a forged crankshaft, and modified engine management. It all adds up to a spectacular 481 horsepower and 174 mph.

According to the EPA, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 returns 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway no matter which powertrain configuration you choose, though the highway rating drops to 25 mpg on 4MATIC models. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 is rated to get 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG comes in with 12-mpg city/19-mpg highway.

Mercedes-Benz subjected its C-Class to more than 100 crash tests during its development. The engineering homework results in a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Subjected to the standard testing program, the C-Class earns the best possible rating for its performance in the offset-frontal, side-impact, and rear-impact crash tests. Even the C-Class’ roof strength receives the best rating.

In years past, the C-Class has also performed well in tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, for 2011, the NHTSA has modified the way that it assesses vehicles for crashworthiness, so those past scores do not apply to the 2011 Mercedes C-Class even if the C-Class is essentially the same car as it was before.

In addition to favorable safety ratings, the C-Class is expected to be dependable. Both Consumer Reports and JDPower.com predict that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will provide better than average reliability over time.

Vehix recommends the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This entry-luxury sedan offers a fine mix of luxury, sport, safety, and German engineering — all balance extremely well to make this a very enjoyable ride. However, this level of refinement doesn’t come cheap. Most of the creature comforts that are found standard on other vehicles in this segment, including leather upholstery, will cost you extra on the C-Class. Buyers looking for value are better served shopping in Acura, Infiniti, or Lexus showrooms. Nevertheless, we say go break open another piggy bank.

By Michael Harley