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.
£15,295
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 (18) - 2.0 C200 AMG Line Cabriolet G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
£13,616
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2017 (17) - 2.1 C220d AMG Line G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£18,229
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 (19) - 2.0 C300 AMG Line (Premium) Saloon 4dr Petrol G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) (258 p
£9,995
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 (64) - C220 BlueTEC AMG Line Premium 4dr Auto
£11,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2017 (17) - 2.1 C250d AMG Line (Premium Plus) G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£21,995
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 (68) - 2.0 C300d AMG Line (Premium) G-Tronic+ 4MATIC Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
£34,572
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 - C300 AMG Line Night Ed Premium Plus 2dr 9G-Tronic Auto
£32,848
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2024 (24) - C200 AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic
£9,670
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2017 (67) - 2.1 C220d AMG Line G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£27,991
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 (19) - 3.0 C43 V6 AMG (Premium) G-Tronic+ 4MATIC Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
£16,750
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 - 2.0 C300d AMG Line (Premium) Coupe 2dr Diesel G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) (245 p
£24,990
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 (67) - 3.0 AMG C 43 Premium+ 4Matic Auto 4WD 2dr
£31,604
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 - C220d AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
£28,120
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2023 - C 200 Amg Line Mhev 4-Door
£30,007
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2016 - C63 2dr Auto
£24,949
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 - C300 AMG Line 5dr 9G-Tronic