Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars for sale

Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

• What is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
• Available as a broad range of compact executive saloons, estates, coupes and convertibles, the C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's answer to the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. German rivals aside, it also faces competition from the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Jaguar XE and Lexus IS.
  
  In spite of arriving almost 20 years after the 3 Series, the C Class enjoys very nearly as much standing in its segment. At present, it spans four generations, with the first W202 model debuting in 1993 to replace the much-loved Mercedes 190 Series. At the spicy end of things, AMG-fettled C-Class models have always offered a blunt-instrument antidote to the surgical BMW M3.

• Which versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are available?
• Choosing which Mercedes C-Class to go for is the hard part given the enormity of the range of bodystyles, engines and trim levels. Everything from modest four-cylinder petrol engines, through diesels, plug-in hybrids and the AMG V6 and V8 seems to be available, although not all are available with every body option. Talking of the bodywork, there's a varied range of options available: a traditional four-door C-Class Saloon, a capacious C-Class Estate, a sleek C-Class Coupe and a soft-top C-Class Cabriolet.
  
  And, if you're a fan of Mercedes chassis codes or simply wan to bore your mates over a pint, they're respectively the W205, S205, C205 and A205. All bar the big-power models are available in SE, Sport or AMG-line specifications, with some engines also offered with 4Matic four-wheel drive. That comprehensive engine line-up currently consists of petrols in the guise of the C 180 (1.6, 156hp), C 200 (1.5, 184hp) and C 300 (2.0, 258hp), while the diesels are available as C 200 d (1.6, 160hp), C 220 d (2.0, 194hp) and C 300 d (2.0, 245hp). Joining the range in 2019 was the diesel/plug-in hybrid combination badged C 300 de, producing 306hp in total, but this is not available for two-door C-Classes.

• What are the Mercedes-AMG C 43 and C 63?
• Want a fast C-Class? Look no further than long-time Mercedes modifiers AMG, and the latest C 63. It comes with more than 500hp from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 if you get the fastest C 63 S. As above, it’s available in all four body styles.
  
  If the 63 is a bit too racy for you, Mercedes-AMG offers a ‘diet’ performance model in the C 43 – with 395hp from its V6. The C-Class is in the latter half of its life. Given the previous C 63 went out with a Black Series-flavoured bang, expect an even hotter C 63 before long, to help send off the current generation.

• What's under the skin?
• If you’re in either of the AMG models, very swiftly indeed. The diesel V6 will waft you along at commendable pace, too. The C-Class was well-engineered for this generation to be more competitive with sharp-driving rivals like the BMW 3 Series. The equivalent C-Class has always been considered to have a more luxurious edge, and that doesn’t change with the current car – especially with the optional air suspension.
  
  For optimal comfort, avoid opting for bigger wheels. It’s certainly a more stately and svelte drive than the agile and focused 3 Series, without feeling sloppy, though the steering is a little numb. The AMG models are far more alert these days, too. No longer the V8-powered sledgehammers they once were, they now have dynamic prowess to worry the BMW M3.

• How does the it drive?
• If you’re in either of the AMG models, very swiftly indeed. The diesel V6 will waft you along at commendable pace, too. The C-Class was well-engineered for this generation to be more competitive with sharp-driving rivals like the BMW 3 Series.
  
  The equivalent C-Class has always been considered to have a more luxurious edge, and that doesn’t change with the current car – especially with the optional air suspension. For optimal comfort, avoid opting for bigger wheels. It’s certainly a more stately and svelte drive than the agile and focused 3 Series, without feeling sloppy, though the steering is a little numb. The AMG models are far more alert these days, too. No longer the V8-powered sledgehammers they once were, they now have dynamic prowess to worry the BMW M3.

• How much does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost?
• The C-Class is typically more expensive than rivals from Audi and BMW. Out of the gates, it’s roughly £1,500 more than the 3 Series, and £2,000 more than the A4. Nothing else will do if you’re a three-pointed-star diehard, but for the rest of us, a premium is a premium.
  
  Then, of course, you have to pick the engine and spec you want, as well as the optional extras. Never is a starting price more deceptive than with German executive cars... It’s worth remembering that a lot of the Mercedes style and luxury seen here can also be had in a smaller, more up-to-date package, in the form of the new A-Class or CLA.