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.
5 out of 5

Safety

Mercedes-Benz is a pioneer in this area and the C-Class features a number of innovations that are also available on the larger E-Class and S-Class models, including seven airbags as standard and the option of the company's PRE-SAFE system which prepares the car for a crash by linking up the brake assist and electronic stability programme and tensions the seatbelts, adjusts the driver's seat position and closes the sunroof. No surprise therefore that the C-Class gained a maximum five star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

By its own admission, Mercedes-Benz’s standards have fallen in recent years and reliability hasn’t lived up to the company’s reputation. This C-Class is designed to address that and has had extensive development. It certainly feels well built as a result but the proof as to whether this has been successful will come with reports from buyers in our owners’ reviews section.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.