Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Review 2024

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate has become an established part of the German marque’s range, offering a compelling combination of style, luxury and practicality. This latest, fifth-generation model is at the cutting edge of technology, but the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant offer more competition than ever before.

Launched in 2021, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is one of the newest options in the executive estate car market. This sets the bar high in terms of expectation, but the C-Class Estate is a strong contender, packed with plenty of technology.

The main rivals for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate are the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant. Compared with when the original C-Class Estate debuted in 1993, its German rivals have moved further upmarket. The rise of the SUV has also provided the C-Class Estate with a host of new competitors, including an in-house rival in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Buyers opting for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate over the equivalent four-door saloon will be in need of extra practicality. Mercedes-Benz has delivered here, with the C-Class Estate boasting an extra 35 litres of luggage space versus the C-Class saloon.

The 490 litres of boot space on offer is almost identical to the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant. However, it sees the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate lag behind the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, which can accommodate 550 litres of luggage.

Space inside the rest of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is relatively generous, with four adults able to travel in comfort. Squeezing a third person onto the rear bench may lead to tense conversations, though.

The only downside to the interior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate are trim materials that don’t match with its upmarket image. Plastics used in the lower-half of the cabin feel decidedly sub-premium, and would not be found in the equivalent BMW or Audi.

At least there is plenty of impressive technology, such as the standard 11.9-inch MBUX multimedia touchscreen. This includes satellite navigation and smartphone integration, although the steering wheel-mounted touchpads used to control it can be confusing at first.

Mercedes-Benz now offers the C-Class solely with four-cylinder engines. Most buyers are unlikely to be troubled by this, though, as all the diesel and petrol options are smooth and refined.

The diesel duo will both be perfect for drivers making regular long journeys, with the Mercedes-Benz C300d the standout choice. A power output of 265PS means brisk performance, yet it is still capable of an impressive 52.3mpg.

Both petrol engines are also relatively economical, but the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz C300e will strongly appeal to company car drivers. It can travel up to 65 miles on battery power alone, and achieves an amazing (albeit not particularly realistic) 470mpg in official tests. A combined output of 313PS makes it quick, too.

For more performance, there are two Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic models. These combine all-wheel drive with a 408PS turbocharged four-cylinder engine, plus a 0-62mph time of just 4.7 seconds.

There is a definite bias towards comfort and luxury when driving the C-Class Estate, with Mercedes-Benz pitching its wagon somewhere between the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant for dynamism and driver engagement.

Other than the C300e hybrid, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate come with sports suspension, but the car remains a refined motorway cruiser.

Overall, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate places its focus on comfort, technology and efficient engines. It may not be the most involving car to drive, and the cabin isn’t perfect, but this will be a very easy and comfortable car to live with.

Luggage capacity is the core reason to choose an estate car over a saloon, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class naturally offers more boot space than the four-door version. With the rear seats in place, it can accommodate 490 litres of luggage, although this does drop to 360 litres in the C300e hybrid model.

Folding the rear seats boosts this to 1510 litres (or 1375 for the C300e). These figures come very close to the Audi A4 Avant, and are just behind the BMW 3 Series Touring. That said, a Skoda Superb Estate delivers far more luggage space for less money.

Room for those in the front of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is generous, aided by seats that offer plenty of adjustment. Even the tallest drivers are unlikely to have any complaints.

Rear-seat accommodation is a touch tighter, not helped by the bulky transmission tunnel. Attempting to wedge three adults across the back bench could result in a mutiny. Two rear passengers will be optimal, with plenty of legroom and headroom, even with the optional panoramic sunroof. 

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate will impress with modern design, cool features and even ambient lighting. However, start digging around and you will discover that the cabin’s beauty is only skin-deep in places.

The lower-half of the interior seems to have been subject to radical cost-cutting, with cheap plastics and buttons that feel second-rate. It is not terrible but it is disappointing, particularly given the car’s premium price tag.

Mercedes-Benz has made a real effort in recent years to ensure its infotainment systems can compete with the likes of BMW iDrive and Audi’s MMI setup. The result is the Mercedes‐Benz User Experience (MBUX), which can be operated via voice commands, through touchpads on the steering wheel, or via the touchscreen itself.

Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate comes equipped with a 11.9-inch MBUX central touchscreen in a portrait layout, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The touchscreen itself looks particularly sharp, and is quick to respond to inputs. It’s just a shame the touchpads on the steering wheel are confusing to use – making voice commands or swiping the touchscreen preferable instead. BMW’s iDrive rotary controller is far easier to use when driving.

Despite these frustrations, the MBUX system is packed with useful features, such as satellite navigation and smartphone integration. Connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included.

Cars in AMG Line Premium trim and above gain augmented reality software for the navigation system, overlaying real-world camera images with directional instructions. Going for the AMG Line Premium Plus model adds a head-up display, along with a powerful Burmester sound system.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is a premium vehicle, and list prices reflect this. An entry-level, but still well equipped, petrol C200 in AMG Line specification costs just over £47,000 at the time of writing. The equivalent C200d diesel requires in excess of £48,000.

Moving up the range sees prices for the AMG Line Premium model start from just over £50,000, while the AMG Line Premium Plus costs from £54,000.

By comparison, prices for the BMW 3 Series Touring start from less than £42,000, with the Audi A4 Avant cheaper still – at less than £38,000. This is all relative, though, as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is likely to hold its value better, and comes with more equipment.

