Name: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2014 – 2021) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Rating: 61.0

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was a medium-sized saloon and estate model. This generation was launched in 2014, updated in 2018 and ended production in early 2021 ahead of the arrival of the current-generation C-Class.

The C-Class is famous for its place as a premium smaller saloon from Mercedes-Benz. The last generation was also available in coupé and convertible body styles, and there were high-performance models from Mercedes-AMG. This page relates to the saloon models only though.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class received generally good scores from across the UK media throughout its life, although its Expert Rating fell behind the Audi A4 and Volvo S60/V60 twins towards the end of its life, and was well down on the class-leading BMW 3 Series. It was particularly praised for its interior design and comfort, although the BMW 3 Series remained a better car for keen drivers.

Reliability hasn’t been a strong suit for this generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In the 2021 What Car? reliability survey, the diesel models ranked dead last out of 17 executive cars, while the petrol models ranked 12th. That follows on from its dead last place ranking in 2020, so clearly the C-Class has had its fair share of problems.

As of May 2024, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It scores top marks for its low CO₂ emissions (helped by the plug-in hybrid version), while it also received good review scores from motoring journalists. However, its reliability record is only average while its running costs are high and its safety rating has long ago expired.

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized saloon and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, hybrid
Price: From £30,520 on-road

Launched: Summer 2014
Last updated: Autumn 2018
Replaced: Summer 2021

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class does all of the things that you’d want a premium saloon to do. It’s comfortable over long distances, feels special enough both inside and out and comes with plenty of standard equipment too.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: 300 de EQ Power plug-in hybrid 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes C 300 de EQ Power plug-in hybrid blends the standard C-Class’s comfort and tech with even more pace and refinement, plus some strong financial incentives for company car users.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“The updates bestowed on the latest-generation C-Class sent Mercedes Benz’s compact executive challenger back to the sharp end of the class in style.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series Touring remains our pick if you’re after the best handling experience, although the most recent update puts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class closer than ever.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 7 / 10
“In a crowded class of compact executive saloons, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is arguably one of the most desirable, combining smart looks with the unbeatable cachet of the three-pointed star on its nose.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes C-Class Estate is one of a growing number of family-sized estates that trade ultimate practicality for a healthy dose of style – not to mention an upmarket image. Against rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the C-Class purports to be a classy, comfortable alternative.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid C 300e AMG Line estate
Score: 8 / 10
“It wouldn’t be our first choice of plug-in compact executive, with the BMW 330e providing a broader range of dynamic talents and a more modern feel. But don’t discount the Mercedes – and with the new generation C-Class arriving next year, you might find some favourable bargains on this one.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes isn’t as good to drive as a 3-Series, but it does make the BMW appear a bit less outstanding overall.”
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Model reviewed: C-Class Estate C 300 de
Score: 8 / 10
“The C 300de will only make financial sense for a reasonably small number of rather deep-pocketed individuals who know they’ll likely cover a fairly high number of miles on an annual basis.”
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Model reviewed: C200 AMG Line 4Matic
Score: 7 / 10
“This is easily the most forward-thinking version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but the bulk of orders are still expected to be for the diesel-powered C220d.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“There is much to recommend in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class plug-in hybrid.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Positive points are its refined, relaxed demeanour and how easy it is to drive.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“As you would expect from a Mercedes saloon, the updated C-Class is comfortable over extended journeys while being well-finished and offering a special feel that you would want from an executive saloon.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is more comfortable, luxurious and efficient than ever before, and a thorough facelift has added the latest technology.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is a stylish, comfortable and practical family car.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mercedes C-Class is an attractive upmarket saloon with a stylish interior and economical engines, but rivals are roomier and have better infotainment.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes C-Class Estate is practical and stylish in equal measure, but alternatives are more fun to drive and have more intuitive infotainment systems.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Inside and out it’s tastefully detailed, largely restrained and put together in a manner befitting the badge – but also trades on technology and a wide range of drivetrains capable of keeping almost any buyer happy.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains hugely appealing, even if it has lost a bit of its sparkle as it enters its twilight years. It’s still classy and still competitive, particularly if you go for a plug-in hybrid model or the multi-talented C220d diesel.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 10 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class now has a far sleeker design that echoes the S-Class.”
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Motors.co.uk+

Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers excellent levels of technology, and an involving, sporty driving experience.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“In terms of in-car space, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class does well. There’s good amounts of legroom and headroom in the rear, while those up front are well catered for. Headroom is affected in estate cars, so if you’re looking to transport taller passengers frequently, this may not be the choice for you.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Stylish saloon has refined and upmarket feel”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“Premium load lugger, updated for 2018”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: C180 1.6-litre petrol automatic AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-class is a top dog for interior space and comfort up front but things don’t feel quite as roomy in the back seats.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: (range review)
“The Mercedes-Benz C-class, despite its less-than-flattering facelift, is still a very fine motor car.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“In most regards, the Mercedes-Benz C-class is right up there with the best in its class, including the BMW 3-series. But if you don’t require quite as much space, the Audi A3 saloon is worth a look too because it will be cheaper to run, while the Jaguar XE is more fun to drive, if not as comfortable.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-class estate may not be the biggest estate car on the market, but it certainly impresses with its stylish interior and smart exterior. If it’s a more dynamic drive that you are after, the BMW 3-series Touring is worth a look.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“Meet the new C-Class, same as the old C-Class: comfy, techy and classy.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“Classy, sensible and easy to live with. Not the most exciting small estate on sale, but possibly the most well-rounded.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate offers plenty of style and badge presence, but there are bigger, more practical and cheaper premium alternatives, such as the Audi A4 Avant and Volvo V60, which deliver better all-round packages.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mercedes C-Class looks swish and the diesels are very fuel efficient.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2014
Date expired: January 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 77%
Safety assist: 70%

Notes on safety rating

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used C-Class to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel C 220d automatic

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 7 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.7 / 10

Model tested: C 220d 4Matic diesel automatic

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.3 / 10

Please note that the above rating only applies to the Mercedes-Benz C 220d 2.0-litre diesel automatic with 4Matic all-wheel drive. Other engines and gearboxes have not yet been tested, so check back soon.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 926
Average repair cost: £588.47
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a reliability score that’s bang-on average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the generation of C-Class shown here and older (pre-2014) version, in saloon, coupé and convertible (Cabriolet) bodystyles.

More than a third of all reported problems with the C-Class relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of £500. The other area to look out for is the suspension, which accounts for more than a fifth of repair claims. Again, the average bill for these was about £500. Gearbox problems are (unsurprisingly) the most expensive, with an average repair price of £1,600, but fortunately they appear to be relatively rare.

If you’re looking at a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	39 mpg	D	35 – 42 mpg	D – D
Diesel models	50 mpg	B	44 – 55 mpg	B – C
Plug-in hybrid models	196 mpg	A	149 – 235 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	165 g/km	C	151 – 181 g/km	B – C
Diesel models	149 g/km	B	131 – 168 g/km	A – C
Plug-in hybrid models	36 g/km	A	31 – 43 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	33 miles	E	27 – 35 miles	E – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	36	C	28 – 50	B – F

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The plug-in hybrid model may look very good on paper, but that’s mainly because the official UK/EU government lab test are pretty useless for measuring plug-in hybrids. There are no real-world driving circumstances where you will get 196 miles from a gallon (4.5 litres) of petrol and some electricity…

We don’t have servicing costs for the C-Class due to its age, but Mercedes-Benz dealers tend to be pretty expensive.