Mercedes C-Class New Car Review - Car Reviews

Mercedes C-Class

VERDICT:

Mercedes' new mini limo is just that, but the sharper design frees it from its traditional Acacia Avenue fate

Performance

Performance and economy are increased in the 'budget' four-cylinder engines of the Mercedes C-Class. Cheapest are the 1.8 supercharged petrol and 2.1 diesel at 156bhp and 136bhp, but boosted they become the C200K and C220CDI at 184bhp and 170bhp, the diesel now making 295lb ft of torque. The V6 engines are carried over and start with a 2.5 petrol that's no faster than the 200K. The three-litre C280 has muscle to spare at 272bhp while the 3.5 has no fears about its masculinity. However the 224bhp 3.0-litre diesel makes for the best 21st century C. Smooth and relaxed, it's a majestic overtaker, thanks to the thoroughly convincing shove in the sweet spot between 2,700-3,700rpm. There's a definite turbo lag below that and reluctance above so that even with the seven-speed 'box, it can fall down between second and third.

Driving

Corners are welcomed by the new C-Class. It keeps roll and pitch nicely under control and all its reactions are well-measured and proportionate so you get a good feel for what it's up to. It's usefully more agile than the old one. The ride is truly superb too. At low speeds it rolls without complaining over town potholes, and on a heaving, broken country road neither the small shocks nor larger motions bother it in the slightest.

Space

Wider and longer than the car it replaces, the C's front seats are supremely comfortable. It's the same story in the rear too - there's plenty of room for shoulders and knees.

Build Quality

As you sit inside the wide cabin and feel the cushioning seats, the big-car feeling pervades. The general sense is of something solidly made, though the switchgear doesn't have the jewel-like look of the S-Class.

Equipment

Alloys, automatic climate control and a radio with single CD drive (MP3 compatible) and colour display are standard on each of the C-Class's three trim levels (SE, Elegance and Sport). Leather is an Elegance freebie only. The Linguatronic sat nav/phone/audio works well, as it should at that money.

Safety

ABS and stability programme with acceleration skid control are standard through out. Seven airbags are fitted, including one for the driver's knee.

Owning

As you'd expect the smaller engines are reasonable, such as the C180 which pumps out just 165g/km of C02 and returning over 40mpg. The bigger motors start to get pricey - the C350 produces 232g/km, putting it in one of the highest brackets for company car tax. For private buyers, residuals will be good. It's a Merc. They would be.

Value

Most expensive compact exec saloon on the market, with the entry level C180 costing more than the BMW 318.

Verdict

You can't argue with how accomplished the new C-Class is, but it's not quite as much fun as a 3-Series despite being more expensive. Yet it will still be popular, remaining a car for Mercedes lovers - it's hugely capable but it keeps that quiet until you press it.

Fancy something bigger?

C-Class Estate