Mercedes C-Class Estate - Interior & comfort (2014-2021)

As with the saloon, the interior is a highlight of the Mercedes C-Class Estate. Even basic models get high-quality gloss-black surfaces with satin chrome highlights. But as you move up the price brackets, you get even more classy trim options.

Just how comfortable the C-Class Estate is depends on the suspension setup you choose. Entry-level models come with standard Comfort suspension, which isn't adjustable but does seem to deal with big ridges and holes well. Then there’s the slightly firmer Sport setup in higher-spec cars, which has been designed for drivers who prioritise better handling over a softer ride. Firmer still is the AMG 43 model, which puts the emphasis on driving fun over cosseting ride comfort, but it still remains fairly comfortable, thanks to the electronically adjustable suspension that comes as standard.

This air suspension (optional on the rest of the range) gives a very smooth ride on the motorway and over small bumps, but can cause a sharp jolt over potholes. It offers different modes to enable drivers to choose between a soft ride or a sportier setup, depending on how they want the car to respond.

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Mercedes C-Class Estate dashboard

A colour screen in the centre of the dashboard, plus another colour screen behind the steering wheel, help give this car a hi-tech feel. There’s also a clever touchpad that allows you to input commands in a similar way to a smartphone. The standard versions are classy and exceptionally well built, while more expensive models such as the AMG Line add sporting touches. The AMG 43 model gets contrasting red stitching on the dash, too.

Equipment

As the C-Class is a premium model, you can expect a reasonable amount of standard equipment, even on the entry-level SE version of the estate.

The roster includes 17-inch alloy wheels, drive driving modes, DAB radio, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, sat nav, Parktronic, reversing camera, heated front seats and automatic lights and wipers.

Upgrading to the mid-range Sport Edition model adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, lowered suspension, AMG wheels, sports seats and a three-spoke steering wheel.

The AMG Line styling kit gives the C-Class Estate a desirable makeover. The suspension and brakes are upgraded, and inside there are AMG sports pedals, seats, steering wheel and even floor mats. Meanwhile, the AMG Line Night Edition grade adds 19-inch wheels, gloss black exterior trim, interior ambient lighting, a stereo upgrade and wireless smartphone charging. Upgrade to the Premium Plus version and you get keyless entry, a 360-degree camera view, panoramic sunroof and a Burmester stereo upgrade.

At the top of the range, the AMG 43 gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a sporty body kit and AMG badges dotted all over the place. You also get black door mirror caps and a chrome grille. Inside, there are leather and microfibre seats with contrasting red stitching, AMG floor mats with red piping and red seatbelts.

Options

Mercedes is renowned for offering bags of optional extras, many of which are tempting upgrades – but they’re usually expensive as well. In addition to individual options, Mercedes offers two different option packs with the C-Class estate, and these are usually a better bet than adding individual bits and pieces – both in terms of overall value for money and for their knock-on effect on the car’s residual values.

The Premium package adds a lot of comfort-orientated upgrades, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, Comand online services, adaptive LED headlights and wireless smartphone charging for around £2,800. Choose the Premium Plus pack instead for closer to £5,000 and all of the above included, as well as a 360-degree camera view, Burmester stereo upgrade, keyless entry and a panoramic glass sunroof.