Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes C220 CDI

New entry-level Executive SE version of the Mercedes C-Class gets more kit and styling tweaks

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes C-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The C-Class faces very stiff competition from the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, but this new basic trim level proves that Mercedes can do value for money. It comes loaded with kit that similarly priced rivals don’t have. Plus, it makes a good case for itself versus costlier C-Class models, thanks to its fantastic ride quality and low emissions.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There have been some changes to the Mercedes C-Class line-up, including the introduction of a new entry-level Executive SE trim that replaces the previous SE. But this is more than a name change: Mercedes has added more kit, too.

That means the most basic C-Class you can buy now comes with a sports grille, LED daytime running lights, new 16-inch alloy wheels and imitation leather seats. All of that comes for only £35 more than the outgoing SE, so our C220 CDI Executive SE saloon sells for £28,305.

Aside from the extra kit, Mercedes has also made the dials a little easier to read and the indicator stalk simpler to use by moving it further from the cruise control stalk.

But the changes end there, and despite the generous equipment list, the Executive SE’s interior looks a bit bland, with too much dark plastic.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

C Class

2018 Mercedes

C Class

88,500 milesAutomaticDiesel2.1L

Cash £10,980
View C Class
C Class

2018 Mercedes

C Class

96,010 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £10,495
View C Class
C Class

2015 Mercedes

C Class

80,500 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £8,444
View C Class
C Class

2020 Mercedes

C Class

63,344 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £18,210
View C Class

Mercedes hasn’t made any changes to the way the C-Class drives, so buyers can expect the same great all-round ability that has made it so popular.

The C220 CDI is powered by a 2.1-litre 168bhp diesel engine and comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. Even without the impressive optional seven-speed automatic fitted, there’s enough torque from the diesel engine to make sure you’re not constantly shifting up and down through the gears. There’s plenty of punch, too, with the 0-62mph sprint taking only 8.1 seconds.

While the 16-inch wheels on the Executive SE look a bit small, they do wonders for ride comfort. A C-Class with larger wheels is sometimes jittery on rough roads, but the Executive SE seems to float over them and makes short work of speed bumps and potholes.

It’s worth noting that the small wheels reduce CO2 emissions to 116g/km; the car emits 133g/km on 18-inch wheels.

It all goes to show there’s absolutely nothing wrong with opting for the most basic C-Class you can buy – in fact, there are some very good reasons why you should. And although it costs £35 more than the old SE trim level, it’s predicted to retain over five per cent more of its value when you sell it.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes C Class

Mercedes C Class

RRP £35,490Used from £14,197
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £5,448 off RRP*Used from £11,895
BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

RRP £52,285Avg. savings £7,414 off RRP*Used from £18,516
Audi A6

Audi A6

RRP £39,640Avg. savings £7,388 off RRP*Used from £15,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025