Mercedes C-Class: which one to choose?

The fifth-generation Mercedes C-Class, which is available in sedan and station wagon, competes with the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series in the high-end family category. Compared to the previous generation, Mercedes has not changed its model line. the headlights are longer, the grille is hexagonal, and the taillights are taller and spill into the tailgate. The sedan and station wagon have very similar dimensions, with a length of 4.75 m for the sedan and 4.79 m for the station wagon.

Luxurious interior

In the cabin, we’re next to a mini Mercedes S-Class when it comes to interior furnishings. In front of the driver there is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster located under the hood, and in the center is a large 11.9-inch multimedia screen with a very inclined. The circular aerators (turbine style) add brilliance to the whole, crafted from superior craftsmanship materials, while the finish and trim are top notch.

Spacious and comfortable

Whether it’s upholstered seats in the front with electric and heated adjustments, or comfortable bench seats in the back, there’s room on board. Passengers have plenty of knee room and headroom is excellent. Only the trunk capacity is not unusual for either a sedan (455 liters) or a station wagon (590 liters). We will be comforted by a good equipment offer from the entry level (Avangard): two-zone automatic air conditioning, keyless start, electric exterior mirrors, 11.9-inch multimedia screen, electrically heated front seats with backrests, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, navigation, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, wireless charging, seven airbags, traffic sign recognition, blind spot and lane departure warning, cruise control/speed limiter, driving modes, tire pressure monitoring and 17-inch wheels. The entry-level Mercedes C-Class already commands a premium price for its services, and you’ll need to pay a minimum of €52,900 (+ €1,500 for the station wagon) to own it.

A range of high performance engines

There are three for the sedan with Avantgarde, AMG Line and Business Line for companies, the station wagon adds a fourth finish with All-Terrain, which turns this model into a four-wheel adventure version. The sedan can be equipped with a 220-horsepower diesel engine and the 4Matic system, which is also available with the C 400 e plug-in hybrid, and the station wagon can be equipped with a 204-horsepower gasoline engine. For engines, you can choose between a 204hp petrol engine, two diesels with 163hp and 200hp, and two plug-in hybrid engines with 313hp and 381hp (the latter not available on the station wagon). More than 100 km. Note that with this engine, the trunk capacity is reduced: 315 liters for the saloon, 355 liters for the station wagon. All these engines are linked to a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox.

Comfortable everywhere

On the road, the Mercedes C-Class is very comfortable thanks to a very well-calibrated running gear and excellent sound insulation. If it is not as dynamic as the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes C-Class is perfectly comfortable on all kinds of routes. You can even try driving your own power over the dirt with the Mercedes All-Terrain station wagon. For a more sporty style, we can choose the Mercedes AMG versions, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic with a 408 hp four-cylinder turbo engine (starting at €77,400) and soon the 680 hp Mercedes-AMG C 63 E Performance four-cylinder turbocharged plug-in in hybrid engine.

Mercedes C-Class in ten points

5-door, 5-seat saloon and wagon
Sedan dimensions (L x W x H in meters): 4.75 x 1.82 (2.03 mirrors installed) x 1.44. Estate: 4.79 x 1.82 x 1.46. Cut the entire area: 4.76 x 1.84 x 1.50
Turning circle: 11.07 meters (between walls), 11.50 for 4Matic
Minimum luggage volume, saloon/estate: 455/590 liters (315/360 liters for plug-in hybrid)
Maximum trunk volume, universal: 1510 liters (1375 liters plug-in hybrid)
Gasoline engine: C 200 204 hp (+ C 200 4Matic All-Terrain)
Diesel engines: C 200 d 163 hp, C 220 d 200 hp (+ C 220 d 4Matic)
Plug-in hybrid engine: C 300 e with 313 hp and C 400 e 4Matic with 381 hp (sedan only)
Trims: Avantgarde, AMG Line and Business Line (Break + All-Terrain)
Price: from €52,900. Petrol: €53,700. Plug-in hybrid: € 62,050 (break body add-on: + € 1,500)