2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2009 C-Class change is the addition of standard front-seat pelvic airbags across the sedan lineup. Mercedes-Benz also expands the range with the new V8-powered C63 AMG, but the core C300 and C350 formula carries over without a redesign.
About the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W204 generation, second model year for the sedan (pre-facelift 2008-2011).
Mercedes positions the C-Class as a smaller Mercedes sedan that blends premium feel, safety, and everyday usability with a clear split between Sport and Luxury personalities. In this generation, the model’s appeal is choice within one body style: classic Mercedes presentation in Luxury trims, sharper styling and handling in Sport trims, AWD availability for foul weather, and a full AMG version at the top. It is the brand’s entry luxury sedan, aimed at shoppers who want Mercedes character in a more manageable size.
The 2009 C-Class spans traditional Luxury sedans, sharper Sport versions, AWD C300 models, and the range-topping C63 AMG. Luxury trims use wood accents and a comfort-focused cabin, while Sport trims add a lowered suspension, sport seats, and more aggressive bodywork. The C63 AMG stands apart with a 451-hp V8, AMG seats, unique body styling, and a lap-timing display.
What changed, by category
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 6.3 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | 4MATIC AWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 12 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 451 hp | 228 hp | 268 hp | 228 hp | 228 hp | 228 hp |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The biggest change is standard front-seat pelvic airbags across the 2009 C-Class sedan lineup. This is the main lineup-wide update for the year.
Was the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class redesigned?
No, the 2009 C-Class was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the W204-generation sedan, and the basic C300 and C350 formula carries over from 2008.
Is the C63 AMG new for the 2009 C-Class?
Yes, the C63 AMG joins the C-Class lineup for 2009 as its performance flagship. It uses a 451-hp AMG 6.3-liter V8 and has unique AMG seats, body styling, chassis tuning, and display hardware.
How do the 2009 C-Class Sport and Luxury trims differ?
The Sport trims have a more athletic setup, with lowered suspension, sport seats, aggressive bodywork, and silver-background gauges. Luxury trims emphasize comfort and a traditional Mercedes cabin with Burl Walnut wood trim and a four-spoke steering wheel.
Is the 2009 C-Class meaningfully different from the 2008 model?
Yes, but the changes are modest outside the new C63 AMG. The 2009 model adds standard front-seat pelvic airbags, introduces the V8-powered AMG flagship, and gives Sport models a more distinct instrument cluster without redesigning the core C300 and C350 sedans.