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C-Class Saloon

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

For This is the cleanest car in the range, and it's by far the most affordable version to run as a company car. The engine has a broad spread of power and the SE comes with all the kit that you really need.

Against Misses some equipment that you might want in your Merc, and the engine sounds a bit grumbly when you rev it hard. List prices and leasing rates are still a bit steep, too.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This is our favourite version of the C-Class, because its low emissions make it by far the cheapest version to run as a company car. You don’t lose out on strong, flexible performance, either.

What Car? readers say

4.75


Key facts

0–60mph
8.4 secs
Top speed
144 mph
Average mpg
64.2
Tank range
946 miles
See all running costs

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:

Mercedes offers the C-Class in two distinct flavours – traditional or sporty. SE and Elegance models focus on what you generally associate with Merc saloons – comfort, refinement and understated elegance. Sport models are aimed at more youthful buyers and have exterior styling tweaks, firmer suspension and more direct steering.

We prefer the smoother ride and lower prices of SE and Elegance models, but if you’ve got the money the Sport models are fine.

Running costs for most models are reasonable, and private buyers have the reassurance of excellent resale values.

Many C-Class models will be run as company cars, however. High list prices mean that contract hire rates are a little steep, but all models are highly competitive for CO2 emissions, which keeps tax bills down. The C220 CDI SE manual is particularly affordable as a company car, because it’s the only car in the range that qualifies for the 13% tax bracket, the lowest possible for diesels.

Reader test team says:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C180 BlueEFF. SE 4dr

I've had my C250CDi for over two years and 43000 miles and remain absolutely delighted with the car. Its everything a 3 series isnt - stylish,…

paul hampson

4 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C250 CDI BlueEff. Elegance 4dr

I've had this car two weeks now replacing a BMW 320dSE. I had some concerns before i took delivery based on reviews that always favoured the 3-series…

Robert Storey

5 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C250 CDI BlueEFF. Sport 4dr

Had my new 250 sport cdi 125 edition one week and although still in the honeymoon period the car is fantastic. Responsive,quick and yet…

Stuart reynolds

5 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C250 CDI BlueEFF. Sport 4dr

I have been driving the C250CDI Sport for a week on corporate demonstration as I am ordering my new car this month. IT IS A VERY GOOD CAR! The engine…

Andy Sumpter

5 out of 5 stars
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