C-class buyer’s guide
Compact exec is pricey, but is solid, comfortable and full of tech
How to get your hands on Mk4 Mercedes for only £12,000
History
FOR as long as we can remember, the compact executive car market has consisted largely of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class.
One or two rivals have cropped up along the way, with the Jaguar XE now a key contender, but for more than 20 years most buyers in this class have gravitated towards one of these three.
It’s easy to see why they’re so popular, although the car that really stands out is the C-class. Thanks to its three-pointed star badge, it’s seen by many as the ultimate status symbol. But whereas a Mercedes used to be only for the very wealthy, the model is now mainstream; not that this makes it any less desirable second-hand.
THE first C-class Mk4s reached UK showrooms in June 2014. Initially just C 200 petrol and C 220 BLUETEC diesel versions were available, both with
four-cylinder engines and six-speed manual or seven-speed auto boxes.
The saloon was followed by an estate in September 2014, by which point there was also a C 250 BLUETEC diesel option, while a C 300 BLUETEC dieselelectric hybrid arrived shortly after.
A coupé appeared in December 2015, then in the summer of 2016 a C 350 e petrol-electric plug-in hybrid joined the range, followed by a cabriolet.
Power junkies have two choices: the 476bhp C 63 AMG, launched in spring 2015, and the 362bhp C 43 AMG, which was in showrooms from late 2016.
Which one?
WE wouldn’t steer you away from any C-class; all are well equipped, and none of the engines lacks power.
By far the most common powerplant is the 2.1-litre diesel unit in the C 220 BLUETEC. It endows the Mercedes with decent pace and economy, but it’s noisier than you might expect. Few
C-classes have a manual gearbox and that’s no bad thing, because the seven and nine-speed autos are both superb.
Entry-level (SE trim) C-classes have dual-zone climate control, 16-inch alloys, automatic wipers, cruise control, heated windscreen washer nozzles and a large suite of safety features. Sport trim adds 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, lowered suspension and Garmin navigation.
AMG Line cars offer 18-inch alloys, sports suspension and body styling.
Alternatives
THE Audi A4 comes in saloon and estate forms with front or four-wheel drive, some great engines and gearboxes. Cabin design and quality are superb.
The same criteria applies to the BMW 3 Series, although cars without fourwheel drive have the power going to the rear wheels, so they’re nicer to drive thanks to the much better steering.
For a left-field alternative, the Lexus IS is generously equipped, reliable but inert
to drive; it’s only available as a hybrid saloon, too. If you want safety, the Volvo S60 and V60 should be just the job.
Meanwhile, the VW Passat offers most of the A4’s attributes, for less money. And don’t overlook the saloon-only Jaguar XE; it’s great to drive, but is cramped.
Verdict
WE found more than 4,000 C-classes for sale, so they’re not as exclusive as you might think, and if you read the online reader reviews it’s clear that reliability isn’t always everything you might expect.
But the C-class is a technologically advanced family car that’s safe, comfy, quiet and comes with a classy interior.
Whether it’s worth the premium over its rivals is open to debate as the diesel engines are bettered elsewhere, the rear seats aren’t as roomy as they should be and running costs tend to be high, while depreciation can also be stiff. The image and build quality make up for it, but you’ll have to decide whether that’s enough.
Interior
ALTHOUGH the C-class is beautifully built and has comfortable front seats, the rear could do with a bit more legroom. All cars are well equipped and there are lots of cubbyholes. Boot space is also generous, at 480 litres (335 litres in the C 350 e). Folding rear seats improve practicality, but check any model you’re looking at has these; while most will, they aren’t fitted as standard.