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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Generations

Each Mercedes-Benz C-Class generation, representing the timeframe between each C-Class redesign, is listed below. Use this list to see which is the most reliable and safest C-Class generation based on iSeeCars' data-driven ratings.

Our methodology

In the market for a slightly used Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact sedan last redesigned in 2022. It is also available as a coupe and a convertible. The latest generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 255 hp. A new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a starting MSRP of $46,950, and used prices for this generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class range from $34,991 to $62,210.

The previous Mercedes-Benz C-Class generation is a compact sedan produced from 2015 to 2021. It is also available as a coupe and a convertible. This generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 255 hp and delivers up to 33 mpg. A 3.0L engine that makes 385 hp and offers up to 27 mpg is also available. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $11,502 to $44,613. This era of Mercedes-Benz C-Class earns an iSeeCars Generations Rating of 8.9.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Generations

In the market for a slightly used Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact sedan last redesigned in 2022. It is also available as a coupe and a convertible. The latest generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 255 hp. A new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a starting MSRP of $46,950, and used prices for this generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class range from $34,991 to $62,210.

The previous Mercedes-Benz C-Class generation is a compact sedan produced from 2015 to 2021. It is also available as a coupe and a convertible. This generation is powered by a 2.0L engine that makes 255 hp and delivers up to 33 mpg. A 3.0L engine that makes 385 hp and offers up to 27 mpg is also available. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $11,502 to $44,613. This era of Mercedes-Benz C-Class earns an iSeeCars Generations Rating of 8.9.

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2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2024 2.0L I4 255hp, 295ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $46,801–$62,210 $46,950–$60,700
2023 2.0L I4 255hp, 295ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $39,999–$58,499 $44,850–$59,900 22 mpg
2022 2.0L I4 255hp, 295ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $34,991–$44,992 $43,550–$45,550

2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Plug-in Hybrid)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2024 2.0L I4 671hp, 752ft. lbs. AWD – $83,900–$83,900

2022–2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (coupe)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2023 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 503hp, 516ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $40,993–$74,437 $49,550–$131,913 19 mpg–25 mpg
2022 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $37,691–$57,982 $47,850–$60,500 22 mpg–29 mpg

2022–2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (convertible)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
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Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2023 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 503hp, 516ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $49,721–$74,901 $57,250–$90,000 19 mpg–25 mpg
2022 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $46,573–$67,073 $55,400–$67,000 22 mpg–29 mpg

2015–2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
8.9 / 10
  • Reliability 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 9.7 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2021 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $26,993–$41,742 $41,600–$76,200 21 mpg–27 mpg
2020 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $24,882–$44,613 $41,400–$75,700 21 mpg–28 mpg
2019 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $20,453–$38,006 $41,400–$74,600 21 mpg–27 mpg
2018 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 362hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $17,200–$42,200 $40,250–$73,700 20 mpg–27 mpg
2017 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 362hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $14,740–$34,990 $39,500–$72,800 20 mpg–28 mpg
2016 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 362hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $12,958–$27,583 $38,950–$73,250 20 mpg–28 mpg
2015 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 329hp, 354ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $11,502–$22,497 $38,400–$71,900 20 mpg–28 mpg

2016–2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Plug-in Hybrid)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety 9.7 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2018 2.0L I4 275hp, 443ft. lbs. RWD $17,417–$51,970 $47,900–$47,900 30 mpg
2017 2.0L I4 275hp, 443ft. lbs. RWD $16,490–$23,300 $46,050–$46,050 30 mpg
2016 2.0L I4 275hp, 443ft. lbs. RWD $10,350–$22,590 $45,490–$45,490 30 mpg

2015–2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (coupe)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
8.9 / 10
  • Reliability 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 9.7 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2021 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $31,889–$73,817 $47,200–$78,250 20 mpg–27 mpg
2020 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $28,972–$70,996 $45,950–$77,500 20 mpg–25 mpg
2019 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $24,578–$63,828 $43,800–$76,450 20 mpg–25 mpg
2018 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 362hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $21,642–$54,991 $43,200–$75,500 19 mpg–25 mpg
2017 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 362hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $17,916–$52,818 $42,650–$75,000 19 mpg–26 mpg
2015 1.8L I4 201hp, 229ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 302hp, 273ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $10,021–$36,425 $39,400–$63,000 15 mpg–25 mpg

2017–2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (convertible)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety 9.7 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2021 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $38,940–$69,540 $54,700–$85,600 20 mpg–26 mpg
2020 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $33,316–$65,958 $53,950–$84,900 20 mpg–24 mpg
2019 2.0L I4 255hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 385hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $29,644–$56,996 $51,850–$83,800 20 mpg–24 mpg
2018 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 362hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $23,996–$58,488 $51,200–$81,500 19 mpg–25 mpg
2017 2.0L I4 241hp, 273ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 362hp, 384ft. lbs.; 4.0L V8 469hp, 479ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $22,463–$51,978 $50,900–$80,850 19 mpg–26 mpg

