Mercedes C-Class saloon Review

Mercedes C-Class saloon

2014 should see the arrival of the latest all-new Mercedes C-Class, but the current model did get a subtle but comprehensive overhaul in 2011 that re-established it as a major competitor in the compact executive class against rivals such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. A sharper grille and bumpers help it stand out and stay up-to-date, while inside the car, the dashboard has been totally redesigned using better quality materials, a more modern layout and a slick integrated media screen. The C-Class comes either as an executive saloon, a more practical estate or a speedy-looking coupe, with the four-door executive making up the vast majority of sales. The saloon comes in four specifications the entry-level Executive SE, the sportier AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus, then the top-of-the-range AMG, with the C63 AMG offering far and away the best performance of the range. All specs are well equipped, coming with air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and alloy wheels fitted as standard across the range. There's a selection of efficient petrol and diesel engines, plus standard equipment such as BlueEFFICIENCY technology and stop-start that help to make the C-Class one of the most efficient premium cars on the market. The most environmentally friendly version is actually the twin-turbo C220 CDI diesel, which can return 68.9mpg and only 109g/km of CO2. 

Drive

A relaxed cruiser, but not as fun as the BMW 3 Series

Mercedes isnt as traditionally sporty as the likes of BMW or Audi, and the C-Class has long lagged behind the great drive of the BMW 3 Series. It is a perfectly fine, calm and quiet cruiser, however, especially the models with the larger V6 engines. Also, the mid-life refresh of the current C-Class has brought it a little closer to the undeniable prowess of the excellent 3 Series. Of course, if you really have to live by the seat of your pants, then you go for the bonkers C63 AMG, which goes from 0-60mph in only 4.5 seconds. While the smaller petrol engines on offer are more economical thanks to Mercedes BlueEFFICIENCY technology, they can also be somewhat noisy when driven at higher speeds. The pick of the range has to be the punchy-but-frugal C220 CDI diesel, which produces 168bhp and goes from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, yet emits only 117g/km of CO2 and manages to return 68.9mpg in fuel economy. However, you will have to opt for the vague and clunky manual gearbox and smaller alloy wheels to be able to achieve those figures. The optional seven-speed automatic gearbox does produce seamless gear changes and suits the saloon's relaxed character much more, so even though it is less efficient and costs more - it's the specification we would recommend.

Comfort

One of the most comfortable cars in its class

Whether youre driving or being driven if youre one of the lucky ones the baby C-Class is very comfortable, indeed, capturing some of the effortless luxury of the bigger Mercedes S-Class. The entry-level Executive SE is a relaxed motorway cruiser, with softer suspension than the firmer AMG Sport performance models. If you want peace and quiet, avoid the entry-level petrol and diesel engines and youll find a remarkably minimal amount of wind and road noise disturbing the interior. There's loads of space inside the sleek dimensions for passengers, but passengers in the back may find the firm seats a little uncomfortable over longer journeys. Plus, if you opt for the AMG Sport or AMG Sport Plus models, the stiffer suspension and bigger alloy wheels do make the car more fun to drive but also make the C-Class feel quite unsettled and uncomfortable over lumps and bumps.

Reliability

New model continues to improve brand's reputation

Mercedes is a class act in terms of reliability and safety. The previous C-Class was a big step forward, and even with over 1.2 million cars sold worldwide, there were few major problems ever reported. In kind, the current model placed 28th in the top 100 cars poll from the 2013 Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, climbing an impressive 14 spots from its 2012 ranking, which is unusual for any car in customer polls. Mercedes itself also climbed three spots up the manufacturers rankings, to occupy fifth place overall as further testament to its supreme reliability record, one of the best in the business. The latest C-Class has moved on even further in terms of build quality and it's safer than ever, too bringing over many of its clever systems from its big brother, the Mercedes S-Class. There are 10 passive and active safety systems fitted in the C-Class, with a pedestrian-friendly pop-up bonnet and fatigue detection coming as standard, and emergency braking systems, active lane assistance, blind spot assistance and speed limit recognition all available as optional extras. Servicing costs are in line with other premium cars so not cheap - but a comprehensive warranty should keep a lid on the more expensive bills for the first three years at least.

Practicality

Lack of folding seats limits practicality

The C-Class may not be the biggest family saloon on the market, but you do get 475 litres of space in the boot which is only five litres less than in the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series.  Unfortunately, the boot opening is a bit awkward to navigate, so limits the Mercedes overall practicality. But most disappointing is the lack of folding rear seats. Split folding seats are available as an option, but virtually every car on the market, let alone one this expensive, have them fitted as standard. On the inside, youll find a reasonable amount of legroom in the back, hampered only by a large and intrusive central transmission tunnel that spoils the middle seat's foot area, and a somewhat firm back seat that really can prove uncomfortable during longer trips. However, the interior does have plenty of useful storage bins and a generously sized glove compartment to keep smaller valuables safe and out of sight from prying eyes.

Value for money

Pricer than its rivals, but well equipped

All four versions of the C-Class are fairly expensive, but they do come with a very generous amount of equipment and accessories fitted as standard. The entry-level Executive SE model gets cruise control, alloy wheels, climate control, a leather multi-function steering wheel and parking sensors. Add the optional luxury pack and you can add extra chrome trim, LED running lights and a storage pack to the list, while the AMG Sport comes with xenon headlights, sports seats and firmer suspension. The top-spec AMG Sport Plus cars add 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, some more-aggressive styling and a small spoiler fitted to the boot. List prices are undeniably high (expect to pay more than £50,000 for the top-of-the-range C63 AMG), but as with all Mercedes, resale values on the used car market are strong so that should go someway to offset the initial outlay when you come to make a second-hand deal to sell.

Running costs

New start-stop technology cuts fuel bills

Across the board, every engine in the C-Class range is now cleaner and more economical than ever before, with the petrol engines in particular having cleaned up their act. The 3.5-litre V6 may have more power, but it still manages to be 31 per cent more efficient than previous versions. However, for the truly impressive running costs, you need to plump for the frugal diesel cars. The C220 CDI will return 64.2mpg and emit only 117g/km of CO2, but - thanks to a duo of turbochargers - will go from 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds. All models come with stop-start fitted as standard, further helping to cut emissions and boost fuel economy. However, as with most premium cars, servicing, parts and insurance are all well above average, particularly if you go through the main dealers.

Last updated: 11 Jul 2013