Overall Rating |  |
This C Class is an elderly design but its classic styling conceals its age well. Built to last, it remains a sound choice if you rate comfort, quality and prestige.
For
- More status than the competition
- Excellent handling and ride
- Smooth, eager six-cylinder engines
Against
- Poor result for Euro NCAP crash tests
- Not enough legroom in the back
- Above-average servicing costs
Road Test
Image and quality make the C Class saloons and estates perhaps the most prestigious choices in its sector. It's not as commonplace as 3-Series, and that three-pointed star on the bonnet guarantees high standards of engineering and construction. A well cared for C Class should last for twenty years and 250,000 miles.
Like 3-Series, C Class is rear-wheel drive, which gives balanced, neutral handling. It feels assured even when pushed hard, thanks to grippy roadholding, taut suspension and accurate steering responses. Driving pleasure doesn't fall far short of 3-Series levels.
Petrol engines are refined, but the smaller four-cylinder units are more audible and have to work harder than the smooth V6s. Diesels are generally excellent, though the C220D is sluggish.
The cabin is conservatively finished in high quality materials. Seats are very comfortable but rear legroom is tight. And the estate has less load space than rival medium estates.
Need To Know
NCAP: 2
Best Models: C240; C250 TD; Elegance or Sport specs
Worst Models: C220D; early low-spec Classic models
Replacement: by current generation C Class in autumn 2000
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess  Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav  |
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