Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon (07 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 25 March 2009
Style is crucial among executive saloon buyers and it's no surprise that the C-Class is sleeker and sharper than before - with a hint of BMW 3-Series about it. Mercedes wants this generation of its saloon to appeal to younger buyers and this is evident in the neatly designed and unfussy interior. Good to drive, extremely comfortable and safer than ever, the Mercedes has a strong image and reputation behind it along with an excellent choice of petrol and diesel engines. The Audi A4 may be a better all-rounder but if you're after a premium saloon, the C-Class simply cannot be overlooked.
4.5 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

Pricing is at a similar level to the previous generation model - in fact you actually get more car for your money if you take into account the superior specification and safety equipment. The C-Class will hold onto its value better than the Audi A4 and about the same as a BMW 3-Series saloon. Fuel consumption - for both petrol and diesel engines is good, although customers of the top models will be in the higher bands for road tax. Servicing at Mercedes-Benz dealerships can be expensive, but the network of specialist independents is much more affordable.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,279 - £2,192 *

Diesel

£1,002 - £1,687 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

According to on-board computer.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £460.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    117
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    232
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The C-Class is relatively green and easy on the environment. With an average of 187g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are fairly standard for an executive saloon. Mercedes has introduced BlueEFFICIENCY - it's version of BMW's Efficient Dynamics - to the range. It's only available in the C180K model and means CO2 drops from 167g/km to 149g/km while economy improves from 40mpg to 45mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2