Mercedes-Benz C-Class review

Well-mannered, refined, and impressively comfortable. The mild-hybrid assist helps to improve drive around town, while all the C-Classes we’ve driven so far pull strongly when accelerating onto motorways, all the while remaining quiet and composed in the cabin.

Handling, too, is suitably impressive, although the C-Class arguably acquits itself better on the motorway than on B-roads and about town, where potholes, ruts and speed bumps prove a bit of menace with the AMG Line sports suspension. Generally though, this is a fine-riding and comfortable car.

The steering itself is direct and well-weighted but not brimming with feel, as is the modern way, but it’s perfectly adequate for most everyday tasks – only when driving it hard are you likely to want anything more. Elsewhere in the world higher-powered C-Classes get the option of 4Matic all-wheel drive, but in the UK the C-Class is rear-drive only. At least for now.

Which engine is best?

We’ve tried the C200 petrol along with the two diesels, the C220d and C300d, with the latter claiming 261bhp and 406lb ft of torque, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, a limited 155mph top speed, up to 53.3mpg and as little as 135g/km of CO2. Of course, it’s not as nice as the straight-six diesel in the BMW 330d, but for a four-cylinder it’s jolly refined, doesn’t make much noise and pushes the C along at a reasonable pace.

The diesel is a much better fit than the 201bhp 1.5-litre petrol in the C200, which is fine normally but sounds a bit reedy when you’re pushing on. It claims 221lb ft, 0-62mph in a still respectable 7.3s (but doesn't feel that fast), up to 44.1mpg and as low as 143g/km of CO2.

Both engines work well with the standard nine-speed auto, which shuffles between ratios quickly and smoothly. Responds well to the paddles on the wheel, too, but can be a bit hesitant off the line, so be wary at busy roundabouts and junctions.

What about the PHEV?

This might actually be the one to have unless you’re solely pounding motorways. The C300e favours electricity where possible and has the range (Merc says up to 70 miles, we say closer to 50 in the real world) to be genuinely useful. In mixed driving we regularly saw well over 70mpg. The system is very well integrated, featuring proper regen braking and the ability to fast charge at up to 55kW. It also wears comfort suspension (which pairs coil springs up front with self-levelling air at the rear) even in the standard AMG Line trim, so it’s softer than the internal combustion cars. If you’re not sure about a move to full electric, this is a very happy halfway house.

Anything else worth mentioning?

Yes, the brakes. This would have to be our main grumble with the fifth-gen C-Class. All versions get a long-travel pedal, so pad doesn’t actually meet disc until you’re quite a long way into it. Then when it does bite it’s a bit abrupt, meaning you come to a halt more quickly and aggressively than you intended. Not exactly confidence-inspiring when you’re steaming into a tight bend, nor particularly smooth until you’ve got your eye in. And it’s even the same for the PHEV with its regen and friction combo. Shame.