Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz E-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz E-Class have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranges from $46,801 to $62,210 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is priced between $65,304 to $81,067. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's price is between $49,176 and $64,214, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class priced between $65,777 and $85,321.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 47.9 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 51.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 4.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 8.3 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 8 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being ranked 4 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 8.3 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes 255 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$49,176 - $64,214
Starting MSRP:
$46,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$65,777 - $85,321
Starting MSRP:
$62,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,934
Price Range:
$46,801 - $62,210
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,109
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,782
# Good or Great Deals:
280
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$72,388
Price Range:
$65,304 - $81,067
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
215
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,487
# Good or Great Deals:
42
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$22,866
Depreciation %:
48.7%
Resale Value $:
$24,084
Residual Value %:
51.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$32,890
Depreciation %:
52.8%
Resale Value $:
$29,410
Residual Value %:
47.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
32 out of / 36Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
AMG C 43, C 300, C 300 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Trim Levels
E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
19.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
100.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3825 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4189 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
57.9 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
116.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Starling Blue Metallic / Twilight Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey
Red
MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Verde Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Brown
Sonoran Brown Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Sienna Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey
Red
Power Red/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Black
Black
Black
Brown
Tonka Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey/Black
Red
Not available
