The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a medium-sized saloon and estate model. The current generation was launched in 2014 and was updated in 2018. The current C-Class is the latest in a long line of premium smaller saloons from Mercedes-Benz.
The C-Class is also available in coupé and convertible body styles, and there are high-performance models from Mercedes-AMG. We are currently building separate pages for all these versions, so check back soon.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has received generally good scores from across the UK media, although its Expert Rating has fallen behind the Audi A4 and Volvo S60/V60 twins in recent months, and is well down on the class-leading BMW 3 Series. It is particularly praised for its interior design and comfort, although the BMW 3 Series remains a better car for keen drivers.
More Mercedes-Benz news, reviews, features and offers
Body style: Mid-sized saloon and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, hybrid
Price: From £30,520 on-road
Launched: Summer 2014
Last updated: Autumn 2018
Replacement due: approx. 2022






MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

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: 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: 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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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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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
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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Which?
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 6.7 / 10
“Inferior to BMW’s 3 Series.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 6.9 / 10
“Comfort-biased premium estate.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2014
ECO RATING
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: C 220d 4Matic diesel automatic
Date tested: July 2019
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.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has received
2019
- Honest John Awards – Compact Premium Car of the Year
2018
- Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Executive Car
- Honest John Awards – Compact Premium Car of the Year
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Company Car
2017
- BusinessCar Awards – Best Premium Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Self-Parking Car
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