We say Classy saloon with a spacious interior and wide range of engine options - but the cabin is something of a let-down.Performance The C Class comes with an incredibly extensive engine line-up that’s dominated by strong diesel engines. The most powerful in the range is the C350 3.0-litre CDI unit that clears 60mph in 5.8 seconds courtesy of its 261bhp output. It also develops 457-lf-ft of torque in the process.Emissions The C Class saloon’s emissions figures are excellent across the range, particularly on its diesel engines and with its BlueEFFICIENCY eco-signature. The most powerful engine in the range still returns almost 40mpg but the flagship eco engine is the C200 CDI unit that returns 58mpg and emits 125g/km.Driving As you’d expect, the C Class saloon is ideally suited to motorway cruising thanks to its impressive engine line-up and equally impressive performance figures. It’s also surprisingly agile for a car of its size and weight and holds its own around corners with lots of control and little bodyroll.Feel The C Class is suited to cruising and that’s because it’s extremely smooth and comfortable. Engine and wind noise is well isolated as well.Space The C Class is large but rear passenger headroom is compromised by the sloping profile of the C Class. There’s plenty of legroom all round and passengers in the front will travel in comfort. At the rear there’s a large 475-litre boot which is fairly good in the segment.Equipment Owners will want for little in the C Class with lots of equipment across all trim levels. Entry-level versions come with alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity as standard while further up the range there is all manner of premium pieces of kit.Price Pricing for entry-level C Class saloons kicks off at almost £26,000 and rises to more than £38,000 for top-spec models.Quality While there’s no doubting the reliability, solidity and quality of the equipment and materials inside the C Class, the interior and cabin doesn’t quite live up to the standards you would expect of a proper premium saloon. It’s all a bit drab and dull.Safety There are seven airbags inside the C Class as well as an extensive range of driver and safety aids including ABS, Electronic Stability Control and parking sensors.Pros The Mercedes C Class is a classy saloon and one that will draw some admiring glances. It’s spacious and practical and comes with a wide range of frugal and powerful engines.Cons The C Class is a bit boring by today’s design standards and is in need of a refresh. It’s very conservative and that’s echoes inside where the interior is drab.Alternatives BMW 3 Series saloon, Audi A4 saloon
