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

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate aims to bring the luxury and technology of higher-end Mercedes cars in a smaller package, blending it with practicality. The result is a refined, tech-filled premium car with a range of electrified power options in the latest generation and a choice of well-equipped trim levels.

The latest fifth-generation C-Class Estate (codenamed W206) has been on sale since late 2021, and carries on the appeal of its predecessor, the fourth-generation W205, which was sold new from 2014 to 2021 and given a facelift in 2018.

The C-Class Estate’s rivals include its German competitors – the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Audi A4 Avant, but also the Volvo V60 and less premium alternatives like the Skoda Octavia Estate (and, price-wise, the larger Skoda Superb Estate), and the Volkswagen Passat Estate.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate?

While the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is not the most practical car within its peer group, it’s a very good all-rounder: stylish, very comfortable, decent to drive, and packed with tech. For sheer interior space there are better options, and there are rivals that are more fun behind the wheel. But the C-Class Estate comes packed with technology and has a choice of power from smooth and efficient to hugely powerful.

Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options are all available. To drive, the C-Class majors on comfort rather than dynamic excellence – the BMW 3 Series Touring is still the driving enthusiast’s choice when it comes to fun behind the wheel. For relaxing progress in sumptuous comfort, however, the C-Class Estate is hard to beat.

While Skoda’s offerings give you a larger boot, the latest C-Class is far from cramped – it’s still a spacious family car with a 490-litre boot (30 litres larger than the model that came before it). And it’s beautiful inside, with a top-quality interior and comfort to spare. The technology in the latest generation is cutting edge and even the previous-generation car looks suitably high-tech.

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What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate model to buy?

If you’re looking at the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, we’d point you towards the C 300 e plug-in hybrid. It’s a brilliant all-rounder, with a 65-mile electric-only range, which is far more than rival PHEVs. This means you can do short (and middle-distance) journeys without using a drop of fuel, but the petrol engine is there if you need it.

As far as trim goes, AMG Line is a great model for the money, with stylish looks and lots of equipment as standard. AMG Line Premium is very nice, but we’re not sure it’s worth the extra money.

In the previous generation C-Class Estate, the unusual diesel-powered PHEV will get fantastic performance and fuel economy, but it’s pricey. The regular diesels or the mild-hybrid assisted C200 petrol model might be better options. The entry-level SE trim is actually generously specced, although Sport trim adds a few nice extras. Find one with the optional Airmatic package if you can, as it has more comfortable air suspension.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate fuel economy and performance

Fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

• Mercedes-Benz C200 d Estate diesel: known as the C200 Bluetec early in its life, the entry-level diesel engine is a 1.6-litre unit with 136PS and a 9.8-second 0-62mph time. That’s not quick but it is efficient, promising up to 65mpg using the (now-outdated) NEDC measuring system. Later versions up the power to 160PS and 362Nm, dropping the 0-62mph time to 8.7 seconds.
• Mercedes-Benz C220 d Estate diesel: The second-rung diesel engine – again known as a C220 BlueTec early on – uses a 2.1 litre engine with 170PS and again claims up to 65mpg. In 2018 – rebadged as the C220 d – it switched to a 2.0-litre unit with 190PS and promises up to 55.4mpg under the more accurate WLTP testing.
• Mercedes-Benz C250d Estate diesel: This more powerful version of the 2.1-litre diesel engine has 204PS and 500Nm, giving it a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. It promises up to 58.9mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C180 Estate petrol: Not too many of the entry-level C180s were sold, but they housed a 1.6-litre engine with 156PS and 250Nm. The journey to 62mph took a leisurely 8.5 seconds.
• Mercedes-Benz C200 Estate petrol (pre-facelift): The entry-level engine is a 2.0-litre unit attached to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, which gives you 194PS and 320Nm of torque. That translates to a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds and an official MPG figure of 37.2. An all-wheel-drive model (badged 4MATIC) is also available. Early versions had slightly less power at 184PS and 280Nm.
• Mercedes-Benz C300 BlueTec Hybrid diesel: Sold before the introduction of the plug-in hybrid model below, the C300 uses the 2.1-litre diesel engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy. It’s not a PHEV, but it will manage around a mile on electric power only. 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds and it promises 74.4mpg, although that’ll be tricky to get in the real world.
• Mercedes-Benz C350e Estate petrol plug-in hybrid: The C-Class plug-in hybrid has an electric-only range of around 19 miles, and uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. Power is considerable at 293PS and while it promises an MPG figure in the hundreds, what you’ll actually get will depend on how much you use the electric-only mode.
• Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG 4MATIC Estate petrol: The more affordable version of the performance C-Class Estate has a 3.0-litre V6 engine and all-wheel drive. Early cars have 367PS and 476Nm, while post-facelift cars from 2018 have 390PS and 520Nm. Later cars hit 62mph in 4.8 seconds.
• Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate petrol: One of two V8-powered performance C-Class Estates, the regular C63 generates 476PS and 650Nm from its 4.0-litre engine and sends it to the rear wheels. The 0-62mph dash takes 4.2 seconds.
• Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Estate petrol: The extra letter on the C63 S means extra horsepower from the 4.0-litre V8 – up to 510PS and 700Nm through the rear wheels. The 0-62mph time drops to 4.1 seconds.

Fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

• Mercedes-Benz C200 Estate petrol: The latest-generation C-Class Estate range begins with this 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol model, developing 204PS and 300Nm. That means a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and an official fuel economy of up to 42.2mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C220d Estate diesel: The entry-level diesel engine is 2.0 litres in size and has 200PS and 440Nm, which means a 0-62mph of 7.4 seconds. It promises a fuel economy of up to 60.1mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C300d diesel: The beefier diesel engine is a 2.0-litre unit with 265PS and 550Nm. It’ll do the 0-62mph sprint in 5.8 seconds and has an official fuel economy of up to 54.3mpg.
• Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Estate petrol: The entry-level AMG performance C-Class Estate uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine and squeezes a massive 408PS from it, giving it a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. Fuel economy is up to 31.4mpg.
• Mercedes-AMG C63 S e 4MATIC+ Estate petrol hybrid: The top-tier performance C-Class Estate is no longer V8-powered. Instead, it’s a hybrid, powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor that combined give you 680PS and 1020Nm. That means a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds and an official fuel economy of up to 40.9 MPG

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

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate came in the following trims:

• SE: The SE model was the entry-level trim but wasn’t spartan with its equipment. It came with 16-inch alloy wheels and a reversing camera, as well as cruise control and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen.
• SE Executive Edition: Designed for fleet drivers, this version of the SE adds heated seats and sat nav, rear parking sensors and larger 17-inch alloys.
• Sport: The Sport trim added satnav and heated front seats to the SE spec, and also featured 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and lowered suspension. 
• Sport Edition: Add on 18-inch black alloy wheels and leather sports seats in this upgraded version of the sport trim.
• AMG Line: This trim has different 18-inch alloys with twin-spoke wheels and Mercedes’ “Multibeam” LED headlights. Inside, there’s synthetic leather on the dashboard and black ash wood trim, with a three-spoke steering wheel and tri-zone climate control.
• AMG Line Edition: This model added tinted glass, a digital instrument cluster in place of traditional dials, and a black styling pack for a stealthier look.
• AMG Line Night Edition Premium: Electric mirrors and seats are added to the standard AMG Line model, with wireless phone charging and ambient interior lighting.
• AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus: The top-spec ‘normal’ model is loaded with just about everything, including a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof and a Burmester sound system.
• AMG: The AMG performance models come as well-equipped as their original pricing suggested, with 19-inch wheels, a performance exhaust, the top-end infotainment available at the time and plush leather upholstery.
• Nightfall Edition: Introduced in 2018 and based on the AMG Line model, this special edition trim features black ash wood trim and 18-inch five-spoke wheels with a matt black finish. Premium versions were also available, with a panoramic sunroof, and Premium Plus versions too, with a Burmester sound system.

The fifth-generation C-Class Estate is available in the following trims:

• Sport: The entry-level trim gives you five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and cruise control, with keyless engine start and heated front seats. Dual-zone climate control is included, as is wireless phone charging and a reversing camera.
• AMG Line: The sportier AMG Line trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels and an AMG bodykit, inspired by Mercedes’ AMG performance cars. Sports suspension gives you enhanced handling.
• AMG Line Premium: The upgraded AMG Line trim adds 19-inch wheels and ambient lighting inside, as well as a 360-degree camera system to help manoeuvring and an augmented reality function on the satnav that shows a live view of the road ahead with directional overlays. Electrically adjustable front seats are also included.
• AMG Line Premium Plus: Further upgrading the AMG Line trim, this addes five-spoke 19-inch wheels, a head-up display and a panoramic sunroof, as well as four-zone climate control.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate dimensions and boot size 

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

Fourth generation

• Length: 4702mm
• Width: 1810mm
• Height: 1457mm

Fifth generation

• Length: 4751mm
• Width: 1820mm
• Height: 1455mm

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate’s boot size is:

Fourth generation

• 460 litres (350 litres in plug-in hybrid models)
• 1510 litres with back seats folded

Fifth generation

• 490 litres (360 litres in plug-in hybrid models)
• 1510 litres with back seats folded

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate road tax

All of the latest-generation C-Class Estates cost more than £40,000 new, which means they attract a luxury car surcharge for Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), on top of the standard flat rate. At the time of writing, that means you’ll pay £600 a year, or £590 for PHEV and mild-hybrid models.

The same will be true of some, but not all fourth-generation C-Class Estates. The threshold for the luxury car tax includes the cost of options, so it’ll depend on what your car’s original owner decided to add. Those that cost less than £40,000 new will pay £190 a year, or £180 for hybrids.

Cars sold before the change in VED rules in April 2017 will be charged according to their CO2 emissions. On some C200 and C220d models, that will be as low as £20 or £35 a year, and early hybrid models will cost you nothing or £10 a year. Other models will be pricier – for example, an early C43 will cost £335 a year.

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

With a wide range of models, the cost to insure your C-Class Estate will depend on which version it is. At the lower end you’ll find cars in group 24 (of 50), but the top-end cars will touch group 46, which means sizable premiums.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate review