The Mercedes C-Class may be a pricey option for car buyers, with even the most affordable model weighing in at over £27,000. However, even this entry-level version has more than enough equipment along with strong fuel economy and punchy performance, making it a surprisingly good value option. As a result this Mercedes saloon is the 10th bestselling car on sale in the UK.
Here we look at which Mercedes C-Class models are the most appealing to those buying a Mercedes on a shoestring, those after the most car for their money, along with buyers who have more to spend on their next car.
The smart choice for those on a budget: C200 SE – £27,270
The C200 SE may be the entry-level model, but it is also one of the wisest buys in the C-Class range. With a turbocharged petrol motor under the bonnet this version sprints to 62mph in a speedy 7.5 seconds, though fuel economy is surprisingly good, courtesy of a claimed figure of 53.3mpg. Even annual car tax is affordable, with CO2 emissions of 123g/km warranting an annual bill of £110.
The list of standard equipment is also long, with 16-inch alloy wheels, comfort-oriented suspension, automatic wipers and a handy reversing camera all included in the price. This car also has artificial leather upholstery along with a seven-inch media system which includes a digital radio.
The smart choice for value for money: C200 BlueTEC Sport – £30,980
Though the C200 petrol is the most affordable C-Class, the C200 BlueTEC Sport diesel makes a strong case as offering even better value. This model may have less power, taking 9.7 seconds to make its way from a standstill to 62mph, though economy is even more impressive, with the car returning a claimed figure of 72.4mpg. Car tax is similarly affordable, with CO2 emissions of 102g/km putting it into the £20 per year band.
Sport trim also adds a raft of extra equipment over the SE model above. With 17-inch alloy wheels and lowered suspension the Sport looks sharper than the cheaper model, while sports seats should support those in the front better around corners. Powerful LED headlights and a park assist system should make it easier to drive too, while heated front seats and a Garmin sat nav system add a sense of luxury. The rear seats also fold down for added practicality.
The smart choice for technophiles: C220 BlueTEC AMG Line auto – £34,770
Those with more to spend, however, may want to consider this model, which offers even stronger acceleration than the models above, along with good fuel economy and a long list of standard kit. With a 168bhp diesel engine under the bonnet, mated to an automatic gearbox, this car sprints to 62mph in a quick 7.4 seconds, while still being capable of 65.7mpg – meaning that fuel bills should be low. Car tax also weighs in at a mere £20 per year too.
What sets AMG Line cars apart, though, is their sporty stance, which comes courtesy of 18-inch alloy wheels and lowered sports suspension, plus an AMG bodykit, which gives the C-Class added visual punch. Performance brakes and AMG front sports seats mean that this Mercedes should be able to live up to its sporty looks, with an artificial leather dashboard adding a feeling of luxury.
