Reviews - Mercedes

Overall Rating

Good looking, comfortable and refined, this is a first class compact executive car with only a few minor quibbles about some details. Mercedes badge and image means it holds value.

• More of a driver's car than previous C Class
• Stylish shrunken S Class looks, fine interior
• Refined, reliable and holds its value well

• Not comfortable for three adults in the back
• Petrol V6s are a bit thirsty
• Extras push up prices rapidly

The similarity between C Class and the big S Class is very apparent and very welcome. For a fraction of the cost, buyers get a prestigious, spacious, smooth and comfortable mini-limousine. Standard specifications are better than they have ever been from Mercedes. That combines nicely with the spacious interior; it seats four adults easily whilst the decent boot swallows their luggage. Drivers have lots of seat and steering wheel adjustment, which means you can get comfy and feel relaxed after a long journey. The dashboard though can be confusing, though, with an array of buttons. And the foot-operated parking brake is clumsy to use, especially with a manual gearbox. The engines are smooth and responsive, and there?s a very wide choice to suit all budgets. Many buyers choose the efficient if sometimes noisy diesels. But C Class is not a sporty car, unless you pay highly for the AMG performance models.

JD Power stars: 3

NCAP: 5

Best Models: C240 Elegance, C270 CDI Elegance

Worst Models: C320

Replacement: 2007

• Audi A4 (2001-)
• BMW 3-Series (1998-)
• Volvo S60