Mercedes C-Class review - Interior, design and technology
The interior quality and on-board tech in the Mercedes C-Class is simply stunning
With serious competition from stylish SUVs and the clean-sheet designs of modern all-electric rivals turning the heads of potential buyers, Mercedes decided that a significant overhaul was necessary in order to keep up the appeal of its compact executive car.
Based on a heavily reworked version of the previous model’s Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, the latest C-Class is bigger than before, although it has a lower roofline which helps to create a more purposeful, sportier stance. It’s a good looking car that takes design cues from its bigger E-Class sibling, such as the twin power bulges in the bonnet and the stronger shoulder lines.
It’s a look which should hold your attention and hopefully draw you to the interior, where the real improvements are clear to see. Plush materials and a first-class fit and finish to the cabin feel suitably premium, while the view forward from the driver’s seat is like sitting in a junior S-Class limo. The clean dashboard layout is dominated by a huge 11.9-inch infotainment screen, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument display is standard for all models.
Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, the Dynamic Select drive mode system, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a reversing camera and a wireless smartphone charging function.
Used - available now
2021 Mercedes
C Class
31,655 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £17,335
2019 Mercedes
C Class
67,917 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L
Cash £16,003
2020 Mercedes
C Class
26,861 milesManualPetrol1.6L
Cash £16,103
2019 Mercedes
C Class
57,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L
Cash £17,197The AMG Line specification is now the entry point into the range, but it’s still where most executive buyers will put their money because, as with BMW’s M Sport trim, it’s become a bit of a badge of honour in the company car park. The 18-inch AMG alloys, body kit, rear privacy glass and chrome accents generate a subtly aggressive look for the C-Class.
Upgrading to the Premium and Premium Plus versions adds bigger 19-inch wheels and extra tech such as a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display and four-zone climate control, along with a panoramic sunroof.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The latest MBUX set-up in the C-Class borrows tech from the S-Class limousine and even in this company, it feels incredibly slick. The 11.9-inch portrait display is standard on all models and it looks fantastic.
Functions are displayed three at a time on the intuitive main menu, with further options available by swiping left or right on the responsive touchscreen. Sat-nav destinations are easy to input thanks to a large on-screen keyboard, and routes load faster than in either rival. While there aren’t any physical climate controls, the large on-screen keys are easy to read, so it isn't too fiddly to adjust.
If you get lost in a deep sub-menu, the home page shortcut remains on screen, so it’s easy to get back out.
A driving-assist button is one of few physical keys, so you can toggle between various systems quickly.
