Mercedes-Benz C-Class - All You Need To Know

Mercedes-Benz C-Class - All You Need To Know

What is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class? The C-Class is Mercedes鈥?answer to the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. 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. 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? Like everything in this class, there is an enormous range of engines available in the Mercedes C-Class. Everything from modest four-cylinder engines, through bigger six-cylinder units, to diesels and the AMG V6 and V8. That鈥檚 across four different body styles, too. You can have your C-Class as a Saloon, Estate, Coupe or Cabriolet.

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. Plug-in hybrids have been available at times, but EQ-branded models with more electric range and cleverer hybrid systems are due before long. What are the Mercedes-AMG C 43 and C 63? Want a fast C-Class? 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. The latest C-Class was the first Mercedes to use the Modular Rear Architecture platform when it was launched in 2014. It shed 100kg versus its predecessor, thanks to an emphasis on lightweight aluminium. The C-Class followed the S-Class with a new minimalistic and curvaceous styling language. While handsome, many find it difficult telling the core Mercedes saloons apart, especially now the similarly-styled E-Class has joined them. Inside, the C-Class does differ further from the S-Class, but not in a good way. An awkward jutting screen protrudes from the dashboard, though it鈥檚 now larger, with Mercedes鈥?new user interface for the facelift.

The latest A-Class Hatchback actually has a much nicer-looking, premium-feeling cabin. How does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class drive? If you鈥檙e 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鈥檛 change with the current car - especially with the optional air suspension. For optimal comfort, avoid opting for bigger wheels. It鈥檚 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鈥檚 roughly 拢1,500 more than the 3 Series, and 拢2,000 more than the A4. Nothing else will do if you鈥檙e 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. It鈥檚 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. Find out what C-Class drivers think of their Mercedes? Find out with our user-generated owners鈥?reviews. February 2014 - New C-Class available to order in 2.0-litre petrol C 200 and 2.1-litre C 220 BlueTec diesel options, with a choice of SE, Sport and AMG Line trims. Deliveries expected in June.