The C-Class is the mid-size sedan at the centre of the Mercedes-Benz range, sitting between the compact CLA and the larger E-Class. The current W206 generation went into production in 2021 and has a strong local connection: the sedan sold here is assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in East London.

The C 200 petrol and C 220 d diesel use four-cylinder engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, a nine-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. The cabin pairs a fully digital instrument display with a driver-oriented central touchscreen, and rear-axle steering is available to tighten the turning circle.

Plug-in hybrid power comes from the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, which pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor on the rear axle and all-wheel drive. Combined output is 500 kW, and its 6.1 kWh battery gives up to 13 km of electric-only driving.

The South African range

  • C 200: 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder, 150 kW and 300 Nm, mild hybrid, rear-wheel drive
  • C 220 d: 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 147 kW and 440 Nm, mild hybrid, rear-wheel drive
  • Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE (plug-in hybrid): 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder plus rear-axle electric motor, 500 kW and 1,020 Nm combined

Good to know

  • The C-Class sedan sold in South Africa is assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in East London.
  • Optional rear-axle steering turns the rear wheels by up to 2.5 degrees, reducing the turning circle for tight parking.
  • The C 200 and C 220 d are rear-wheel drive, while the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE has all-wheel drive.
  • The C 63 S E PERFORMANCE can be plugged in, but its 6.1 kWh battery allows only about 13 km of electric-only driving.

Range as listed on the Mercedes-Benz South Africa website on 18 October 2026. No prices are shown: specifications, availability and pricing change, so confirm with an authorised dealer. Written independently by Mercedes-Benz Owners; not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.

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