The elegantly-styled C-Class is a genuine contender in the face of tough competition

The Mercedes C-Class, the smallest of the brothers in Mercedes’ executive saloon range, has remained popular with its buyers since its introduction in 1993. Today, the C-Class faces incredibly tough competition, with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Jaguar XE, and Lexus IS offering viable alternatives to customers shopping for a plush motorway cruiser. Where the C-Class really stands out from its rivals is in its iconic prestige exterior and an incredibly well-designed cabin. This Mercedes is a car with a real touch of class.

Recent Updates

Since the update in 2014, Mercedes has added an incredibly efficient, environmentally-friendly diesel-hybrid model that will appeal to the thrifty, planet-conscious buyers.

A true touch of luxury, the inside is where the C-Class really stands out from the crowd

Interior

The most impressive part of the C-Class is, without a doubt, its interior. With exceptional materials, easy-to-use ergonomic design, and a quality infotainment system, the C-Class is the leader of the pack.

The cabin of the C-Class is, ultimately, a pleasure to be in. Spacious, with good build quality, and a good infotainment system, a used C-Class is for those who value that touch of luxury in their life.

As you settle into the cabin of your C-Class, you’ll be immediately struck by the quality of materials on show. Everything feels incredibly solid, without being clunky. There’s also high-grade brushed metals throughout the range giving it a modern, contemporary that look you might not expect from a Mercedes. And, if you go all out for the AMG model, you’ll even get a quality-feeling faux leather dashboard. Whichever used C-Class model you choose, the interior of your used C-Class will be one of the best in its class. For those who value a touch of luxury, this is the compact executive saloon to go for.

Capacity

With all C-Class models getting a 480-litre flat-load boot, you shouldn’t ever be short of space either. Compared to other cars in its class, the C-Class exhibits similar levels of storage room. So, whether you’re taking the kids and their equipment to their sports club, bringing home the wine from the supermarket, or simply going to the golf club, you’ll not run into any issues with a used C-Class.

Equipment

Equipment levels in the C-Class are as you’d expect from a Mercedes - pretty impressive. All models come with a top-mounted 7-inch screen, controlled by a touchpad mounted between both seats. There are two infotainment systems in the C-Class range. Strangely, those on more expensive cars are slightly harder to use. The Sport and AMG models both use a Garmin system that can be a little difficult at times. The standard Mercedes infotainment system is, however, a pleasure. With this, you can make good use of the DAB digital radio, Sat Nav, and USB sockets that come as standard throughout the range.

Smooth, sophisticated ride quality makes the C-Class a great cruiser

Compared to its rivals, the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4, the C-Class isn’t quite so nimble and responsive. What it does do, however, is offer drivers a smooth ride - perfect for those long motorway trips.

Suspension and Chassis

One thing we would recommend is to try and find a used C-Class with the Airmatic suspension option. Whilst the C-Class without this is still comfortable, the Airmatic suspension adds agility and cushioning at high speed, which most drivers will appreciate. Even without this option, though, the chassis feels solid. There is, however, very mild understeer whilst cornering but you’d expect from a front-wheel drive car and, for most people, this won’t be an issue.

Transmission

There are essentially two gearbox options in the C-Class, a 6-speed manual, and a 7-speed G-Tronic automatic. For most cars in the range, there is the option of both. But in the upper echelons of the C250d and the C300h hybrid, the only option is the 7-speed auto. This isn’t a disadvantage, as it’s a very good gearbox. As is the 6-speed manual. Both are smooth, easy-to-use, and responsive.

Class leading options, quality diesel engines, and unusually for this class, an environmentally friendly diesel-hybrid

When it comes to how you want to power your C-Class, you have three options. Petrol, Diesel, and Diesel-Hybrid. With the latter, you’ll get class-leading efficiency, paired with a low carbon footprint.

Best Performance

For the petrolheads out there, there really is only one option. The C63 AMG. With 476 hp and 650 Nm of torque, this model will have you flying from 0-62 mph in just a slither over 4 seconds. This is supercar-rivalling power and speed. For those who still want power, but not at such an earth-shattering level, the C250d provides a very useable 204 hp, and an incredible 500 Nm of torque. This will take you from 0-62 mph in just 6.6 seconds.

Best Efficiency

If you're more motivated by environmental concerns, Mercedes gives us the diesel-hybrid C300h. This is an engine that tops all its rivals. Producing only 94 g/km of C02 emissions, and offering an amazing 78.5 mpg, this model will save you money both on fuel, and road tax. Throughout the range (AMG aside), the engines Mercedes offers are all pretty planet-friendly. Even the powerful C250d only produces 109 g/km.

Whichever engine choice you go for in your used C-Class, whether petrol, diesel, or hybrid, you can be guaranteed a good balance of performance and economy.

Full marks in NCAP safety tests and a great deal of safety equipment as standard

Like most cars in its class, the Mercedes C-Class reached the highest possible 5-star NCAP safety rating. Whilst it doesn’t quite stand up to its rivals, the Audi A4, and the BMW 3 Series, in certain areas, the C-Class is still a car that has quality safety credentials. Fitted as standard with adaptive brake assist, a collision prevention program, and dual-stage airbags that are located throughout the cabin, you and your family can feel safe no matter what situation you find yourself in.

Low running costs, provided you avoid new-car depreciation

For a car of such quality and prestige, the C-Class is surprisingly cheap to run. Obviously, just how cheap varies from model to model, but supercar beating C63 AMG aside, the running costs of a used C-Class are sure to leave you pleasantly surprised. Nearly every model falls into the lowest three bands of car tax, and even the most popular engine choices, such as the C220d, offer up to 83.1 mpg.

Insurance

In terms of insurance groups, again, it depends on upon which model you go for. The cheapest car in the range is the C200d SE, with group 24 insurance. This ranges up to the understandably expensive C63 AMG at group 47. Whilst these might not be the cheapest, they are on a similar plain to its closest rivals.

Depreciation

Depreciation is a factor to consider with the Mercedes C-Class, but only if you choose to buy from new. With first year depreciation as high as high as ever, you’re better off opting for an inspected used equivalent.

The Mercedes C-Class is certainly an option to consider when buying a used compact executive saloon, especially for those who want a car to be especially luxurious. With a wide range of economical engines and a high-quality finish, a used C-Class will impress both your pocket, and your friends.

Buying a used Mercedes C-Class online with Carspring

If you’re after a used Mercedes C-Class for sale, it can all feel like a bit of an ordeal. What, with long days spent around gigantic car supermarkets, or time spent trawling through classified websites, looking for that ideal used C-Class. Carspring makes it simple. Buy your next used Mercedes C-Class online with the touch of a button. Simply decide on the model you want and choose how you want to pay.

Looking to finance your used Mercedes C-Class? Not a problem, we work with our carefully selected finance partners to ensure that, if you’re paying monthly for your used Mercedes, you know you’re getting the best rates. What’s more, with any Carspring used C-Class, you also get our 14-day money-back guarantee and 6 months’ free Carspring Warranty. Plus, you don’t have to leave your home. We’ll deliver your used Mercedes to you at a time and place of your choice.

*This is an approximate figure based on the range of the car’s list price and the AA’s average 1st-year depreciation cost of 40%.