2008–2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
8.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Safety 9.4 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2014 1.8L I4 201hp, 229ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 248hp, 251ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 302hp, 273ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $7,786–$18,995 $35,800–$60,250 15 mpg–25 mpg
2013 1.8L I4 201hp, 229ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 248hp, 251ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 302hp, 273ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $6,995–$17,998 $35,350–$59,800 15 mpg–25 mpg
2012 1.8L I4 201hp, 229ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 228hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 302hp, 273ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $6,500–$15,531 $34,800–$58,930 15 mpg–25 mpg
2011 3.0L V6 228hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 268hp, 258ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $5,823–$14,570 $33,990–$58,200 15 mpg–21 mpg
2010 3.0L V6 228hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 268hp, 258ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $5,203–$13,997 $33,600–$57,350 15 mpg–21 mpg
2009 3.0L V6 228hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 268hp, 258ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $4,993–$18,759 $32,900–$56,300 15 mpg–21 mpg
2008 3.0L V6 228hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 268hp, 258ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $4,839–$11,992 $31,200–$53,800 15 mpg–21 mpg

2012–2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (coupe)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
8.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 9.4 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2014 1.8L I4 201hp, 229ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 302hp, 273ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $8,499–$32,370 $38,200–$62,750 15 mpg–25 mpg
2013 1.8L I4 201hp, 229ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 302hp, 273ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $6,997–$27,450 $37,800–$62,330 15 mpg–25 mpg
2012 1.8L I4 201hp, 229ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 302hp, 273ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 451hp, 443ft. lbs.; 6.2L V8 510hp, 457ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $6,999–$32,773 $37,220–$105,000 15 mpg–25 mpg

2001–2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2007 2.5L V6 201hp, 181ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 228hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 268hp, 258ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $3,500–$9,998 $30,425–$41,175 14 mpg–22 mpg
2006 2.5L V6 201hp, 181ft. lbs.; 3.0L V6 228hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.5L V6 268hp, 258ft. lbs.; 5.4L V8 362hp, 376ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $3,033–$9,394 $29,975–$55,225 17 mpg–22 mpg
2005 1.8L I4 189hp, 192ft. lbs.; 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs.; 5.4L V8 362hp, 376ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $2,994–$10,261 $29,970–$54,620 14 mpg–24 mpg
2004 1.8L I4 189hp, 192ft. lbs.; 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 349hp, 332ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $2,494–$8,008 $29,970–$52,120 15 mpg–23 mpg
2003 1.8L I4 189hp, 192ft. lbs.; 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 349hp, 332ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $2,410–$9,295 $28,710–$51,120 17 mpg–23 mpg
2002 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 349hp, 332ft. lbs. RWD $2,497–$9,695 $31,215–$50,565 17 mpg–20 mpg
2001 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs. RWD $2,574–$8,347 $30,595–$37,595 19 mpg–20 mpg

2002–2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (wagon)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2005 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $3,995–$9,987 $34,870–$36,070 14 mpg–20 mpg
2004 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $2,995–$14,740 $34,870–$41,370 15 mpg–20 mpg
2003 2.6L V6 168hp, 177ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs. AWD, RWD $2,495–$9,989 $32,120–$40,545 18 mpg–20 mpg
2002 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs. RWD $2,100–$10,789 $39,115–$39,115 19 mpg

2002–2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (hatchback)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Coming soon
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2005 1.8L I4 189hp, 192ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs. RWD $3,400–$9,914 $26,570–$28,970 18 mpg–24 mpg
2004 1.8L I4 189hp, 192ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs. RWD $2,395–$12,654 $26,570–$28,970 19 mpg–23 mpg
2003 1.8L I4 189hp, 192ft. lbs.; 3.2L V6 215hp, 221ft. lbs. RWD $3,631–$8,996 $25,670–$28,020 18 mpg–20 mpg
2002 2.3L I4 192hp, 200ft. lbs. RWD $1,998–$8,721 $25,615–$25,615 20 mpg–21 mpg

1994–2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Reliability 7.6 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2000 2.3L I4 185hp, 200ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 194hp, 195ft. lbs.; 4.3L V8 302hp, 302ft. lbs. RWD $1,453–$10,102 $32,395–$53,645 18 mpg–22 mpg
1999 2.3L I4 185hp, 200ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 194hp, 195ft. lbs.; 4.3L V8 302hp, 302ft. lbs. RWD $1,720–$29,576 $31,795–$53,595 18 mpg–22 mpg
1998 2.3L I4 148hp, 162ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 194hp, 195ft. lbs.; 4.3L V8 302hp, 302ft. lbs. RWD $2,512–$22,474 $31,045–$53,345 17 mpg–23 mpg
1997 2.3L I4 148hp, 162ft. lbs.; 2.8L I6 194hp, 199ft. lbs.; 3.6L I6 276hp, 284ft. lbs. RWD $1,800–$12,995 $31,045–$52,520 19 mpg–23 mpg
1996 2.2L I4 148hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.8L I6 194hp, 199ft. lbs.; 3.6L I6 276hp, 284ft. lbs. RWD – $30,495–$51,595 18 mpg–23 mpg
1995 2.2L I4 148hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.8L I6 194hp, 199ft. lbs.; 3.6L I6 268hp, 280ft. lbs. RWD – $31,425–$50,275 18 mpg–22 mpg
1994 2.2L I4 148hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.8L I6 194hp, 199ft. lbs. RWD – $30,375–$35,375 20 mpg–22 mpg

Other Model Generations

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Generations

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Generations

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Generations

Mercedes-Benz GLS Generations

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Generations

Our methodology

iSeeCars Generations Rating is calculated based on the latest research from our data science team.

The iSeeCars Generations Rating is an analysis of two factors: reliability and safety. It is calculated for each model generation based on the analysis of over 312 million cars using a proprietary mathematical model that estimated the probability that each vehicle would survive to various mileage thresholds. This survival model was used to calculate the average lifespan of each vehicle generation, which forms the basis of the reliability score. The safety score is based on NHTSA safety ratings.

Vehicles are scored in two categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).