Most significant changes in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Three new sedan models will be added to the C-Class lineup: C450 AMG Sport, the C350e plug-in hybrid and C300d 4matic diesel.
Price change: C300 and C300 4matic prices increase $550; C63 and C63 S AMG increase $800.
On sale: C300, C63 August; C350e, C450 AMG Sport September; C300d 4matic February 2016.
Which should you buy, 2015 or 2016? 2015 for C300.
CARS.COM —Mercedes-Benz redesigned the C-Class sedan for 2015, and the lineup will grow this year with the addition of a performance AMG Sport model, a plug-in hybrid and a four-cylinder/four-wheel-drive diesel model.
The current 2015 sedan lineup ranges from the turbocharged four-cylinder C300 models (available with rear- or four-wheel drive) to the V-8-powered C63 and C63S AMG models. One of the few changes for 2016 is an automated parking option with surround view cameras. Otherwise you’re left with just a $500-$800 price increase to mark the changing years.
The new C450 AMG Sport will replace the C400 4matic and uses a variant of the C400’s twin-turbo V-6. So the C-Class will cater to a wide variety of tastes once all the new versions arrive.
With the CLA sedan now the entry-level Mercedes-Benz, the C-Class stepped up in style, luxury and performance with last year’s redesign. The interior has the comfort and most of the accoutrements you expect in a luxury sedan, and the C300’s turbo four-cylinder delivers appropriate amounts of acceleration and refinement. It was enough for Cars.com to name it the Best of 2015; you can read about our long-term 2015 C-Class test car here.
The C-Class is at the top of its game for now, and buying a 2015 versus the 2016 is still the way to go. Only folks interested in the new trim levels should wait until fall.
Rick Popely
Contributor Rick Popely has covered the auto industry for decades and hosts a weekly online radio show on TalkZone.com.