For It has scorching pace, and although the ride is firm, it's not uncomfortable and never crashy. There's a huge amount of grip and the brakes are mighty.

Against The car feels a little sterile and could do with being more involving, like the BMW M3.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

It may be more powerful and faster than a BMW M3, but it's not as involving - and that's a crucial problem for a car such as this.

What Car? readers say

4.75


Key facts

0–60mph
4.5 secs
Top speed
155 mph
Average mpg
23.5
Tank range
346 miles
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Features

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Size

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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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