Used Mercedes C-Class cars for sale

Mercedes C-Class buying guide

You can get your C-Class in a selection of different body, trim and engine configurations, so keep reading to learn more about each choice so you can pick the best one for you.

What Mercedes C-Class trim levels are there?

The C-Class range kicks off with the SE trim, although this is rare in the UK, with the majority of buyers choosing a more generously equipped version. SE models get alloy wheels, automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, cruise control, faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an infotainment system with sat nav. Disappointingly, Mercedes hasn’t made Apple CarPlay or Android Auto standard across the range.

Sport is the next trim up and gains a few exterior visual upgrades to help it stand out. This trim also adds larger alloy wheels, sports suspension, LED headlights and sports seats.

AMG Line is Mercedes’ sporty trim in a similar vein to Audi’s S Line and BMW’s M Sport. This gets even sportier styling details including larger alloy wheels, a meaner-looking body kit and a diamond-pattern front grille. You also get uprated suspension and brakes to help the car feel sportier on the road. This trim also gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You’ll also see AMG Line Night Edition – this mouthful of a trim level is the same as AMG Line but adds blacked-out styling details, a wireless phone charging pad and an upgraded sound system.

At the top of the range sit the full-fat AMG cars. These feature an enormous engine up front, with beefed up suspension, brakes and mechanical parts to cope with the extra grunt. Features lists for these models are packed to the brim as you’d expect given their lofty price tag.

Mercedes C-Class interior and technology

Mercedes has a great reputation when it comes to building cabins and the C-Class shows why. The look and feel of every surface and interactable control is a cut above almost all other rivals – especially impressive are details like window switches that are finished in real metal, so feel pleasingly cold to the touch. Other luxurious touches include stylish laser-cut speaker covers on models with the upgraded stereo system.

Mercedes’ infotainment setup is one of the best in the industry. The menus are clearly labelled and easy to navigate, and the screen itself is responsive to the touch, or can be controlled by a rotary dial between the seats, which makes it easy to change functions while on the move. It’s disappointing that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only standard on AMG Line models, however, when most of its rivals – along with many cheaper cars – include it as standard.

The C-Class scores well for practicality. There’s enough room inside every C-Class model for four adults to sit in comfort although, if you plan to use the rear seats regularly, we’d avoid either of the two-door models. Boot space is average for the class but the opening isn’t as square as some rivals, which can make loading bulky items harder. You should be able to get two large suitcases in the boot, however, and even more in the C-Class estate.

Mercedes C-Class engine range explained

Mercedes C-Class C200 petrol

The C200 is the entry-level petrol engine. This is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit making 184hp, which is enough to get the C200 from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, meaning it won’t feel strained when overtaking on the motorway.

Mercedes C-Class C300 petrol

C300 models trade up to a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol making 258hp. This drops the 0-62mph dash to 5.9 seconds, meaning this version can outrun many hot hatches.

Mercedes C-Class C300e plug-in hybrid

The most powerful ‘regular’ C-Class before you get into the bonkers AMG range is the C300e. This uses the same 2.0-litre engine as the C300 but adds a plug-in hybrid system with electric motor and battery pack, lifting total system power to 320hp. This reduces the 0-62mph time to just 5.4 seconds.

Mercedes C-Class C220d diesel

Mercedes offers a selection of diesel engines for long-distance drivers. The C220d makes 194hp, allowing it to cover the 0-62mph run in 6.9 seconds. Average fuel economy can crest 55mpg if you drive carefully.

Mercedes C-Class C300d diesel

If you want a little more performance from your diesel C-Class, take a look at the C300d. This version uses the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the C220d but turns power up to 245hp, dropping the 0-62mph time by a full second. Average economy falls slightly to 51mpg.

Mercedes C-Class C300de plug-in hybrid

For the ultimate in fuel-sipping performance for your C-Class, look at the plug-in hybrid C300de. The same 2.0-litre turbodiesel returns but aided by an electric motor and battery pack. System power is a respectable 306hp, giving a strong 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. If you make sensible use of the battery pack and drive gently, you can see as much as 235mpg on average.

Mercedes-AMG C43 petrol

If you want serious performance from your C-Class, look no further than the AMG range. The lineup opens with the C43 AMG. This model uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine making 390hp, which launches it from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG C63 petrol

Claiming the throne among C-Class models is the C63 AMG. This version gets a mighty 510hp 4.0-litre turbocharged eight-cylinder engine under the bonnet. That’s enough to rocket the C63 AMG to 62mph from rest in four seconds flat, placing it among supercar royalty.