2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received no major lineup-wide changes. The main update was the addition of LED daytime running lamps to the Sport sedans, while a few features shifted from standard to optional.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W204 generation, fourth model year and last year before the 2012 facelift.
Mercedes-Benz pitched the 2011 C-Class as a compact luxury sedan with two clear personalities: classic Luxury or sharper Sport. The model's core appeal was not class-leading speed or cabin space, but the feeling of driving a smaller Mercedes — solid structure, quiet road manners, strong safety credentials, upscale materials, and a choice between traditional design cues or a more athletic look. Against rivals, it sold the Mercedes experience first, then let buyers decide how sporty or formal they wanted that experience to feel.
The C-Class still split into two clear personalities: Luxury sedans emphasized comfort, wood trim, and traditional Mercedes styling, while Sport sedans used lower suspension tuning, sport seats, and a bolder grille-mounted star. The C350 Sport added a stronger 268-hp V6, while the C63 AMG stood apart with a hand-built 451-hp V8 and serious performance hardware.
What changed, by category
2011 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 AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | 4MATIC AWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 26 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 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The main change was the addition of LED daytime running lamps to the Sport sedans. Mercedes also introduced optional mbrace connected services and changed the packaging of heated front seats on the C350 Sport and the rear spoiler on the C63 AMG.
Did the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get new engines?
No, the 2011 C-Class carried over its engines and transmissions. The range still included the 228-hp C300, 268-hp C350 Sport, and 451-hp C63 AMG.
Which 2011 C-Class trims have the new LED daytime running lamps?
The 2011 C300 Sport, C300 4MATIC Sport, and C350 Sport received LED daytime running lamps. The Luxury trims retained their more traditional exterior treatment.
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a redesigned model?
No, the 2011 C-Class is not a redesign. It is the final pre-facelift model year of this C-Class generation, with the larger exterior, interior, and engine updates arriving for 2012.
Did any standard features become optional for 2011?
Yes, heated front seats on the C350 Sport and the rear spoiler on the C63 AMG changed from standard to optional for 2011.