Mercedes-Benz C-Class Pre Model 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto 4dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £31,185
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 34
MPG: 58.9
CO2: 131
0-62 Mph: 8.1 secs
BHP: 168 BHP
Range: 764 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.25/5
The C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto is a car that does its best to offer the best of everything to those looking for a saloon car, and this version is a very efficient car compared with many of the other automatic diesels on the market. The level of refinement and luxury in the cabin is very good, and on the whole the driving experience is also excellent. The car's main drawback is its hefty price tag.

PROS:  The C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto is a vehicle that balances very good performance with excellent fuel economy, and comes with plenty of luxuries that make the cabin pleasant.

CONS:  The price for the C-Class is fairly hefty, and because this version has larger wheels than some other models, it isn't quite as quick to respond to driver input.

Behind the Wheel

One of the best things about the driving experience is that the suspension is soft enough to iron out bumps and potholes on the road, making for a very comfortable ride. The steering is very responsive and the amount of body roll is minimal when cornering. The driving position is also quite good, with plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and the driver's seat, and there is good visibility both to the front and rear.

Another positive aspect of the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto is the good engine performance delivered by the 2.2 litre diesel engine, with the automatic gearbox supplementing this rather than hindering it. The acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in a speedy 8.1 seconds, and with a top speed of 143mph it is more than capable of dealing with the vast majority of journeys in comfort.

Looks & Equipment

Much like many other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the grille is a very distinctive part of the car, and the famous badge is mounted at the front of the bonnet in the classic style. However, the air intake below the grille is much more subtle than some of the bolder cars from Mercedes-Benz, and the styling is much more subdued, creating a professional and understated look. Inside the car, the leather seats add to the feeling and image of luxury that is delivered, and the simple screen for the entertainment system is a particular highlight.

The inclusion of alloy wheels as standard with the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto is only to be expected, and the CD stereo system is also a very good one. The leather effect upholstery is a welcome addition to the interior of the car, and there are also features such as cruise control and climate control which are very good additions. Touches such as the power folding mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity are also welcome.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

When it comes to practicality, the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto's size makes it voluminous on the inside, with comfortable accommodation for those in the front and back of the car, along with a large boot space which does make it a practical car. Mercedes-Benz has an excellent reputation for making reliable cars, and the C-Class should add to that reputation.

In terms of safety, the C-Class has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test, largely because of the range of airbags and driver aids which help to make this a very safe car.

Value for Money

The biggest sticking point for potential buyers when they are considering a C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto will be the list price of £31,280.

However, there are plus points in terms of the expense of owning this C-Class, and the fuel efficiency of 58.0mpg is certainly one of the highlights. The insurance premiums will be quite high because of the C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto's group 34 insurance, but the car is likely to hold its value well. The car is supplied with a three year warranty and roadside breakdown assistance.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Pre Model 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto 4dr Car Review - by 
All Mercedes-Benz C Class Reviews
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Edition 3dr - February 2012
The Audi A5 and the BMW 3 Series Coupe finally have some strong competition. The Mercedes C-Class Coupe is not only comfy, but it has great handling and an impressive engine. The C-Class saloon has...
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Edition 3dr - April 2012
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of making good coupe cars, and the C-Class is generally an attractive package that is comfortable while offering decent performance too. The styling isn’t too adve...
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 350 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Edition 3dr - April 2012
The C-Class Coupe is an attractive car that is based on one of the stalwarts of the Mercedes-Benz range, the C-Class saloon. The level of equipment included in this version is very nice delivering...
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Edition 3dr - February 2012
This is the cleanest and most economical model in the C Class Coupe range and on top of this, it is a strong rival to the Audi A5 and the BMW 3 Series Coupe. As well as being economical it is also ...
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Pre Model 180 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 4dr - February 2012
The C-Class 180 BlueEFFICIENCY SE is a luxurious and comfortable four-door saloon. It is the cheapest C-Class you can buy but, despite this, is relatively well kitted out. However, considering the ...
Comments
Medium Exec Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Exec cars that you can then compare to the Mercedes-Benz C Class. Here are some popular Mercedes-Benz C Class alternatives:

NEW RELEASE
Jeep Avenger revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
Ferrari Purosangue revealed
NEW RELEASE
Ford Mustang revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
New BMW M2 has been revealed
NEW RELEASE
Electric SUV coming soon
NEW RELEASE
Popular hatchback gets an update