Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2014 - 2021)

4

C350e 2.0 Sport Premium Plus Auto 5dr Estate

reviewed by bikerdels on 31 March 2022
4
Overall rating
5
How it drives
4
Fuel economy
3
Tax/Insurance/Warranty costs
3
Cost of maintenance and repairs
4
Experience at the dealership
5
How practical it is
5
How you rate the manufacturer
5
Overall reliability

Does exactly what I bought it for, with style and pace

I travel a lot of very short trips (<5 miles) and I needed an estate car with a lot of space. Having explored the various petrol hybrid options I opted for the Mercedes due to its level of comfort, capacity (for dogs especially) and ease of entry for an elderly friend who we see daily.
Despite being initially disappointed at the "real-world" electric only capacity, it still serves a purpose and I visit the fuel pumps once every 6 weeks or so. I had the battery checked as it was advertised as having a 19-mile electric-only range and I was achieving less than half that on most occasions. It seems that, if taken on a long run, the indicated e/o range increases when showing a full level of charge.

Things I could do without the following: Mercedes servicing costs, lane assist, park assist, driving height adjustment, and the many options for driving modes. These could be useful for London commuting, ensuring battery is fully charged when you arrive in the congestion zone, but in reality, the car is left in hybrid mode 99% of the time!
Best bits: terrific 0-60, near-silent driving, automatic main beam (Intelligent LED System)*, comfortable ride, loads of room for all passengers, keyless entry and ignition, foot-operated automatic tailgate and the linguatronic system (although it takes a while to get to grips with it!).

Only concern is that the depreciation is steep and could get worse with increased efficiency of battery technology. Bought on PCP with 2 more years to go. Will I buy it at the end...probably not as full electric will probably be the better way to go for my purposes. Meanwhile, I am thoroughly enjoying this driving experience!
*Edit
After using BMW Intelligent Lighting System, the Mercedes' main beam is slow to recover full lighting after passing an oncoming car, leaving you on dipped headlights far too long for my liking. A much quicker response would be less hazardous as you need to see what's coming immediately, not some 5-10 seconds later!!

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About this car

Price£30,240–£77,570
Road TaxA–L
MPG28.3–117.7 mpg
Real MPG65.2%

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