Used Mercedes C-Class saloon review: 2014-2021 (Mk4) - Practicality and boot space
Four adults can ride in style inside the C-Class Mk4, provided those in the rear aren’t too tall: boot space is adequate, if you pack it thoughtfully
The sloping rear roofline of the C-Class Mk4 makes for sleek looks and good aerodynamics, but it does steal headroom from taller back seat passengers. For everyday use the boot is just fine, but side intrusions and a narrow opening limit what you can stuff inside.
How big is the Mercedes C-Class Mk4?
Although it’s generally described as a compact executive saloon, the C-Class Mk4 ranges between 4,688mm and 4,756mm depending on the model, while all versions are 1,810mm wide. However, because some versions feature lowered sports suspension, the height varies between 1,426mm to 1,460mm.
How much space is there for passengers?
A pair of rear seat passengers under six-feet tall will have reasonable room for their heads and knees, and acres of space for their shoulders, but foot room is a bit mean. Because of the way the rear roofline slopes down, rear headroom can be tight for taller occupants. If family and friends fall into that category, get them to test the rear seats before making up your mind about buying.
As for a third passenger in the back, they’ll be OK for short trips but unlikely to be happy about tackling a long journey as a result of limited shoulder-room, a poorly-shaped central seating position and the wide transmission tunnel forcing them to sit with their legs wide apart.
In terms of storage, there are two cupholders in the fold-down rear armrest, a couple more in the front and door bins in all four doors. There are also useful cubbies in the dashboard and a handily-sized glovebox.
How big is the boot?
At 455 litres, the C-Class Mk4’s boot is an adequate size, but nothing special. That shrinks to 435 litres for the mild hybrid models and a paltry 300 litres in the plug-in hybrid, with both having to accommodate bulky battery packs beneath the boot floor.
Wheelarch intrusion into the boot space makes it a less than optimal shape, plus there’s also a pronounced lump in the floor just before it reaches the rear seatback. Using soft bags rather than rigid cases will aid you in filling the boot to its full potential. Another slight handicap is that the opening is quite narrow, limiting what you can slot in through it. That said, the optional 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats do enable you to transport long (if slender) items.
