2018 Mercedes C-Class Review: Small Luxury Car With Expensive Maintenance Costs

The 2018 Mercedes C-Class lasts around 200,000 miles with some steering vibration and sunroof issues reported. At $24,150 to $68,495, it’s expensive, but worth the money if you’re looking for a small luxury car with some powerful engine choices.

Is the 2018 Mercedes C-Class a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class since it offers great luxury and technology features. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, powerful V8 engines, along with the quiet cabin on the highway.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a compact car, the seating is very comfortable on longer drives, cargo space is also decent for its size.
• Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread problems reported on the 2018 C-Class, although maintenance costs get expensive as they age. Models from 2015–2016 have some engine issues, while 2017–2022 offer better reliability ratings.
• Performance 9/10 – The base engines are reasonably strong, while the AMG models are more powerful than other compact sports cars on the market.
• Safety 9/10 – The 2018 C-Class is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include Mercedes Pre-Safe, along with brake assist. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, as well as active park assist.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 27 MPG, giving 469 miles of range from the 17.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 higher than average at $204 per month.
• Value 7/10 – The 2018 Mercedes C-Class is a decent value for luxury and performance, although depreciation is faster than some competitors.

What Do Critics Say About the Mercedes C-Class?

• Consumer Reports says the 2018 Mercedes C-Class is an impressive luxury sedan offering a great driving experience, while also getting high owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds rates the C-Class at 4.1/5, praising the cutting-edge technology features, but doesn’t like the overly stiff suspension.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the C-Class a 4.4/5, enjoying the outstanding luxury features, but owners don’t like the limited rear seat legroom.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Mercedes C-Class Have?

Common problems with the 2018 Mercedes C-Class include excessive vibrations from the steering wheel, damaged sunroofs, along with fueling issues. Overall, these problems are similar to many other small luxury cars on the market, but repair costs are still high due to expensive parts.

Excessive vibrations from the steering wheel are the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Mercedes C-Class, showing up at around 12,000 miles. Rough roads can cause the car to lose alignment very quickly. Getting the car realigned costs around $250, depending on local labor rates. There are also some shock issues reported, which cost around $450 to swap out.

Damaged sunroofs have also been reported on models with panoramic sunroofs. The seals on the sunroof start wearing out at around 35,000 miles when it’s left in direct sunlight for a long time. Changing out the seals costs around $650 because the entire sunroof has to be removed to replace them.

Fueling issues also show up on some 2018 C-Class models in the first 40,000 miles. The charcoal canister on the fuel tank causes the gas pump to turn off multiple times while filling it up. Replacing the canister costs around $500, depending on local labor rates, but does fix the issue.

There are 18 recalls on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is worse than other luxury cars from the same year. The most serious recall covers the battery not being secured, which can cause it to short out. Mercedes will install a battery hold-down on affected models for free. Many of the other recalls cover the seats, along with the emergency call system.

How Long Will the 2018 Mercedes C-Class Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Mercedes C-Class can last around 200,000 miles, although they get expensive to maintain at over 100,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Lexus IS. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than many other cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $739 per year.

As a used 2018 C-Class reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the suspension height sensor for $125, spark plugs costing $275, along with the brake vacuum pump which costs $500.

How Is the Technology?

Standard entertainment technology is very good with a 7-inch central display with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a more powerful stereo system.

Standard safety technology is great, offering:

• Forward collision warning
• Brake assist
• Crosswind assist
• Driver drowsiness monitoring
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Rearview camera
• Mercedes Pre-Safe, which automatically prepares for a collision

Optional driver assistance features include:

• Blind spot assist
• Adaptive headlights
• Active park assist
• Surround-view camera system
• Head-up display
• Pedestrian detection
• Lane keep assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Cross traffic alert

Is the 2018 Mercedes C-Class a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Mercedes C-Class is a decent value for a small luxury car, although ownership costs get more expensive than a lot of other cars as they age. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,150 to $68,495, making it more than an Audi A4 or Infiniti Q50. When new, the price range was $40,250 to $81,500. Depreciation is worse than other small cars, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Mercedes C-Class?

There are five main models of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered, from the entry level C 300 to the very powerful AMG C 63 S. It’s offered as either a sedan, cabriolet, or the C Class Coupe. The C-Class comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

C 300 and C 300 4Matic are the entry-level models with:

• Standard with 17-inch wheels for the sedan, 18-inch wheels for the coupe
• Automatic wipers, rearview camera, and sunroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control and power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• 10-way power front seats with 4-way lumbar adjustment and driver-seat memory settings
• Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex) and 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks
• COMAND infotainment system with 7-inch central display screen, console-mounted dial controller, Bluetooth, CD player, dual USB ports, SD card reader, and HD radio
• Convertible variant includes power-folding fabric top, airscarf system, and removable wind blocker
• Optional packages: Premium, Multimedia, Advanced Lighting, Smartphone Integration, Parking Assist, AMG Line, and Driver Assistance
• Stand-alone options: panoramic sunroof, head-up display, heated/ventilated seats, leather upholstery, cabin air purification and fragrance system, heated steering wheel, and various interior/exterior trim pieces

