Mercedes C-Class Review
By Motor Match • 20/09/2023
The Mercedes C-Class represents a core part of the firm’s range. This popular model has a lot to like, let's find out why.
What is it?
It’s been a mainstay of the Mercedes line-up for decades, providing that classy image that you’d expect from a car with the three-pointed star on the front alongside loads of space and, of course, tip-top quality.
The latest generation C-Class brought a whole new level of technology, too, as well as a range of engines that made this model even more frugal than ever. As one of the most popular cars in the range, the C-Class is the car to beat - but what is it really like?
What’s new?
You’ve got a similar recipe with this latest C-Class as you have with previous generations, but it has all been finessed slightly.
Mercedes has put its 48-volt technology through much of the C-Class range, too, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in the process. Plus, it has the added benefit of making these cars feel a little more eager under the throttle as the system helps to reduce turbo lag.
What’s under the bonnet?
The C-Class is available with a number of different powertrain choices, ranging from efficient petrol and plug-in hybrids right the way through to powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged units in the AMG models. Despite its dip in popularity, we still think that the diesel is a great fit for the C-Class, however.
With 197bhp, it’s got more than enough on tap but the efficiency figures are what shine through - Mercedes claims up to 60 mpg combined while CO2 emissions of 129g/km are more than respectable.
What’s it like to drive?
The C-Class provides just what you want from a reasonably large executive model. It’s wonderfully hushed at speed and really devours those long motorway journeys. We tested out the diesel model, and though it can be a little vocal when you really press the accelerator, it quietens down most of the time.
Visibility is good for the most part, while the ride quality is another plus point; C-Class models on smaller wheels are superb over the UK’s rough roads.
How does it look?
This latest C-Class is definitely recognisable as a Mercedes. Of course, the huge badge on the nose is a bit of a giveaway, but it’s a pleasant evolution of previous models that helps this latest model tie in with the cars that have come before it.
We’re quite big fans of the estate C-Class, too, as it has a really eye-catching swept-back design that has some hints of the older CLS Shooting Brake to it.
What’s it like inside?
Mercedes has pushed hard to up the quality inside the C-Class. Today, it feels closer to the premium S-Class than ever thanks to its materials and general fit-and-finish. Of course, the cabin is dominated by the large central screen - and more on that later - but above and beyond the ergonomics are spot-on with everything right where you’d expect it to be.
The only snag is the buttons on the steering wheel. They’re haptic-style controls and are a bit tricky to use on the move. Fortunately, the large screen is easy to access and manage instead.
What’s the spec like?
There’s loads of equipment included on the new C-Class as standard. The primary feature is, of course, that massive central display which comes straight from the S-Class. It’s an 11.9-inch setup and is your main port of call for features such as navigation, media functions and also your heating and ventilation. It all works smoothly, though we’d still like to have physical buttons or dials to adjust the temperature.
This is combined with a driver’s display which can be configured to show all different types of information - you can even change the style of the dials, should you want to.
Verdict
The C-Class continues to be a great option for people who want a solid all-rounder. Be that in saloon or estate form, it’s quiet, comfortable and loaded with technology as standard. Plus, the modern design looks really good - to our eyes, at least.
Thanks to a variety of engines, there should be a version to suit everyone too. Need a car that’ll do it all? The C-Class could be just that.
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