Mercedes C-Class review – comfortable and drives better than before

Verdict – is the Mercedes C-Class a good car?

Supreme comfort, a great interior and the arrival of fuel-saving hybrid technology all adds up to a C-Class that’s even more complete than before. While newcomers and traditional rivals alike can offer advantages in one area or another, few appeal to both the head and the heart as strongly as the Mercedes. However, some versions still have fairly steep running costs and we wish the boot was bigger.

Mercedes C-Class models, specs and alternatives

Looking for something upmarket and comfortable but not as big as a Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series? – that’s where the Mercedes C-Class comes in. The C-Class is the German brand’s mid-size executive saloon car and it rivals the BMW 3 Series and traditionally the Audi A4 (though the latter has been reborn as the A5). Unlike some rivals, Mercedes has always put the onus on comfort, rather than driving appeal for the standard C-Class. That said, while the BMW 3 Series is still the driver’s choice, this generation of Mercedes C-Class has closed the gap somewhat, as it feels better to drive than ever before.

The latest Mercedes C-Class doesn’t sport a particularly ground-breaking design in comparison to its predecessor, but that’s not a terrible thing. Instead, its subtle, but classy design is in-keeping with larger cars from the brand’s lineup, featuring the trademark wide grille and angular LED headlights with a long, sculpted bonnet.

The best company cars 2024

A standout area in modern Mercedes cars are its stylish, modern interior designs. The C-Class uses lots of high-quality materials and cutting-edge displays, but the actual shape and design of the cabin is rather more striking than the conservative exterior might suggest. There are stylish circular air vents and a swooping, cocooning centre console where the infotainment lays, and classy ambient lighting bathes the cabin.

Executive cars like these are big amongst company-car buyers, and for that reason there are not just petrol and diesel versions on offer, but also a plug-in hybrid that produces lower emissions to help reduce BiK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax costs.

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The non plug-in hybrid cars all get mild-hybrid assistance; the range starts with the C 200 petrol followed by the C 220 d diesel. For added performance there’s also a petrol C 300 and diesel C 300 d. The C 300 e plug-in hybrid petrol is the most expensive, but it’s also the most powerful of the standard lineup and has the potential to be the cheapest to run. You can drive it for up to 71 miles on electric power alone, which makes it versatile and means you can do lots of shorter trips without using a drop of petrol.

For the keen drivers there’s also the sporty and muscular Mercedes-AMG C-Class derivatives, badged the C 43 and C 63 S e. The C 43 is arguably the driver’s choice, because while it may not be as fast as the C 63 S e, the C 43 makes use of a powerful mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the other car is a plug-in hybrid that’s much heavier. The extra weight of the C 63 S e means it’s not quite as sporty to drive as the C 43 – because its electric motor is there to supplement the engine for all that power, you can only expect up to 9 miles on electric power alone in the C 63 S e.

How about a used Mercedes C-Class Mk4?

Comfortable, brisk, economical and stylish, the C-Class Mk4 saloon is a popular pick on the used car market. And because it was hugely desirable as a company car when it was new, you’ll find a wide selection of them on Britain’s second-hand car forecourts. It has a strong range of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, plus also offers buyers a choice of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. 

What’s its history?

The C-Class Mk4 made its UK showroom debut in February 2014 with a limited range of engines and three basic trim grades. Other turbocharged petrol and diesel engines soon joined the line-up, along with mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids: there were also some high-performance AMG derivatives. In 2018 a revamp delivered some styling enhancements, interior design tweaks, equipment upgrades and a revised engine line-up. In July 2021 the fourth generation C-Class made way for the Mk5.

Read our full C-Class Mk4 review...

Used Mercedes C-Class Mk3 (2007-2014)

Despite its high-powered AMG derivatives, the mainstream C-Class Mk3 range is oriented towards comfort and a relaxed driving experience. Its interiors are classy and there’s a good range of spirited and economical engines.

Read our full C-Class Mk3 review...

Used Mercedes C-Class Mk2 (2000-2007)

Good-looking but notoriously unreliable, the C-Class Mk2 is nevertheless popular with used buyers, which says something about its desirability. Its interiors are stylish, although rear seat space is a little  cramped.

Used Mercedes C-Class Mk1 (1993-2000)

Reliable and classy, the first-generation C-Class set the theme for subsequent models. Refined for its time, it established the acceptance of diesel engines for prestige executive cars. However, rust is a big issue for these early C-Class models, so check carefully before handing over any cash.