Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review (2022)

Read Caroline’s Mercedes-Benz C-Class review for everything you need to know about the latest generation of the brand’s classic executive saloon.

Mercedes-Benz has returned with a new generation of the perennial C-Class. This car is undoubtedly a pillar of the Mercedes-Benz brand, with a strong lineage that comes from a time when saloon was king.

These days saloons are under pressure from SUVs – but the timeless quality of the C-Class means it’s a car that still has plenty of relevance in today’s market. In the last decade, the C-Class was the highest-volume Mercedes-Benz model, with over 11 million sold worldwide.

What’s new for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

There are two themes the motor industry loves right now – digitisation and electrification. Naturally, the new C-Class touches both. It’s electrified thanks to plug-in hybrid and mild hybrids to improve efficiency. Inside there is also a significant improvement to digitisation with a new display and operating concept adopted from the latest S-Class.

The new C-Class goes on sale in Ireland priced from €57,580 for a C 200 d (diesel), from €59,385 for a C 180 (petrol), and from €68,430 for the C 300 e (plug-in hybrid). It’s available as a Saloon or Estate.

Mercedes-Benz has smartened up the C-Class considerably. For this new generation, the C-Class has a new look inspired by the S-Class, but with more sporty and dynamic proportions befitting of a junior executive saloon.

At the front, a charismatic Mercedes-Benz grille takes centre stage, suitably modernised for this latest version. At the rear, the lights now have a two-piece design for the very first time, just like the larger Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class saloons.

The C-Class undoubtedly has kerb appeal, especially with the larger alloys and sportier stance of the AMG Line models, with further sporty enhancements to the interior.

Inside the new C-Class

Inside, the C-Class manages to feel even more luxurious than before. Cool ambient lighting sets the tone, while the new aviation style air vents give a sporty feel to the interior. The dashboard and central display are also now slightly tilted towards the driver.

Leather upholstery comes as standard. Other highlights include latest generation MBUX infotainment and ‘Hey Mercedes’ multimedia systems with voice-activation and touch screen functions, alongside a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster.

Mercedes-Benz has raised their game with all models now getting a stunning portrait style, 11.9 inch media display in the centre of the dash. Ventilation controls are now accessed through the screen, but it’s quite simple to use. Overall it’s one of the most modern and stylish cabins of the class.

Driver comfort and safety features include distance assist, steering assist, lane keeping assist, improved surround sensors, emergency braking functions, and a feature that can detect and raise the body height in anticipation of a collision.

Slightly longer and wider than the car it replaces, the new C-Class has improved headroom, elbowroom and kneeroom for passengers. A large transmission tunnel in the rear means it’s a car most comfortable for two adults in the back. There’s 455 litres of boot space in the Saloon, rising to 490 litres in the C-Class Estate for even more practicality.

What are you driving?

The engine range for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class at launch includes four cylinder petrol and diesel models, which all come with mild hybrid technology and an excellent 9-speed automatic transmission.

There’s also a new plug-in hybrid that offers over 100 km in electric only driving range and 313 hp from a petrol engine and electric motor.

On test for Changing Lanes was the C 200 d AMG Line. It uses a 2.0-litre diesel engine to produce 163 hp and 380 Nm. It offers healthy if not stunning performance in the new C-Class. There’s also the more powerful C 220 d available with 200 hp for example.

Efficiency is good with my average fuel consumption over a week of driving working out at 5.5 litres per 100 km. The insulation of the car gives you a nice buffer from the sound of the diesel engine.

On the road the Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows where your money goes with a beautiful ride comfort balanced with an athletic turn through corners and precise steering. The 3 Series would still have the edge on overall driver involvement. But the C-Class is a tidy performer with a lush cabin experience and smooth ride that makes you forgive it anything it might lack!

Did you like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

This latest C-Class is an elegant return for the popular compact Mercedes saloon.

Clever styling and packaging means that it many ways, it’s a junior S-Class. It certainly has presence on the road, a handsome and stylish car that looks good everywhere.

The C-Class now really stands out for its new interior. Quality is excellent and there is a glam side to this car that certainly gives it an edge on rivals. But with Mercedes latest infotainment and digital dashboard, the C-Class has the technology on board to back it up.

Driving the C-Class and you’ll quickly find it’s every inch the elegant cruiser, offering a comfortable and refined drive that never goes out of fashion – keeping the market alive for premium compact saloons.

Model tested: Mercedes-Benz C 200 d Saloon AMG Line
Price: €61,196
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 163 hp
Torque:  380 Nm
0-100km/h:  7.7 seconds
Top speed: 230 km/h
CO2 emissions:  120 g/km
Motor tax: €190 per year

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes