Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale: everything you need to know

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been a major success for the German brand, offering an entry-point into its range of luxury saloons. Packed with cutting-edge technology, it manages to feel like a shrunken version of the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Compared to other compact saloons such as the Audi A4 and Jaguar XE, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class majors on a feel of complete luxury. Yes, the BMW 3 Series is slightly more engaging to drive, while the Tesla Model 3 can offer a fully electric experience. But such is the all-round ability of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it could be all the executive car you need.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class? 

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a hugely successful executive saloon, offering big-car luxury in a smaller package. For those who want the latest technology, but without an S-Class-sized price tag, it makes for an excellent used buy.

Multiple screens dominate the interior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with an impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument panel complemented by an 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen. The latter is positioned vertically, as you would find in a Tesla. It features the slick MBUX operating system, which can be controlled with voice commands like an Amazon Alexa device. 

The star of the show is the optional augmented-reality navigation system, which overlays directions on real-world footage captured by an onboard camera. It creates a truly futuristic feel and adds to the overall sense of luxury, aided by the standard leather upholstery and impeccable fit and finish. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is also spacious, with a decent-sized boot and plenty of room for rear-seat passengers. 

On the road, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class driving experience continues the luxury theme. Its cabin is quiet and refined at speed, with the suspension easily accommodating broken tarmac. A BMW 3 Series can offer a sportier experience on country roads, but this won’t concern most Mercedes-Benz C-Class drivers.

Engine options for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have all bases covered, from frugal diesels to the high-performance C43. The plug-in hybrid C300 e model stands out, thanks to its ability to cover up to 70 miles on battery power alone.

What makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class appeal in a very competitive class is the sense of driving a car with the very latest technology on offer. Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for delivering innovation, and this C-Class is right at the forefront here. Borrowing equipment from the flagship S-Class saloon helps it stand out from rivals like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. If you want a compact executive saloon with a feeling of complete luxury, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class is hard to beat.

A Mercedes-Benz C-Class not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class fuel economy and performance

This Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available with six engines, including two diesels and a plug-in hybrid. A high-performance AMG model is on offer, too. All make use of a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200: The entry-level petrol engine in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo. It generates a respectable 204hp and delivers fuel economy of up to 44.1mpg. 
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300: The next petrol engine in the line-up is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. It has a healthy 258hp output, plus a 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds. Official average fuel economy of 42.2mpg makes it a strong choice.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 e: Offering plug-in hybrid capability, the C300 e mates a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 129hp electric motor. The result is the ability to cover almost 70 miles on battery power alone. AC fast charging can see the battery replenished in two hours.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 d: The first of two diesel engines is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder C220 d. Aimed at those doing lots of motorway miles, it still has a generous 200hp output. Average fuel economy of up to 61.4mpg is achievable. 
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 d: Still using a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the C300 d is the most powerful diesel in the range. Its 265hp output offers effortless acceleration, with 0-62mph taking less than six seconds. This makes it the fastest non-AMG Mercedes-Benz C-Class on sale, yet can still achieve up to 55.4mpg.
• Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic: Older high-performance AMG models featured huge V8 engines, but the new C43 has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder under its bonnet. With 408hp and standard all-wheel drive, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in under five seconds. Acceptable fuel economy of 31.7mpg is the justification for downsizing here.

What used Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim levels are available?

This generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class has four key trim levels, with a further two dedicated to the high-performance C43 version. These can be combined with a range of different engines.

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport: The entry-level Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes in Sport specification. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, satellite navigation, cruise control and leather upholstery. 
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Line: One of the most common Mercedes-Benz C-Class available is the AMG Line trim. It offers more equipment for only a modest price increase. Along with bespoke AMG styling and 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG Line also brings larger brakes and privacy glass. 
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Line Premium: Building on AMG Line trim, the Premium version adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Digital Light LED headlights and keyless start. The MBUX multimedia system offers an impressive augmented-reality navigation system, too.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Line Premium Plus: For maximum equipment, the AMG Line Premium Plus comes with a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, black wood interior trim and bespoke 19-inch wheels. 
• Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Premium: The performance C43 model gets its own distinct trim levels, with Premium the starting point. It includes 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, rear-wheel steering, Digital Light LED headlights and red seat belts as standard.
• Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Premium Plus: For those who want it all, the Premium Plus version of the C43 adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, carbon fibre interior trim and a powerful Burmester sound system.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4,793mm
• Width: 1,820mm
• Height: 1,446mm
• Ground clearance: 164mm

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s boot space is:

• 455 litres (C 300 e: 315 litres)

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class road tax

In the eyes of the taxman, the Mercedes-Benz C300 e is an alternative fuel vehicle because it is a plug-in hybrid. This means its 13g/km emissions entitles it to a £10 reduction in road tax from the usual £180 flat rate. However, its original list price of more than £40,000 also means you pay a £390 surcharge for the first five years of the car's life.

That £390 surcharge will apply to many C-Class models due to their £40,000-plus original list price. However, there are some models that come under that threshold and will pay only the standard £180 per year for road tax.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz C-Class? 

With a range of engines and trim levels, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class covers a broad spread of insurance groups. The entry-level C200 Sport model can be found in group 33 (out of 50), while the same engine in AMG Line trim is insurance group 36. At the top of the scale, the AMG C43 gets a group 44 insurance rating.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class review