2019 Mercedes Benz C Class Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Mercedes-Benz and luxurious are basically synonymous these days. Another adjective that can be added to the mix, though, is affordable. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which comes both as a sedan and a coupe, is one of the most competitively priced vehicles in its class this year. While this might make it an easy choice over other automakers, the number of trim options proves to be something of an obstacle.

Not only does Mercedes-Benz give you the choice between two different body styles, but you have to pick from one of five trim levels: the base C 300, the C 300 4MATIC (its all-wheel drive variant), the AMG C 43, the AMG C 63, and the AMG C 63 S (the Sport variant of the standard 63). Each model offers some varying standard features and optional equipment, so it is important to pay close attention to what is offered on each trim level before you commit to buying it.

The biggest and most noteworthy change for the model year that impacts several of the trims is an increase in horsepower. The C 300, C 300 4 MATIC, and AMG C 43 now come with an engine that is able to generate a solid 255 hp. Also, the AMG C 63 models get a brand new 9-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has seen fit to make smartphone app integration (via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) standard across the entire line-up.

So, which trim level is the right one for you? Let us break each trim level down and compare them. By the end of this review, you should have a clearer idea of which 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim best meets your unique needs.

Compare the 2019 Mercedes Benz C Class C 300 vs C 300 4MATIC Trims. What is the difference?

Base trims are often a dime a dozen, and many of them do not sell quite as well as higher trim levels that offer more features. However, you will see a lot of C 300 and C 300 4MATIC models out on the road for a good reason. Not only are these trims afforable, they are also quite packed with creature comforts.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-L inline-4 engine and 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, the C 300 is powerful and nimble. In fact, it can go from 0 to 60 mph on the highway in just 5.7 seconds. With the same engine equipped, the C 300 4 MATIC is no slouch either, getting up to speed in the same amount of time.

With 11 exterior paint colors to choose from and options for upgraded 18- and 19-inch wheels (from the standard 17-inch twin five-spoke wheels), the C 300 has a high degree of customization on the outside. The C 300 comes with a sophisticated diamond-block grille with chrome pins that match the rest of the chrome trim found on the exterior. To add to its sense of luxuriousness, the C 300 comes with a power sliding and tinted sunroof.

On the inside, the C 300 is adorned in natural grain brown ash and natural grain walnut wood trims. The driver's seat is power-adjustable with memory functions, and you can opt for either heated or heated and ventilated front seats and memory settings for the passenger seat. A HomeLink garage door opener, dual-zone automatic climate control, and remote start from the Mercedes Me Connect app.

Since it is a luxury vehicle, you should expect to find plenty of infotainment features. There is a FrontBass audio system that utilizes parts of the vehicle's front frame to house the subwoofer. This creates better sound resonance and leaves some extra space in the cabin. If you don't want the standard 7-inch touchscreen display, you can upgrade to the 10.25-inch screen instead. Other standard features include two USB audio ports, smartphone app integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD radio, and Bluetooth capabilities.

As far as safety goes, you will find a solid line-up of standard features in addition to a huge list of optional ones. Standard safety features on the C 300 include a rearview camera, anti-theft alarm system, and crosswind assist. You can choose to equip add-ons like active and evasive steering assists, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

So, what exactly is the difference between the C 300 and the C 300 4MATIC? The clue is in the term '4MATIC'. This is the word that Mercedes-Benz uses to label the all-wheel drive variants of their front-wheel drive models. That means the C 300 4MATIC comes with a system that sends a sufficient amount of torque to each wheel while driving. This system incorporates electronic stability control and a four-wheel electronic traction system that monitors wheel slippage and, when it is detected, sends the right amount of torque to that wheel. Otherwise, everything that comes on the C 300 also comes on its 4MATIC variant. You're just paying $2,000 extra for the all-wheel drive capabilities.

Compare the 2019 C Class C 300 4MATIC vs AMG C 43 Trims. What is the difference?

The AMG models that Mercedes-Benz puts out tend to be popular sells among those looking for something even more luxurious. The 43 is Mercedes-Benz's answer to a customer's need for affordable luxury. The AMG C 43 is equipped with an AMG-enhanced bi-turbo 3.0-L V6 engine that is capable of generating an impressive 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This far surpasses what you get from the standard 2.0-L engine on the C 300. The AMG C 43 is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, which is about a second faster than the C 300.

