“C450 AMG is the C43's older brother/cousin, excellent and reliable and usually way cheaper than new. Disadvantages will always be cost with a used MB, part prices are always insane.”
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the arrival of the first C 350e plug-in hybrid. This is an expansion year for the W205 sedan rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
4th gen (W205), second US sedan year
For 2016, Mercedes positions the C-Class as a compact luxury sport sedan that blends comfort, upscale cabin design, advanced safety thinking, and a wide spread of power choices. Its core appeal is that it feels like a smaller S-Class in look and ambiance, but still drives with sharper responses than a bigger luxury sedan. The broad lineup lets the model serve many roles: everyday luxury commuter, all-weather sedan, plug-in hybrid, or serious AMG performance car.
The C 300 remains the heart of the lineup, with a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a premium cabin, and a 7-inch central display. The C 350e adds electric-only driving for short trips, while the C 450 AMG 4MATIC provides a middle ground between the regular sedans and the V8-powered C 63 models. At the top, the C 63 and C 63 S pair handcrafted V8 engines with more focused suspension and rear-axle hardware.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The C 350e joined the lineup as the first plug-in hybrid C-Class sedan in the U.S. The C 350 4MATIC name changed to C 450 AMG 4MATIC, bringing a 362-hp AMG-enhanced V6 and sportier tuning. The C 250, C 350, C 400 4MATIC, and C 63 AMG Edition 507 were dropped.
Styling
The C 450 AMG 4MATIC brought more aggressive AMG-specific exterior details. The rest of the sedan lineup kept the basic design introduced for 2015.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring became standard on the C 63 AMG and C 63 S AMG.
Tech
Five years of mbrace Connect connected services became standard on 2016 models. The mainstream sedans’ core infotainment hardware otherwise changed little.
Structural
The new C 350e used self-leveling air suspension as part of its hybrid setup, while the C 450 AMG 4MATIC received more focused AMG suspension and handling hardware. The underlying W205 platform carried over.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic + | Auto, 7Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Auto, 7Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic + | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic + |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 469 hp | 503 hp | 241 hp | 362 hp | |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 384 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.6 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 12.6 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 11.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 11 | |||||
| MPGe Combined | 51 | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class redesigned?
No. The 2016 C-Class sedan carried over the W205 design introduced for 2015, with the main updates centered on the trim and powertrain lineup.
What was the biggest addition to the 2016 C-Class?
The biggest addition was the C 350e, the first plug-in hybrid C-Class sedan in the U.S. lineup. It combined a turbocharged engine with electric driving capability and used self-leveling air suspension.
What happened to the C 400 4MATIC for 2016?
The C 400 4MATIC was dropped for 2016. The lineup instead featured the C 450 AMG 4MATIC as the performance-focused step between the regular C-Class sedans and the V8-powered C 63 models.
Did the 2016 C-Class receive new safety equipment?
Yes, but the change was limited. Blind-spot monitoring became standard on the C 63 AMG and C 63 S AMG, while the core safety foundation carried over from 2015.
Is the 2016 C-Class meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Yes, mainly if you want the plug-in-hybrid C 350e, the AMG-tuned C 450, or a V8 AMG model with standard blind-spot monitoring. The mainstream C 300 changed little, so it is closer to a carryover.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
4.3
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
(652 reviews)
“It's a good car, the newer models are better but overall a good car especially for a 7 years old car.”
“I love it. It has the smoothest ride I have ever had. It is beautiful and extremely comfortable!”