“Acceleration and transmission are amazing for 4 cylinder. Interior craftsmanship is excellent. Front power seat excellent. Should have opted for upgraded entertainment system and heads up display.”
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is that the C 350e plug-in hybrid sedan becomes a regular, full-year offering after arriving late in 2017. This is otherwise a light-update year, with a new 9-speed automatic for C 300 sedans and a few equipment changes for the hybrid.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 generation; sedan in its 4th model year, coupe and cabriolet in their 2nd model year, and the last pre-refresh year before the 2019 facelift.
Mercedes positions the C-Class as a compact luxury model that brings much of the brand’s larger-car atmosphere into a smaller, easier-to-live-with package. In 2018, that means a polished cabin, smooth turbo power, available sedan/coupe/cabriolet body styles, and advanced safety thinking without stepping up to an E-Class. The C-Class is the Mercedes for shoppers who want the brand’s look, comfort, and prestige in a size that still feels manageable every day.
The C 300 remains the everyday luxury choice, with a 241-horsepower turbo four-cylinder, selectable drive modes, dual-zone climate control, and power front seats. The C 300 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive, while the C 350e pairs a turbo engine with an electric motor for 275 combined horsepower, plug-in charging, and remote cabin preconditioning.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The C 350e plug-in hybrid sedan becomes a full-year offering after its late-2017 arrival. Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive C 300 sedans move to a 9-speed automatic, matching the C 300 coupe and cabriolet.
Styling
LED headlights and a power moonroof become standard on the C 350e plug-in hybrid rather than optional.
Tech
Remote start becomes standard on the C 350e plug-in hybrid rather than optional.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic + |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22–24 mpg | 22–23 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 29–33 mpg | 29–32 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 241 hp | |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 8.8–12.6 cu-ft | 8.8–12.6 cu-ft | 11.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32–35.2 in | 32–35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 9 | ||
| MPGe Combined | 51 | ||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a redesign?
No. The 2018 C-Class is the final model year before the 2019 styling and technology refresh, so its updates are limited to powertrain and equipment changes rather than a full redesign.
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The biggest change is that the C 350e plug-in hybrid sedan becomes a regular, full-year member of the 2018 lineup after arriving very late in the 2017 model run.
Did the Mercedes-Benz C 350e first appear for 2018?
No. The C 350e arrived late in the 2017 model run, but 2018 is its first full model year as a regular C-Class offering.
Which 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models have the 9-speed automatic?
Every 2018 C 300 body style has the 9-speed automatic. The rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive sedans adopt it for 2018, joining the coupe and cabriolet.
What became standard on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 350e?
LED headlights, a power moonroof, and remote start become standard on the 2018 C 350e. Those features were optional for 2017.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
4.3
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
(537 reviews)
“The C300 is a great value and it rides tremendously well. It has all the amenities needed”
“Car is over engineered(way too much duplication) and dangerously confusing (awkward switches and switch placement),technology is old (not touch screen!), styling is beautiful, size and comfort great, 2.0 engine a wonderful gas economy surprise. Would buy different vehicle next time if had more experience with alternate brand. Car is very fun to drive and that is the most important reason I bought it.”