Mercedes C220 CDI Blue Efficiency Saloon - What’s it like inside?

CO2 emissions aside, this is where Mercedes has made the biggest improvement to the C-Class – the cabin has gone from drab to fab. There’s new dashboard with sumptuous soft-touch materials, slick switches and sophisticated design. It’s easily a match for anything else in the class, and importantly, the cabin now feels as special as a Merc’s should.

You won’t be left wanting for practicality, either, because there's lots of passenger space and a big boot. However, some of the controls are still irritating and fussy, like the foot-operated parking brake and the single stalk to control both the wipers and the indicators.

How much will it cost?
Prices have gone up across the range, and the C220 CDI now starts at £27,870 for the SE manual saloon. That’s the version you’ll want to get, too. Not only does it come with all the equipment you’ll need, such as alloys, parking sensors, automatic wipers, and climate- and cruise controls, but it’s the only version that qualifies for the 13% company car tax banding.

The Elegance and Sport versions have bigger wheels, which push up their emissions – you’ll pay tax on between 18% and 20% of their list price. Elegance trim adds £1295 to the list price, along with daytime running lights, split-folding rear seats and leather-effect upholstery, while Sport trim costs a further £1700 and comes with sporty styling and suspension.

Here’s another note of caution if you’re a company car bargain-hunter – even the SE is subject to an 18% banding if you specify the silky-smooth seven-speed automatic gearbox. It’s lovely, but stick with the standard six-speed manual transmission, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

Granted, the picture doesn’t look quite so rosy for private buyers, because the C220’s list prices look decidedly steep compared with those of its main rivals. However, private buyers will still enjoy the vastly improved fuel economy (64.2mpg for the SE manual), and the desirable badge will ensure strong resale values.

So, the C220 CDI is now a better car than it’s ever been, and if you’re a cash-conscious company car driver, it’ll be more affordable to run than it’s ever been, too. A fine combination.

What Car? says…
The C-Class is now the car it always should have been