The C-Class is among the most stylish mid-size executive cars, bearing a strong resemblance to the Mercedes S-Class luxury saloon. It’s available as a four-door saloon, five-door estate, two-door coupe or two-door convertible. AMG Line trim and the powerful AMG C43 and C63 models have a sportier look. The interior looks great, too, with metal air vents and a large dashboard display screen
The C-Class is a very satisfying car to drive that’s quieter and comfier on long journeys than many similar cars. The steering’s light and most models have an automatic gearbox. It’s a big-ish car, but driving down narrow city streets and parking are no problem. The view behind in coupe and convertible models isn’t perfect, but every C-Class has standard parking sensors and some models have cameras. There’s a huge choice of petrol and diesel engines, plus hybrid models. Even the smallest engines give good acceleration up to motorway speeds and the C43 and C63 models are seriously fast. Some models have four-wheel drive. Diesel four-wheel drive models can tow up to 1800kg.
Looking for a plug-in hybrid? Here are our favourites.
The C-Class is a mid-size executive car available as a five-seat saloon or estate, or four-seat coupe or convertible. It’s about the same size as the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series.
The saloon and estate have generous space for four adults or a growing family. The boot has space for five medium suitcases and the back seats can fold down. Adults fit in the back seats of the coupe and convertible but, without back doors, access isn’t as easy. All C-Class models have climate control, cruise control and smartphone mirroring. Top-spec models are packed with luxury features, including leather upholstery, keyless entry and electric driver’s seat adjustment.
According to official figures, petrol C-Class models give fuel economy of at least 35mpg, while diesels give at least 49mpg. The 4MATIC models are less efficient. The C43 and C63 give 29mpg and 25mpg, respectively. Hybrid models are much more economical and plug-in hybrids have a range of around 30 miles on battery power. Insurance and road tax costs are generally low, but can be less cost-effective for the AMG models. Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the C-Class a full five-star rating.
C-Class rivals include the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS. The C-Class isn’t the most fun to drive but it looks great, has a practical interior and a luxurious feel that’s really appealing.
£14,397
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2016 - C220d AMG Line Premium Plus Auto 4-Door
£21,851
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2021 - 2.0 C220d Sport Edition (Premium) Saloon 4dr Diesel G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s)
£9,980
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2016 (16) - 2.1 C220d SE 7G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£20,978
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2020 - C300D AMG LINE EDITION PREMIUM 4DR 9G-TRONIC
£17,990
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2017 (17) - 2.0 C200 AMG Line Cabriolet 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)
£9,990
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2015 (65) - 2.1 C300h BlueTEC SE Executive G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£15,499
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 - C200 Sport 4dr 9G-Tronic
£21,179
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2021 - C300de AMG Line Edition 5dr 9G-Tronic
£20,820
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2021 - C 200 Amg Line Edition Mhev 2-Door
£9,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2015 - 2.1 C220 BlueTEC Sport 4-Door
£22,990
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 - 2.0 C220d AMG Line (Premium Plus) G-Tronic+ 4MATIC Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
£17,999
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 (18) - 2.1 C220d AMG Line Cabriolet G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
£13,699
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 - C220d SE 4dr 9G-Tronic
£13,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2015 (65) - 2.1 C220d AMG Line (Premium Plus) 7G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£8,795
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2016 - 2.1 C220d SE Saloon 4dr Diesel 7G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) (170 ps)
£24,950
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2021 - C200 AMG Line Edition Premium 2dr 9G-Tronic Coupe Auto