Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz C-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 S-Class and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and interior volume. 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, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ranges from $117,899 to $206,753 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced between $76,388 to $111,386. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's price is between $130,230 and $225,248, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class priced between $89,195 and $108,950.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class loses 61.8 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 54.8 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is 7.4 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class' quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class being ranked 11 out of 26 Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 8 out of 26. Out of 35 Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is ranked 16 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is ranked 13.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is 7.7 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s base engine makes 503 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class base engine makes 671 horsepower. Both models use electricity, premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of front leg room cargo space.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
130230 - 225248
Starting MSRP:
128200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
117137
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
108000 - 128200
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
89195 - 108950
Starting MSRP:
86050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
69800
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
52100 - 86050
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
170016
Price Range:
117899 - 206753
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
141193
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
112369 - 170016
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
91022
Price Range:
76388 - 111386
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
71873
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
51802 - 91022
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
0.50356899
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
0.50356899 - 0.50356899
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
47345
Depreciation %:
0.55020042
Resale Value $:
38705
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
0.54194225
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
0.49895027 - 0.5503047
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.6796903965756322
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
3.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Large Cars)
1.6 - 11.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7721588118427967
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.8 - 4.2
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 35Ranking
1 out of / 35Ranking
1 out of / 35Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 35Ranking
6 out of / 35Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 35Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
16 out of / 35Ranking
19 out of / 24Ranking
23 out of / 26Ranking
31 out of / 35Mercedes-Benz C-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 35Ranking
2 out of / 35Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
13 out of / 35Ranking
13 out of / 35Ranking
13 out of / 35Ranking
13 out of / 35Ranking
13 out of / 35Ranking
16 out of / 26Ranking
24 out of / 35Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trim Levels
AMG S 63 E Performance, S 580e 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
AMG C 63 S E Performance
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):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
503 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
553 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.091 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
671 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque:
752 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.139 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 29 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
401 / 560 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
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):
19 / 22 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Navigation System:
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
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
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
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Cargo Space:
8.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
112.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5501 lbs
Width:
83 inches
Height:
59.2 inches
Length:
208.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4817 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
57.4 inches
Length:
190.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/40R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / MANUFAKTUR Signature Night Black Magno / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Signature China Blue / MANUFAKTUR Signature Mystic Blue Metallic / Nautical Blue Metallic
Brown
Sonoran Brown Metallic
Gold
MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Signature Kalahari Gold Magno
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Magno / MANUFAKTUR Signature Graphite Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Signature Silicon Grey / Selenite Grey Metallic
Green
Emerald Green Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Signature Olive Metallic
Red
Rubellite Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Verde Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno / MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno / Starling Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gold
Not available
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey
Black
Black
Blue
Yacht Blue/Black
Brown
Nut Brown/Black / Sienna Brown/Black / Truffle Brown/Black
Red
Carmine Red/Black
Silver
Silver Grey/Black
White
Deep White/Black
Yellow
Pastel Yellow/Black
Green
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black / Black w/ Gray Stitching / Black w/ Yellow Stitching
Blue
Not available
Brown
Sienna Brown/Black
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Green
Titan Grey/Black w/ Black/Red Stitching
