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C-Class Saloon

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C220 CDI BlueEFF. Executive SE 4dr Review

For This diesel engine delivers the best balance of performance and affordability. Executive SE trim comes with most of the kit you want, and keeps purchase prices down.

Against The engine is horribly unrefined, especially when compared with the smoother, quieter units in most of the car’s rivals. Executive SE trim misses some of the kit you expect at this money.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

The best C-Class model, but still lags way behind its best rivals.

What Car? readers say

4.571429


Key facts

0–60mph
8.4 secs
Top speed
144 mph
Average mpg
68.9
Tank range
1015 miles
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Features

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Size

schematic See all measurements

View the whole Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon range

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The full Mercedes-Benz C-Class review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Mercedes C-Class has its strengths, but it’s extremely flawed in a couple of crucial areas. By far the biggest disappointment is the car’s refinement. All models have too much wind and road noise, while manual models have a horribly springy clutch pedal and a notchy gearshift. The four-cylinder petrols sound wheezy and breathless, while the four-cylinder diesels, which make up the vast majority of sales, are horribly clattery and give off way too much vibration. The six-cylinder engine is much better, but it’s too pricey to recommend and only comes with sport suspension that scuppers the ride comfort.

This on its own is enough to justify the car’s two-star rating – we simply can’t countenance an executive car with such poor refinement. However, that’s not the only area where the C-Class disappoints. A good exec should be classy inside, but the materials aren’t upmarket enough and the design is bland, so the cabin has a very drab feel.

Reader test team says:

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I'm writing this review as I honestly do not recognise the car that What Car have reviewed as the car I've purchased. I test drove the C Class 180CGI…

George Alty

5 out of 5 stars

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paul hampson

4 out of 5 stars
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