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.
£39,989
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 (18) - 4.0 C63 V8 BiTurbo AMG S (Premium) SpdS MCT Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
£16,695
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 (18) - C250d 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr Auto
£8,990
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 (13) - 1.6 C180 BlueEfficiency AMG Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£4,500
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2010 (60) - 2.1 C220 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (170 ps)
£19,490
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2019 (59) - C200 AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
£22,750
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2020 (20) - 2.0 C300d AMG Line Night Edition (Premium) G-Tronic+ 4MATIC Euro 6 (s/s) 5d 5-Door
£2,495
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2007 (07) - C220 CDI SE 3dr Auto
£46,000
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
(64) - 6.3 C63 V8 AMG Edition 507 MCT 2dr
£2,944
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2008 (58) - 1.8 C180K SPORTt SALOON 4DR PETROL AUTO EURO 4 (156 PS)
£37,990
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2023 - 2.0 C300dh MHEV AMG Line 4-Door
£4,595
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2011 (61) - C350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Ed 125 4dr Auto