
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is equipped with three different engines: 1. A low-power version 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 115kW, maximum torque of 250Nm, maximum power speed at 5700rpm, and maximum torque range between 1500-4000rpm. 2. A high-power version 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 135kW, maximum torque of 280Nm, maximum power speed at 6100rpm, and maximum torque range between 3000-4000rpm. 3. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 190kW, maximum torque of 370Nm, maximum power speed at 6100rpm, and maximum torque range between 1800-4000rpm.

I've driven several generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, from the W204 to the latest W206, and the engine changes have been quite significant. The older C200 used a 1.8T M271 engine, which was later upgraded to the 2.0T M274. The current gasoline-powered C-Class mainly features the M254 four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. The C300 models all use this powertrain, starting at 200 horsepower, yet fuel consumption has actually decreased. For diesel enthusiasts, the C220d comes with the OM654 four-cylinder diesel engine, which has better noise control than before. The AMG versions are even more exciting, like the C63, which has switched to a 2.0T hybrid setup—despite being a four-cylinder, it can deliver nearly 500 horsepower. Mercedes engines are typically tuned for comfort, but the turbo lag can be slightly noticeable during aggressive driving, so I recommend focusing on mid-to-high-range acceleration during a test drive.

The neighbor's kid just bought a used C180 and keeps asking me about the engine. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has basically changed its engine every four years in recent years. The 2014 models used the M274 four-cylinder engine, which is common in the used car market now. The new models all come with inline four-cylinder engines featuring mild hybrid technology, with the 1.5T paired with a 48V system used in the C200, achieving a fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100 kilometers in urban driving, which is quite economical. The AMG series has the most significant differences—the old C63 with its V8 engine felt like driving a tank, while the new model has switched to a four-cylinder hybrid, making it more agile. Personally, I think Mercedes' smartest move is its modular design, using the same engine in both the C-Class and E-Class, making repairs and part replacements cheaper. However, friends in northern regions should note that the diesel version has noticeable knocking sounds during cold starts, so the gasoline version is quieter.

When helping a friend pick a used car, I noticed that the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C180 with the M274 engine is the most common. The 2.0T low-power version has good fuel consumption control, but the valve cover is prone to oil leaks. After the 2019 facelift, the M264 engine was introduced, with the ISG motor directly mounted on the engine crankshaft, making the start-stop system much smoother. Nowadays, new cars uniformly use the M254 engine, which features a stamped steel oil pan that offers better protection against scrapes compared to aluminum—a design favored by repair shops. The plug-in hybrid version pairs a 2.0T engine with an electric motor, offering a pure electric range of 100 kilometers, though the battery does take up trunk space. Mercedes engines are known for their durability; I've seen C-Class models with 200,000 kilometers that haven't needed major repairs. However, it's crucial to replace the timing chain on schedule.


