
The C-Class competes with the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 in the compact luxury class.
Both rivals splinter into sedan lines and into 4-Series/A5 hatchback body styles—and both come with blistering performance options on the order sheet.
The Volvo S60 can be had as a plug-in hybrid, and its interior went portrait-style first, just so you know.
The CT4’s a lukewarm rehash of the former ATS Caddy, while the Lexus IS has seen moderate improvements but still lags behind these others in handling.
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![]() | ![]() #3 in Wagons Get Your Price | ![]() #1 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price | ![]() #9 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price | ![]() #9 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price | ![]() #2 in Luxury Mid-Size Cars Get Your Price |
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2022 Mercedes C-Class pares down its lineup and plumps up with lots of screens and mild-hybrid performance. |
The 2021 Audi A4 blends a conservative luxury compact car with spicy performance and robust wagon flavors. |
The flexible 2021 BMW 3-Series lineup offers something for everyone, so long as they’re not smitten with SUVs. |
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 is well-equipped and fun to drive, making it a good small sedan choice. |
The 2021 Lexus IS doesn’t gain any ground on the more performance-oriented compact sedans, but it’s priced right. |
The 2021 Volvo S60 puts power in balance with grace. |
MSRP From | |||||
N/A | $39,100 | $41,250 | $33,395 | $39,050 | $38,950 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
20 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | |
Engine | |||||
N/A | Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged I4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
N/A | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
N/A | Premium 40 TFSI quattro | 330i Sedan | 4-Door Sedan Luxury | IS 300 RWD | T5 FWD Momentum |
Drivetrain | |||||
N/A | All Wheel | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
N/A | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
N/A | quattro Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
N/A | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2022 Mercedes-Benz C Class vs. 2021 Audi A4 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz C Class vs. 2021 BMW 3-Series | 2022 Mercedes-Benz C Class vs. 2021 Cadillac CT4 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz C Class vs. 2021 Lexus IS | 2022 Mercedes-Benz C Class vs. 2021 Volvo S60 |