Mercedes-Benz C280 0–60 Times
The Mercedes-Benz C280 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 3 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver and Motor Trend and more.
The fastest tested Mercedes-Benz C280 is the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280 Sport Sedan, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.30 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 15.80 seconds at 89.4 mph, according to Motor Trend.
The slowest tested Mercedes-Benz C280 is the 1994 Mercedes-Benz C280 Sedan, which took 8.20 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 16.60 seconds at 86.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.
Out of all the Mercedes-Benz C280 tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 7.80 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.13 seconds at 88.17 mph.
Fastest 0–60
7.30sec
1996 Sport Sedan · stock
Average 0–60
7.80sec
Across 3 runs
Avg ¼ Mile
16.13sec
@ 88.2 mph trap
Slowest 0–60
8.20sec
1994 Sedan
Across 3 verified runs, the Mercedes-Benz C280 ranges from 7.30 to 8.20 seconds 0–60, with a 7.80-second average.
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Mercedes-Benz C280 Performance Overview
Positioned as the six-cylinder performance step within the early C-Class lineup, the Mercedes-Benz C280 was produced from 1994 to 1996. Across 3 verified tests spanning those three model years, all within the W202 generation, its recorded performance shows a steady progression as the naturally aspirated M104 inline-six evolved within a 190–194 hp range. The first 1994 Sedan established the baseline at 8.2 seconds to 60 mph, followed by the 1995 Sedan lowering that mark to 7.9 seconds.
By 1996, the Sport Sedan delivered the model’s quickest published result at 7.3 seconds to 60 mph and a class-leading 15.8 seconds at 89.4 mph in the quarter-mile. Across the full set, average performance landed at 7.8 seconds to 60 mph and 16.13 seconds at 88.2 mph through the quarter-mile, reflecting a narrow but measurable spread between trims and years. Powertrain variety was straightforward throughout the run: every tested C280 used a gasoline, naturally aspirated six-cylinder configuration in W202 form.
Today, that leaves the 1996 W202 Sport Sedan as the quickest tested C280, and the brief 1994–1996 run stands as a compact, data-defined snapshot of the model before later C-Class performance paths broadened beyond this specific badge.
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Mercedes-Benz C280 0–60 Times by Generation
1 generation| Generation | Years | Avg 0–60 | Fastest 0–60 | Tests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W202 | 1994–2000 | 7.80s | 7.30s — 1996 Sport Sedan | 3 | The W202 generation (1994–2000) averaged 7.80 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1996 Sport Sedan at 7.30 seconds. Output ranged from 190 to 194 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations. |
W202
1994–2000
Avg 0–60
7.80s
Fastest
7.30s
Tests
3
1996 Sport Sedan
The W202 generation (1994–2000) averaged 7.80 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1996 Sport Sedan at 7.30 seconds. Output ranged from 190 to 194 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations.
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Mercedes-Benz C280 0–60 Times by Year and Trim
3 tests · 3 years
▾
1996 Mercedes-Benz C280
1 verified run
Avg 0–60
7.30
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
15.80
sec
Recorded Tests
1
#01
1996 Mercedes-Benz C280 Sport Sedan
7.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
15.80s
¼ mi @ 89.4 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.30 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 15.80 sec
- Trap Speed
- 89.4 mph
- Engine
- 2.8L I-6
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- Horsepower
- 190 hp
- Torque
- 199 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,395 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 17.9 lbs/hp
- MPG EPA
- 17 C / 24 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #1 of 3
How we verify Mercedes-Benz C280 performance data
We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Mercedes-Benz C280 trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.
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Mercedes-Benz C280 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution
0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is fasterEach dot is a recorded test run
0–60 →
¼ mile →
Fastest
Recorded run
Slowest
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Mercedes-Benz C280 performance FAQs
10 questions
The 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280 Sport Sedan runs 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. It uses a 190-hp 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six, sends power to the rear wheels, and weighs 3,395 pounds. That 7.3-second result is also the quickest C280 0-60 time on record.
The fastest Mercedes-Benz C280 on record is the 1996 C280 Sport Sedan, which reaches 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. It also posts the quickest quarter-mile time for the model at 15.8 seconds with an 89.4-mph trap speed. Across all verified C280 runs, that remains the performance benchmark.
The fastest stock Mercedes-Benz C280 is the 1996 Sport Sedan at 7.3 seconds from 0-60 mph. There are no modified C280 runs in the records here, so the quickest overall result and the quickest stock result are the same. Its best quarter-mile pass is 15.8 seconds at 89.4 mph.
A W202 Mercedes-Benz C280 averages 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds across three recorded tests. The quickest W202 C280 is the 1996 Sport Sedan at 7.3 seconds, while the slowest recorded run is 8.2 seconds from a 1994 sedan. Power ranges from 190 to 194 hp in this generation.
The fastest W202-generation C280 is the 1996 Sport Sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds. That makes it the quickest example from the 1994-2000 W202 C280 range. It is also the model's fastest quarter-mile car, recording 15.8 seconds at 89.4 mph.
The 1994-2000 Mercedes-Benz C280, sold in W202 form, averages 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds across three tests. The quickest version is the 1996 Sport Sedan at 7.3 seconds, and the slowest recorded example is a 1994 Sedan at 8.2 seconds. All tested cars are naturally aspirated gasoline models.
The Sport Sedan is quicker. The Mercedes-Benz C280 Sport Sedan has a best recorded 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds, while the standard Sedan's best is 7.9 seconds. Average results also favor the Sedan less strongly, with Sedan models averaging 8.05 seconds across two tests versus 7.3 seconds for the Sport Sedan.
The Mercedes-Benz C280 Sport Sedan reaches 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Its quarter-mile time is 15.8 seconds at 89.4 mph, making it the quickest C280 configuration on record. This version uses a 190-hp M104.941 naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, and a 3,395-pound curb weight.
The Mercedes-Benz C280 averages 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds across three recorded tests. The quickest run is 7.3 seconds from the 1996 Sport Sedan, and the slowest is 8.2 seconds from a 1994 Sedan. That gives the model a relatively tight spread of 0.9 second between fastest and slowest results.
The Mercedes-Benz C280 averages 16.13 seconds in the quarter-mile at 88.2 mph across three tests. The fastest quarter-mile result is 15.8 seconds at 89.4 mph from the 1996 Sport Sedan. That same car is also the quickest C280 to 60 mph, with a 7.3-second time.
Sources
Car and Driver
Motor Trend
0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Mercedes-Benz C280 can do, not a single marketing claim.
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