The latest sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class has gone on sale in the UK, with all of its four-strong engine range now in mild-hybrid form.
The 48-volt Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) mild hybrid system recovers energy and offers engine-off coasting to improve efficiency and emissions.
It also makes each engine more powerful, by 20hp and 200Nm and is combined with a standard-fit nine-speed auto transmission.
Entry to the new range is the C 200 in saloon and estate varieties starting at £38,785 and £40,420 respectively.
Both versions employ a 1.5-litre petrol engine of 204hp and 300Nm, with official fuel economy figures of 41 to 44mpg depending on specification (and 40 to 42mpg in the estate). CO2 figures are 146-154g/km (151 to 159 in the estate).
The C 300 is only available in saloon form from £43,500. Its 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 258hp and 400Nm. Fuel economy ranges between 40 and 42mpg, emissions between 152 and 159g/km.
Until now the best-selling variant, the diesel-powered C 220 d’s 2.0-litre engine puts out 200hp and 440Nm. Fuel economy ranges from 59 to 61mpg (56 to 60mpg in the estate) and emissions from 120-127g/m (124-131). Prices are from £40,785 for the saloon, £42,085 for the estate.
Range-topper is another diesel, the C 300 d at prices starting from £45,925 for the saloon and £47,225 for the estate. It has a 3.0-litre engine of 265hp and 550Nm, fuel economy of 53 to 55mpg (estate, 52-54) and emissions of 133-139g/km (136-143).
The new C-Class is yet to be crash-tested by Euro NCAP but a wide range of active safety measures are offered as standard across all four trim levels and Mercedes-Benz will be expecting a five-star safety rating.
However a suite of driver-assistance technology including the latest developments in distance, steering, traffic sign, lane-keeping, evasive steering, braking, emergency stop and blind spot assistance, is only available at a £1,695 option, and this only on top Premium Plus models.
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2014 – 2021) – Expert Rating
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