The engine is paired with the AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Also, the vehicle comes with AMG Dynamic Select, a drive program that lets you flip between ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes as well as use Individual mode to set your own unique drive mode. Additionally, the AMG C 43 comes with an improved performance braking system, sport exhaust system, or an optional performance exhaust system.

The AMG C 43 comes with standard 18-inch AMG five-spoke wheels that have chic black accents. On the inside, the steering wheel gets upgraded to an AMG Sport steering wheel that is wrapped in stunning Nappa leather and stitched in sporty red. The dark brown linden wood trim is also a nice upgrade, providing an even classier appearance to the cabin. Also, you get an AMG menu with the RACETIMER function that shows you the gear you are driving in, your speed, and digital readouts for oil temperatures and turbo boost. You can choose to replace the sporty red seatbelts with black ones and add AMG carbon fiber trim.

Of course, you also get more creature comforts on the AMG C 43. The upholstery is upgraded to black microsuede with red stitching that matches what you get on the steering wheel. Of course, there is the option for leather upholstery, and you can select between several different shades of Nappa leather. There is also hands-free access to the trunk that merely requires you to give a gentle nudge of your foot to the underside of the rear bumper.

Most of the infotainment features that you get on the C 300 models also come on the AMG C 43. However, you can get a six-month all-access trial to SiriusXM Radio when you upgrade to the AMG C 43. iHeart Radio, a touchpad controller, and an in-vehicle WiFi hot spot can also be equipped if you so choose.

Compare the C Class AMG C 43 vs AMG C 63 Trims. What is the difference?

If you are looking for even more standard high-brow luxury features and design, you might find yourself drawn to the AMG C 63. The 63 comes with an even more high-powered bi-turbo 4.0-L V8 engine. This hefty engine generates 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz has made it more fuel efficient than its previous version by about 38 percent. It is also able to get up to speed from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds flat, leaving even the 43 in the dust.

The powertrain is rounded out by a 7-speed transmission. If you flip to either Sport, Sport+, or Manual mode, you get smooth 100-millisecond upshifts. This type of instantaneous response makes any driving condition feel comfortable and enjoyable. The Race Start function is also fun to use since it helps to maximize the vehicle's acceleration.

There are also quite a few stylistic upgrades over the 43. The brushed aluminum pedals and performance-minded cockpit let you know that you are riding around in some serious style. If you prefer the darker side of things, there is a Night package you can add that gives the vehicle unique black accents on the outside. Also, the sunroof can be switched to a panoramic roof that gives front and rear seat passengers a broad view of the sky.

Safety features get boosted on the 63 as well. For example, Collision Prevention Assist Plus helps the driver apply the right amount of pressure to the brakes in order to avoid a collision and engages the PRE-SAFE system. The PRE-SAFE system works by detecting instabilities in vehicular maneuvers and seeks to correct them. You can choose to upgrade to PRE-SAFE PLUS, which helps to mitigate rear-end collisions.

The biggest change in terms of infotainment is the addition of the 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system. This comes with a 590-watt 9-channel digital amplifier and gorgeous aluminium coverings on the speakers.

Compare the C Class AMG C 63 vs AMG C 63 S Trims. What is the difference?

At last, we arrive at the top of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class line-up. The AMG C 63 S is the Sport version of the AMG C 63. It receives a significant power upgrade thanks to the tweaked 3.0-L V8 engine, which produces a whopping 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It bests the 63's speed by just one-tenth of a second, but there is a noticeable difference in how it accelerates.

The 63 S also looks a bit different, riding atop 19-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels and an AMG S instrument panel set it apart from the rest of the line-up. On the AMG C 63 S, you can choose to equip red seatbelts instead of the standard ones, and there is an optional silver fiberglass trim for just under $1,000 extra. You can choose to swap the standard front seats out for AMG performance seats, and ventilation is available for them.

Other than that, expect to find many of the AMG C 63's safety and infotainment features also standard in the AMG C 63 S. Since this is a sport-based vehicle, the biggest differences are obviously those in terms of style and power.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim level for you is going to largely depend on how much you are willing or able to spend. Fortunately, even the base trim is really well-equipped and provides a good amount of power from its standard powertrain. Equipping this trim with a few 'must-have' add-ons can make the C-Class one impressive and unique vehicle.

Regardless of which trim you decide to buy, you have a lot of leeway for customizing it. If you can spend the big bucks and crave a lot of power, the AMG C 63 and 63 S are both excellent choices. Both are adorned with a ton of luxurious features and seem like they were built for driving on a race track.