Mercedes C350e hybrid (2017-2018) - Interior & comfort
The Mercedes C-Class has an attractive and relaxing interior
One of the real selling points of the C-Class is its stylish and comfortable interior, which has more character than that of the 3 Series and makes the Volvo V60 Twin Engine seem dated by comparison.
Mercedes C350e dashboard
The fit and finish on display in the cabin are excellent and neat touches abound. These include the seat-shaped buttons on the door to adjust your seat and circular air vents inspired by Mercedes sports cars. The tablet-style infotainment screen perched on top of the centre console won’t be to everyone’s taste, but looks modern enough for the time being.
Equipment
Trim levels include Sport and AMG Line, with Premium and Premium Plus versions of each also offered. Even the entry-level Sport gets 17-inch alloy wheels (also giving the lowest CO2 figures), LED headlights, Garmin sat nav, sports seats with Artico synthetic leather upholstery and a sports steering wheel. AMG Line adds a more assertive styling treatment, larger wheels and firmer suspension.
Options
Upgrading to Premium (for around £1,700) adds a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry and electric front seats, while Premium Plus (costing £3,000) includes all these things and a Burmester speaker upgrade, as well as an 8.4-inch infotainment system with extra features. The Driving Assistance package (£1,700) is likely to appeal to high-mileage drivers, with features to boost safety on the motorway and around town, while active cruise control can also reduce fatigue on long trips.
Technology
We aren’t big fans of the standard seven-inch infotainment screen, which looks slightly aftermarket and has a large black bezel around the screen, but the COMAND interface works well thanks to a central control wheel and logical menus.
Every C350e is fitted with Parktronic parking sensors and the optional self-parking system is one of the best in the business, even modulating the brakes as the car drives itself into a space.
Connect to the C350e via your smartphone and it’s possible to set the climate control remotely, which could come in equally handy on cold winter or hot summer days.
