Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz M-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz M-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 M-Class.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranges from $11,502 to $22,497 while a used 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is priced between $12,712 to $23,998.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class base engine makes 302 horsepower. The C-Class is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 612 miles. The M-Class is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 590 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, 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 area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$38,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$38,801
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$21,065 - $62,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$48,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$57,728
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$38,900 - $102,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,959
Price Range:
$11,502 - $22,497
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$17,656
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$11,301 - $37,852
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
314
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
87,815
# Good or Great Deals:
126
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,627
Price Range:
$12,712 - $23,998
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$22,374
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$14,660 - $35,453
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
218
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
99,493
# Good or Great Deals:
96
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 M-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
2.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.5 - 5.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.2 - 4.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
21.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.8 - 27.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
18.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
1.2 - 18.3
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 M-Class Rankings
Available Body Styles
Coupe, Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
Not yet available
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Trim Levels
ML 250 BlueTEC, ML 350, ML 350 4MATIC, ML 400, ML 63 AMG
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:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5550 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1300 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
450 / 612 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
443 / 590 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
88.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Cargo Space:
38.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3583 lbs
Width:
79.5 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.5 inches
Wheelbase:
111.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4652 lbs
Width:
84.3 inches
Height:
70.7 inches
Length:
189.1 inches
Wheelbase:
114.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Lunar Blue Metallic
Brown
Dakota Brown Metallic
Gray
Palladium Silver Metallic / Steel Grey Metallic
Silver
Diamond Silver Metallic / Iridium Silver Metallic
White
designo Diamond White Metallic / Polar White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Lunar Blue Metallic
Brown
Dakota Brown Metallic
Gray
Palladium Silver Metallic / Steel Grey Metallic
Silver
Diamond Silver Metallic / Iridium Silver Metallic
White
designo Diamond White Metallic / Polar White
Red
Cinnabar Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Silk Beige/Black / Silk Beige/Espresso
Black
Black
Gray
Crystal Grey/Black / Crystal Grey/Deep Sea Blue
Red
Cranberry Red/Black
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Almond Beige/Black / Porcelain
Black
Black
Gray
Grey/Black / Grey/Dark Grey
Red
Not available
Brown
Almond Beige/Mocha / Auburn Brown / Auburn Brown/Black
