Mercedes-Benz C-Class review (2014-2021)
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a mid-size executive car available as a four-door saloon or five-door estate. It's comfortable, good to drive and has an interior that combines sleek design with enough space for families.
Pros
- Beautifully designed throughout
- Comfortable even on long journeys
- Range of engines to suit every need
Cons
- Infotainment system isn't the easiest to use
- Ownership costs for some models are high
- Some rival cars are more fun to drive
Summary
“The C-Class is stylish, comfortable and well equipped.”
The Mercedes-Benz C Class is a mid-size saloon or estate that gives you the elegant design and high-tech features you expect of a Mercedes.
We're focusing here on the model that was on sale new between 2014 and 2021, with a subtle mid-life update in 2018. It's a rivals for cars such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, giving you similar practicality but with the focus on comfort and restrained styling that is synonymous with Mercedes-Benz saloon and estate models.
A wide range of C-Class models are available used, with everything from cost-effective diesel versions at one end of the range to high-performance petrol models at the other and plug-in hybrid options in between.
What's the interior like?
“It feels luxurious inside and there's good space for four plus luggage.”
The C-Class interior features high-quality materials and up-to-date technology, giving it a premium look and feel.
There's lots of space for four adults inside and the saloon has a boot capacity of 480 litres, which is about the same as you get in an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series and enough for a couple of large suitcases. The estate has a little more at 490 litres. It’s worth noting that the boot space of the hybrid model drops to 335 litres because of where its battery pack is located.
What's it like to drive?
“A fine cruiser and a wide range of engine options.”
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an excellent long-distance cruiser and the majority of used C-Class models have an automatic gearbox which makes driving in commuter traffic less of a chore.
There are lots of engines to choose from and they all provide good performance. Even the least-powerful engines give good acceleration up to motorway speeds and the C43 and C63 high-performance models are seriously fast. Some models have four-wheel drive but most are rear-wheel drive.
You have a choice of hybrid models with this C-Class model – as well as a diesel hybrid there's also a plug-in hybrid diesel and a plug-in hybrid petrol.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“Not cheap, but there are some cost-effective options available.”
Prices for the C-Class are generally on a par with rival cars such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, while insurance and road tax costs are similar.
Some of the diesel engines provide outstanding fuel economy, with official fuel economy figures as high as 70 mpg. You won't get as much from the petrol engines – especially the very powerful ones – but there are some cost-effective options to choose from.
The hybrid models could save you money on fuel but they're likely to cost more to buy in the first place so you should do your sums carefully.
An easier way to find or sell a car
You’ll find lots of used cars for sale at Cazoo, all available to buy through our trusted dealers.
Cazoo makes selling a car just as easy – just enter a few details for an instant online valuation. If you accept the offer our partners will get in touch to arrange payment and collection of your car at a time that suits you.
Which one is best for you?
The standard equipment is fine even on the basic S trim, but it’s worth moving up to the SE Executive for the rear-view camera. The Sport and AMG-Line models add 18-inch alloy wheels and aluminium interior trim. Lots of options were offered for the C-Class when bought new, so it's worth studying the spec list of any car you're considering buying carefully to see if it has extra desirable features.
If you plan to drive over 12,000 miles a year, the diesels are worth considering. The C220d diesel engine, in particular, gives has excellent fuel economy. There are some fuel-efficient petrol options too, while a hybrid model could save you money on fuel and tax costs, if not purchase price.