Although the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is quite expensive to buy, its running costs can be very affordable – aided by engine options that all boast commendable efficiency.

All engines come with mild-hybrid technology, including the C220d and C300d diesels. The C220d can officially average up to 60.1mpg, while the more powerful C300d is still capable of 52.3mpg.

The two petrol engines are respectable in terms of fuel economy. Opting for the C200 means an average of 42.2mpg in the official WLTP test. The C300 only makes a small dent in this average, with a combined figure of 41.5mpg.

The plug-in hybrid C300e boasts the most impressive fuel consumption figure. On the official WLTP cycle, it records an incredible 470.8mpg. This is, of course, dependent on keeping the lithium-ion battery topped up, otherwise fuel consumption will increase dramatically. When fully charged, the C300e can cover up to 65 miles on battery power alone.

When it comes to company car tax costs, the C300e is also the clear winner in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate range. With CO2 emissions of just 13g/km, the C300e has a Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rating of just eight percent. In comparison, the other models span a range from 29 percent to 37 percent.

Every Mercedes-Benz comes with a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty, which is common to premium German brands. Buyers can opt for the Service Care package, allowing the cost of the first four services to be guaranteed and paid for upfront.

Mercedes-Benz has designed the C-Class Estate with a focus on comfort and refinement. Despite this, almost all UK-specification cars come equipped with sports suspension with selective dampers. This sees the car lowered by 15mm, but does not ruin its ride comfort.

There is a definite tautness to how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate absorbs bumps, and larger 19-inch wheels certainly make the ride feel busier. Overall, though, it remains a refined option for motorway cruising.

The plug-in hybrid C300e comes with its own bespoke comfort setup, including air suspension at the rear. This is used to offset the extra weight of the lithium-ion battery pack.

Compared with the Audi A4 Avant, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate boasts more accurate steering. However, it does feel light, and there is less feedback you’d enjoy when driving a BMW 3 Series Touring.

Mercedes-Benz has given the C-Class Estate a strong range of engines, all of which blend performance and refinement. Each one is combined with rear-wheel drive, with 4Matic all-wheel drive retained for AMG performance versions.

Every model in the range comes equipped with a 9G-Tronic Plus nine-speed automatic transmission. This is typically quick-shifting and smooth, although it can be caught out when you need to pull away from a junction in a hurry.

The C200 is the start of the petrol range, and uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This produces 204PS, and can accelerate the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds. As an entry-level engine, it is likely to be all most buyers need.

For more petrol performance, the C300 comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This boosts power output to 258PS, cutting the 0-62mph time to 6.0 seconds. Top speed is increased to 155mph, too.

First in the diesel range is the C220d, which features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 197PS. An accompanying 440Nm of torque allows for 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, and considerable overtaking ability.

Maximum diesel performance is found in the C300d, which uses a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. With 265PS, and a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds, it is the C-Class Estate that accelerates the quickest.

Combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, the C300e delivers a combined 313PS. It produces the same 550Nm of torque as the C300d, but the extra weight of the batteries limits the 0-62mph time to 6.2 seconds. It makes for an enticing combination of performance and electrified driving.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is one of the safest cars in its class, thanks to its maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating. In crash tests, it achieved an impressive 93 percent for adult occupant protection, along with 89 percent for child occupants.

Standard safety equipment includes a host of airbags, including one between the front seats to keep the driver and passenger protected in side impacts. Active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist and active brake assist are just some of the standard safety features.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate could be a commendable choice for towing, thanks to its increased practicality compared to the saloon version. All models, including the plug-in hybrid C300e, are capable of pulling braked trailers and caravans up to 1800kg in weight.

However, the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is more capable still, being able to haul up to 2500kg.

All models in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate range are now versions of AMG Line specification, and all boast a comprehensive level of equipment.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate AMG Line comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG bodystyling, LED high performance headlights and a ‘power domes’ on the bonnet. Privacy glass is also included, with two visible exhaust tailpipes at the rear.

On the inside, the AMG Line version sees the dashboard finished in Artico artificial leather, with the same material used for the sports seats. The front seats are heated, and come with electrical adjustment – including four-way lumbar support.

A multifunction steering wheel is finished in Nappa leather, while there are AMG-branded floor mats and ambient lighting. The centre console and door inserts are finished in metal-weave trim.

Other features include dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Like all Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estates, there is an 11.9-inch MBUX multimedia display that offers satellite navigation and smartphone integration. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display is also fitted.

Moving up to AMG Line Premium spec adds more equipment. The alloy wheels are upgraded to 19-inch AMG items, while the headlights benefit from adaptive high-beam assistance.

The interior comes with heat and noise insulating acoustic glass, along with illuminated door sills. A dashcam is integrated into the MBUX infotainment system, whilst there is also augmented reality for the satellite navigation. The rear-view camera is upgraded to become a full 360-degree surround monitor.

At the top of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range is the AMG Line Premium Plus trim level.

This boasts a set of two-tone 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, plus a panoramic sunroof. On the inside is the same Artico artificial leather as found in the other models, but anthracite lime wood trim adds a classier finish to the centre console.

All models other than the C300e plug-in hybrid come with four-zone climate control air-con in Premium Plus guise, along with a head-up display. A Burmester 3D surround-sound system completes the package.