Yes, Mercedes-Benz car seats can be manually adjusted, but it depends entirely on the specific model and its trim level or optional equipment. Entry-level models and base trims often feature manual seats as standard to keep the starting price competitive, while power-adjustable seats are a common feature in higher trims and are almost universal in luxury models like the S-Class.
Manual adjustments typically include:
- Fore/Aft (Seat Slide): A lever at the front of the seat to move it forward and backward.
- Seat Height: A pump-style lever or a rotary knob on the side to raise or lower the seat cushion.
- Backrest Angle: A rotary knob on the side of the seat back.
- Lumbar Support: Some manual seats may include a manual inflatable lumbar support bladder, adjusted with a small hand pump or wheel on the seat's side.
For example, the base trim of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class or CLA-Class is more likely to have manual seats. In contrast, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or S-Class will almost exclusively feature multi-way power seats with memory functions. The table below illustrates the availability of manual seat adjustments across different Mercedes-Benz model segments.
| Model Segment | Example Models | Common Seat Adjustment Type (Base Trim) | Typical Manual Adjustment Features Available |
|---|
| Entry-Level / Compact | A-Class, CLA-Class | Often Manual | Seat Slide, Height, Backrest Angle |
| Mid-Size / Executive | C-Class, GLC | Usually Power | Manual adjustments rare; may be a no-cost option |
| Full-Size / Luxury | E-Class, S-Class, GLE | Exclusively Power | Manual adjustments not available |
| SUVs (Varies by Size) | GLA, GLB, GLS | Manual (GLA/GLB base) to Power | Similar to their sedan/coupe counterparts |
If you are considering a used Mercedes-Benz, checking for manual seats can be a sign of a base-specification vehicle, which might affect its resale value and feature set. The primary advantage of manual seats is their reliability and lower long-term maintenance cost, as there are no motors or control modules to fail. To confirm what a specific car has, the best resource is the original vehicle's Monroney sticker (window sticker) or a visual inspection of the seat's controls.
