Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (08 on) - Review

Review by Matthew Proud on
Last Updated: 25 March 2009
The C-Class is a roomy, premium estate with high levels of comfort, safety and equipment. Competition is tough and its main alternatives are BMW’s versatile 3-Series Touring and Audi’s popular A4 Avant. However, the C-Class stands up well to both. It blends potent performance and good looks with interior refinement and a big boot. There’s a wide choice of engine, trim and transmission combinations available. It’s evident that Mercedes-Benz has thought the design through well and there are many practical solutions that make C-Class easy to live with, it's a shame then that the cabin lacks the upmarket feel you'd expect of a car with this price tag.
4.5 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

4 out of 5

Safety

The estate hasn't been crash tested separately by Euro NCAP but it should perform similarly to the five-star C-Class saloon. The body shell is stronger than the previous estate, so occupants are better protected in the event of a collision. All models have seven airbags on board (twin front, side and curtain airbags plus a driver’s kneebag). Other safety features include the standard ‘Pre-Safe’ system – which prepares the car and passengers if it detects an accident is imminent – and optional intelligent lights which adapt to different driving conditions.

NCAP Test

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4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Like the previous model, the estate shouldn’t cause its owners any major problems. Only tens of thousands of miles will prove how well-made it really is, but C-Class certainly feels strong. Interior materials are robust and should withstand wear-and-tear.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.