DecodedCars2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- C250 4dr Sedan AWD, C250 4dr Sedan RWD, C300 / C350 4dr Sedan AWD, C300 / C350 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 180.3–185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,505–3,924 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 14% below the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,726 lb (C250 4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 14% worse than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2011
- Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl
- Engine dropped: 6.3L 8-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 C-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C250 4dr Sedan AWD | 180.3 in | 69.7 in | 56.7 in | 108.7 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,726 lb | 53/47 |
| C250 4dr Sedan RWD | 180.3 in | 69.7 in | 56.7 in | 108.7 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,505 lb | 53/47 |
| C300 / C350 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 69.7 in | 56.7 in | 108.7 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,737 lb | 53/47 |
| C300 / C350 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 69.7 in | 56.7 in | 108.7 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,527 lb | 53/47 |
| C63 Amg 4dr Sedan AWD | 185.8 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 108.7 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,924 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C300 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -14% | $3,900 | 423 |
| C300 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -14% | $3,900 | 423 |
| C350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| C300 4matic | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| C300 FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| C300 4matic FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| C63 AMG | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -38% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2011 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Volvo S60 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Cadillac CTS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other C-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 C-Class | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 C-Class | 29 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 C-Class | 29 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 C-Class | 30 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 C-Class | 29 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 C-Class | 29 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 C-Class | 27 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 C-Class | 28 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 C-Class | 27 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 C-Class | 30 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 C-Class | 30 | 187 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 C-Class | 30 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →