2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class First Drive: The Latest C350 Is Still a Gas

When the time came for Mercedes to reveal its next-generation C-Class, the focus was first on the C400 4Matic all-electric version, a shiny, all-new car built on the automaker’s latest MB.EA platform and packed with advanced tech. This is the car that represents the future of the C-Class compact luxury sedan, along with its SUV counterpart, the GLC400 EV.

But here in North America, for now, at least, consumers are still more interested in buying cars powered by internal combustion engines. In recognition of this reality, gas-powered versions are also being rolled out to the 2027 C-Class lineup, still using a rear-wheel-drive platform but with a look that mimics their EV counterparts.

Make no mistake, though: The gas models aren’t some half-baked efforts. Mercedes says the entire C-Class lineup received the most comprehensive technological upgrade in the history of the model series that dates all the way back to 1993 (or 1982 for its 190 predecessor).

We had a chance to get behind the wheel of a mild hybrid, gas-powered version of the new C-Class in Germany, similar to the C350 model we’re soon to see in U.S. dealerships. Then we hopped into a plug-in hybrid that won’t make it across the ocean. European markets get rear- and all-wheel-drive versions of the plug-in hybrid. They can also get the C-Class with a diesel engine, which we also won’t see here.

For North America, the 2.0-liter, rear-wheel-drive, turbo-four-powered C350 and the all-wheel-drive C350 4Matic models will come in three trims: base, AMG Line, and the new AMG Line Plus, which has been added for the first time. The Plus adds a spoiler lip and tailpipe trim in gloss black, sport seats with red stitching, and red seat belts.

Looking at You, C-Class

The 2027 C-Class is styled in some ways like a miniaturized S-Class. It gets a new front fascia and star-covered grille with a chrome surround, similar in scope to Benz’s latest vehicles including the new CLA sedan and GLC and GLB SUVs. Another new signature: The Mercedes star is now illuminated. Also recognizable are the new headlights and daytime running lights with the star design. The taillights continue with the star motif that’s now part of the modern design language at Mercedes. The car also has two new wheel lines sized from 17 to 19 inches.

Inside, there are some exclusive materials, including a new bright birch wood and leather seats with moccasin stitching. The C350 has a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and it comes with an older-style 11.9-inch floating waterfall center screen. The electric C-Class instead offers a choice of the new Superscreen or Hyperscreen, both of which span the width of the car. While the gas-powered car has much less screen, which some will no doubt appreciate, they both benefit from the same infotainment software upgrades.

The New Operating System

As with other new Mercedes models, the gas C350s are equipped with the latest MB.OS operating system, a supercomputer that manages all domains of the vehicle and can accept over-the-air software updates. The fourth-generation AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant is a chatty companion. The intelligent assistant taps three AI sources: ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini to talk to the occupants to help answer questions, set destinations, or find suitable music and podcast content to play directly.

The head-up display shows 3D images of the vehicle and its surroundings, including passing cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians. An augmented reality head-up display is optional.

The steering wheel has rockers and rollers that control functions for audio and cruise control, part of Mercedes’ deliberate move to bring back more physical controls after a backlash from consumers tired of doing everything by tapping a screen.

Navigation is based on Google technology, and the virtual assistant can answer questions about points of interest on the journey. It proved buggy on our drive, and we had to revert to using our phone when it was taking us in circles around a cow pasture. This was blamed on a Google map update, but we’re skeptical. Others on our drive event didn’t experience the same problem, but we had software issues in both cars we drove.

The C-Class has an enhanced Burmester 3D surround sound audio system and 64 colors of ambient lighting to set the mood. It’s a good setting to enjoy a tune, one that benefits from a quiet cabin that let in little road or wind noise during our drive.

The Roar of a Gas Engine

The C350’s 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine continues to offer 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. What has changed is the second-generation integrated starter-generator that adds an additional 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque and is designed to make the make the stop/start function almost seamless. There’s an overboost function that delivers an extra 27 horsepower for about 20 seconds and can be activated repeatedly. A new electric motor connected to the turbocharger, powered by a 48-volt electrical system, reduces turbo lag and can maintain boost temporarily when off throttle.

Acceleration was more than adequate with the mild hybrid and a bit perkier with the plug-in, but in both cases the power came on quickly and smoothly. It doesn’t jolt you and provides plenty of confidence for passing or merging onto a highway. We also didn’t notice any vibration at idle, courtesy of the decision to suspend the exhaust system.

No Rear Steering for North America

Regular steering is good. Rear-axle steering is great, but it will only be available for European-spec gas-powered cars. North America won’t get rear steer unless you go for the electric C-Class. On the Euro-spec cars we drove, the rear steering came in handy for a sharp last-minute turn that was executed with gleeful ease, showcasing the advantages of this technology that works well in many conditions, not just for improving the turning radius in large vehicles.

The suspension system has been upgraded, as well, with adaptive dampers and new software to make it stiffer for a sportier ride. The EV has optional air suspension and predictive damping that sees a speed bump or pothole ahead and prepares for impact. The ride was perfectly fine with the steel springs, not overly stiff, nor was it floaty. In other words, it was almost forgettable, which is a backhanded way of saying it delivered the drama-free competence and comfort a C-Class buyer expects.

The driver assistance systems worked flawlessly on our drive, including adaptive cruise and lane keeping. The operating system means it can add more autonomous features as they become available with an over-the-air software update.

So far, at least, from our first taste of these models, buyers looking to stay with a traditional gas powertrain should find the new base C-class cars more than up to the job. The 2027 C350 and C350 4Matic are expected arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2027. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but we expect them to start in the low to mid $50,000 range and move up from there.