Lincoln MKZ vs Mercedes-Benz C300
This page compares the Lincoln MKZ and the Mercedes-Benz C300 across the 11 model years both appear in our data (2010–2020). Both are classed as Saloon/Sedan on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Mercedes-Benz C300 averages about 30 mpg (UK) against 29 mpg for the Lincoln MKZ. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Mercedes-Benz C300 (0.0 against 6.8), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2020
| Measure | Lincoln MKZ | Mercedes-Benz C300 |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 29 | 30 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 233 | 226 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,836 | $3,391 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 99 | 89 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 8 of 10 | 5 of 7 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 6.8 | 0.0 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 108 | 337 |
| Engine options across these years | 6 | 3 |
Year by Year
| Year | Lincoln MKZ MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Mercedes-Benz C300 MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 25 | — | 9 | 169 | 25 | — | 0 | 476 |
| 2011 | 25 | 4★ | 7 | 185 | 25 | 4★ | 0 | 516 |
| 2012 | 25 | 4★ | 6 | 205 | 24 | — | 0 | 587 |
| 2013 | 31 | 5★ | 13 | 121 | 26 | 5★ | 0 | 574 |
| 2014 | 31 | 5★ | 14 | 124 | 26 | 5★ | 0 | 284 |
| 2015 | 31 | 5★ | 11 | 95 | 34 | 4★ | 0 | 449 |
| 2016 | 31 | 5★ | 7 | 70 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 316 |
| 2017 | 29 | 5★ | 4 | 155 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 253 |
| 2018 | 29 | 5★ | 2 | 37 | 32 | 5★ | 0 | 130 |
| 2019 | 29 | 5★ | 1 | 22 | 32 | — | 0 | 79 |
| 2020 | 29 | 5★ | 1 | 3 | 34 | — | 0 | 46 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Lincoln MKZ · Mercedes-Benz C300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Lincoln MKZ or the Mercedes-Benz C300?
On its most efficient configuration the Mercedes-Benz C300 averages about 30 mpg (UK) against 29 mpg for the Lincoln MKZ. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Lincoln MKZ has 8 of 10 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Mercedes-Benz C300 has 5 of 7. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Lincoln MKZ averages 6.8 recall campaigns and 108 owner complaints; the Mercedes-Benz C300 averages 0.0 and 337. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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