Revving up
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Mercedes introduced the original C-Class in the 1990s and it’s been one of the go-to models in the compact executive saloon sector ever since - in fact, like its BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 rivals, it quickly overtook plenty of mainstream models in the sales charts. That means C-Classes are everywhere, though it doesn’t seem to have harmed Mercedes’ reputation or exclusivity much.
That popularity means the C-Class is abundant on the used market, and while the brand’s residuals mean depreciation isn’t severe, it’s still possible to save some money by finding a car that’s a year two old. After some turbulent years in the early 2000s, build quality is back on track now too - so a used C-Class should still feel nearly as fresh as a brand new one.
The Mercedes badge still has a prestige that few other manufacturers can match, and that’s as true down at the level of the C-Class as it is with the much larger and more expensive S-Class luxury saloon. The C-Class is also a pretty good way of getting some of that luxury technology and appeal at a lower price point, and in a smaller and more agile model.
Other than the styling, which has a distinct family theme you’ll find in Mercedes big or small, you do get hints of S-Class style technology in the C-Class, from the striking interior design with its laid-back touchscreen infotainment system and distinctive mood lighting, to technology such as augmented reality navigation. The quality of the cabin materials, and the fit and finish, both hint at larger and more expensive cars too, while passenger space and luggage space are both more than competitive for the class.
As is the way the C-Class drives. Mercedes leans more towards comfort and refinement rather than trying to be the last word in agility and sporty handling, but the C-Class actually bridges that gap well - it rides well but is still responsive, grippy, and doesn’t lean too much in corners. On the motorway it really settles down too, while the engines are also impressive - the frugal diesels and the 70-mile EV range of the plug-in hybrid C300 e especially.
The C’s two key rivals in the class are the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series. You could say the C-Class bridges the gap between the two, mixing some of the A4’s quality and refinement with the BMW’s rear-wheel drive handling appeal, though at this level the differences are small, and brand preference plays more of a part. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is worth a look if you’re seeking sporty handling, while the Jaguar XE has neat styling and has a ride and handling balance up there with the 3 Series for best in class.
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The best C-Class depends on how you’ll be using it, but as ever with compact executive saloons like this, there’s a good argument to be made for one of the diesel models, which manage to combine strong performance with real fuel-sipping economy. With no six-cylinder models in the current range, there’s not much extra refinement to be gained by looking further up the range either - not that the four-cylinder C-Class engines are unrefined. Sport trim is well-stocked, but we suspect most buyers would want the more aggressive looks of the AMG Line, and the Premium and Premium Plus variants really do start to turn the C-Class into a small luxury car.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon’s exterior dimensions are:
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s boot space is:
The majority of modern C-Class models start off at more than £40,000, and that means most attract a surcharge lifting tax to £600, up from £190 per year, for the next five years after the first CO2-based year of VED. The exception is the plug-in hybrid, which gets a modest £10 discount - spend it wisely.
At the bottom of the range a C200 in Sport trim starts in group 33 out of 50, while the AMG C43 tops the insurance group list in the C-Class range, at group 44. For comparison, the BMW 3 Series spans groups 24-42, so you may find the Mercedes slightly more expensive to insure, depending on which model you opt for.
£16,950
£33,095
£13,990
£16,990
£1,000 off£38,780
£13,295
£73,890
£17,100
£18,566
£28,989
£22,200
£28,495
£28,575
£29,595
£26,334
£25,799
What is the most popular colour for Mercedes-Benz C-Class ?
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What is the average mileage for Mercedes-Benz C-Class ?
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How many Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars are available for sale?
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