AMG C 43 is a step up, adding:

• Includes all features in the C300’s Premium package
• Standard all-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmission
• Sport-tuned suspension and adaptive suspension dampers
• Heated front seats and unique interior trim

AMG C 63 and C 63 S offer more upgrades including:

• Share most features with the AMG C43 model
• Options include carbon-ceramic brakes, sport exhaust, upgraded wheels and tires, sport seats, carbon-fiber interior and exterior trim, and special AMG head-up display

What Engines Come In the Mercedes C-Class?

• C 300: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque. It’s mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel economy is around 25 mpg. The 0-60 mph time is around 5.8 seconds.
• AMG C 43: 3.0L biturbo V6 engine producing 362 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft of torque. It has a 9-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel economy is about 20 mpg. The 0-60 mph time is roughly 4.6 seconds.
• AMG C 63: 4.0L biturbo V8 engine generating 469 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft of torque. It comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel economy is about 18 mpg. The 0-60 mph time is around 3.9 seconds.
• AMG C 63 S: 4.0L biturbo V8 engine that produces 503 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft of torque. This also comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy is roughly 18 mpg. The 0-60 mph time is about 3.8 seconds.

What Colors Does the Mercedes C-Class Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Mercedes C-Class?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is well-regarded for its impressive comfort features, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious driving experience. The vehicle’s interior reflects the brand’s commitment to opulence and quality. High-grade materials, including available leather upholstery and wood accents, create an inviting and plush environment, and the craftsmanship is clear in every detail.

Seating in the 2018 C-Class is designed for comfort during both short commutes and longer trips. The front seats are power-adjustable, allowing drivers and passengers to find their ideal seating position with ease. For enhanced comfort, options such as heated, ventilated, and even massaging seats are available, adding to the car’s sense of luxury and refinement.

Ride quality in the C-Class is also excellent. The vehicle comes with a standard adaptive suspension that can adjust to road conditions, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. For those who prefer a more personalized driving experience, an optional air suspension system known as AIRMATIC is available. This system adjusts ride quality based on driver preferences, allowing for either a softer, more comfortable ride or a firmer, sportier experience.

Regarding noise, the 2018 C-Class excels at providing a quiet ride. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, further enhancing the comfort levels within the vehicle. Overall, whether it’s the seating, ride quality, or general ambiance, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class goes above and beyond to make sure that comfort is at the forefront of the driving experience.

How Much Storage Space Does the Mercedes C-Class Have?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasts varying amounts of trunk space depending on the specific model. The sedan version of the C-Class offers around 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. This is ample room to accommodate multiple full-sized suitcases or a generous grocery haul. It can also comfortably fit things like a stroller or a set of golf clubs, making it a good option for those who need versatility in their daily activities.

In contrast, the coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class offer a bit less cargo space due to their design and emphasis on style and sportiness. The coupe has about 10.5 cubic feet of trunk space, while the convertible offers about 8.8 cubic feet when the top is up. While these figures are less than the sedan, they are still quite practical for daily needs. They can hold smaller luggage or a couple of carry-on bags, ideal for a weekend getaway or daily errands. However, bulkier items like strollers or golf clubs may be a tighter fit in these models.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Mercedes C-Class came out for the 2015 model year.

2015: C-Class sedan fully redesigned for the fourth generation with more powerful engines, upgraded interior, and new styling.

2016: More powerful C 450 AMG introduced, diesel and plug-in hybrid models also added to the lineup.

2017: New convertible and coupe models introduced, AMG C 43 launched, and a standard rearview camera.

2018: Upgraded nine-speed automatic transmission on the C 300.

2019: Stronger engine in the C 300 and C 43 models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all models, Hybrid model discontinued.

2020: More standard features added to all models.

2021: Heated front seats and a 12.3-inch driver display added as standard, optional Night Edition package offered.

How Does the Mercedes C-Class Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a nice small luxury car, offering an upscale interior paired with a lot of the latest safety technology, although ownership costs do get expensive as it ages.

The BMW 3 Series is another small German car, which costs around $1,500 less. Steering and handling is much better in the BMW 3 Series, while the Mercedes C-Class offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the BMW 3 Series if you’re looking for better driving dynamics, while the C-Class is more plush.

The Mercedes E-Class is a larger car available for about $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Mercedes E-Class, while the Mercedes C-Class is easier to fit in large cities with small parking spots. We recommend the Mercedes C-Class for most shoppers unless you’re looking for extra room found in the E-Class.

Do Owners Recommend the Mercedes C-Class?