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Mercedes C-Class review - Reliability and safety

Mercedes offers exceptional standard safety kit for the C-Class, while customer feedback is improving

Reliability and safety rating

4.2

How we review cars
RRP
£45,895 £105,975
Pros
  • Improved on-board tech
  • Plug-in hybrid option
  • Cabin quality
Cons
  • Can be expensive to run
  • Bigger wheels affect ride comfort
  • Smaller boot than some rivals
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The C-Class was tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, and it achieved a full five-star safety rating. A wide range of standard safety equipment helped towards this score, with all C-Class models featuring a blind spot monitoring system, lane-keeping assistance, an autonomous emergency braking function and Attention Assist which detects driver fatigue on a longer journey and alerts you to take a break. 

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Mercedes has also taken pedestrian safety into account by fitting its Active Bonnet tech to the C-Class: if an imminent collision is detected, the bonnet raises up to create a cushion between itself and the engine, helping to prevent injury to the pedestrian.

Mercedes won't be happy with a disappointing 23rd place finish in our 2022 Driver Power best brands survey, particularly after an encouraging 13th position achieved the previous year. The C-Class didn’t feature in the latest best cars to own survey, with the A-Class hatchback the highest ranking Mercedes model, in 30th place.

Warranty

Mercedes offers a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty for its C-Class, with an option to take out extended cover for a further 12 or 24 months at extra cost. Alternatively, a one-month rolling contract is also available.

Servicing

The Mercedes ServiceCare plan allows you to spread servicing costs into monthly payments, or settled upfront as a one-off payment. Prices start from £38 per month.

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