Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007 – 2014) Review

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007 – 2014) At A Glance

4/5

+A big improvement on the previous C-Class. Feels well built and robust. Very comfortable and refined. High quality ride. Good CDI diesels.

-Looks are heavy rather than svelte and graceful. Interior isn't very inviting. Steering is precise but lacks feel. Timing chains failing regularly on C180 CGI engines.

Insurance Groups are between 28–50
On average it achieves 83% of the official MPG figure

Image goes a long way when it comes to selling cars. Just ask Mercedes-Benz. The famous three-pointed star still holds immense stature among the public and remains one of the most desirable brands to own. Stature doesn't last forever though and in the 1990s Mercedes-Benz was in danger of losing its reputation for build quality and solid engineering with various rust problems and electric issues.

All credit to Mercedes-Benz though because the firm identified the problems and has come back brighter and better. And most crucially, it's image hasn't been seriously damaged, although that said, there are still plenty of former Mercedes-Benz owners who won't be buying another one. Which is a shame because as the C-Class shows, the brand has gone back to its roots and is once again producing cars that are well built and robust.

The styling has improved too and the new Mercedes-Benz design has a far stronger identity to it than previously with sharp lines and neat angles. The same goes for the interior with a robust and solid touch to everything plus a logical layout, although it's perhaps not as appealing as other executive models like the Audi A4. But it does feel it could go 500,000 miles in 10 years without anything going wrong.

Where the C-Class doesn't quite live up to expectations is the handling and steering. For all the Mercedes-Benz talk of dynamics and agility, it's not as sharp as a you'd expect and the steering is too light and artificial. But when it comes to ride quality, the C-Class is incredibly accomplished and refined. And it's these two words which really sum up this high quality saloon beautifully.

In March 2011 the C-Class was facelifted with a sharper look on the outside plus interior upgrades. However the biggest changes came under the bonnet with turbochargers replacing superchargers on the petrol engines, improvements of up to 31 per cent in fuel economy and the addition of an ECO start/stop function as standard. The most economical model - the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY - was made even more frugal and now averages a claimed 58.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 117g/km.

Mercedes Benz C-Class 2007 Road Test

Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate 2008 Road Test

Mercedes Benz C-Class C220 CDI BlueEfficiency 2011 Road Test

Mercedes C63 AMG Edition 507 2014 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007 – 2014)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

83%

Real MPG

13–64 mpg

MPGs submitted

1121

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Should I buy a used Mercedes-Benz for £3,000?

"How reliable is a used Mercedes-Benz if you are on a sub-£3,000 budget? I'm thinking of buying a used 2006 Mercedes-Benz C Class C220 CDI Classic SE 4dr Auto"
Used premium cars at this price range will be heavily worn and nearing the end of their mechanical life. You may get lucky and find a good one that will give you five or six years of trouble-free motoring, but older diesels are more expensive to fix than petrols. And all of the repair and maintenance costs will be reflective of the car's price when new (£30,000) and not £3,000.
Answered by Dan Powell

Will a spoiler affect the value of my Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

"Can you advise if the rear boot spoiler I’ve fitted to my 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will reduce the price offered on a trade-in or sale?"
Depends on the size and style of the spoiler. If the dealer/buyer deems it to be undesirable then they will need to remove it and will factor the fees for this in the trade-in/sale value. Likewise, if the fitment of the spoiler has scratched or damaged the paintwork then this will also affect the trade-in price.
Answered by Dan Powell

Does my car need a full annual service?

"My Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2011 has done 38,000 miles, should I get the full service or not? "
Given the low mileage, I'd argue the annual service (12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first) is more important than ever as the garage will check the tyres, suspension, steering and fluid levels.
Answered by Dan Powell

Should I use a main dealer or specialist for a service?

"My 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250 is due a service. As it is now nearly 10 years old, is it worthwhile servicing at the main dealer, or would a specialist be better? I will most likely plan to sell my car within a year, so would not servicing at the main dealer impact its value? "
If the car has a 10-year dealer-stamped service history then it would be unwise to have it serviced outside of the dealer network prior to selling it. A premium car with a comprehensive history will always be more desirable than one that's been serviced outside of the dealer network. And an enthusiast will be more than willing to pay the full asking price if you can prove the car has been maintained to Mercedes-Benz standards throughout its life. Regards, Dan
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007 – 2014) cost?