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.
£8,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2010 (10) - C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 4dr Auto
£17,995
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2004 (54) - 5.4 C55 AMG saloon 4dr petrol Automatic
£15,489
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 (69) - 2.0 C300 Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£9,950
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 (64) - 2.1 C220 CDI AMG Sport Edition G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr
£31,500
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 - 3.0 AMG C 43 Premium+ 4Matic Auto 4WD 5dr
£4,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2010 (10) - 1.8 C180 BlueEfficiency SE Saloon 4dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (156 ps)
£4,995
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 (62) - C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 4dr Auto
£6,995
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2008 (08) - C320 CDI Sport 4dr Auto
£13,995
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2020 (20) - C300de AMG Line Edition Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
£13,950
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2016 (66) - C220d AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr Auto
£6,895
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 (63) - 2.1 C250 CDI AMG Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr
£15,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 (19) - C300d AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
£9,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2015 (15) - 2.1 C250 CDI AMG Sport Edition G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr
£6,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 (14) - C250 CDI AMG Sport Edition 2dr Auto [Premium]
£5,095
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 (14) - C220 CDI Executive SE 4dr Auto [Premium]
£3,500
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2008 (08) - 2.1 C200 CDI Sport Auto Euro 4 4dr
£5,999
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2011 (11) - 2.1 C220 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr
£6,945
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 (13) - 1.6 C180 BlueEfficiency AMG Sport Plus G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr
£4,289
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2011 (11) - 2.1 C250 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr
£5,500
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 (63) - 2.1 C250 CDI AMG Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr