Some clever touches, but there are more
practical estates
The latest C-Class has already impressed us
in saloon form, only narrowly losing out to its arch-rival the BMW 3 series in
last month’s issue. Does the estate version make as much (or perhaps even more)
sense?
Reflecting
this performance, exterior styling is more dynamic than ever, while the
sophisticated interior showcases Mercedes-Benz quality at its best. Innovative
on-board technology ranges from the intuitive new Touchpad control to the
optional Heads-up Display.
What’s it like inside?
Let’s start with the most important bit:
the boot. With the rear seats in place there are 490 litres of space, which is
only a fraction less than you get in a 3 series Touring, but way down on what
some similarly priced rivals – such as the Audi A6 Avant – offer. Still,
there’s plenty of room for holiday baggage, and the load bay’s square shape
makes it easy to pack.
Folding the rear seats is a doddle, thanks
to buttons in the boot compartment and rear cabin. Push one these and the seat
backs drop automatically, lying virtually fat and boosting space to 1510 litres
(slightly ahead of the 3 series Touring, but well down on the A6 Avant).
Yet
the C-Class Estate also offers outstanding efficiency, thanks in part to its
lightweight construction. With almost half the car now built from aluminium,
this latest model is around 65 kg lighter than its predecessor.
In the front, even seriously long-legged
drivers will have no trouble getting comfortable, while two six-footers will fit
easily enough in the back, too. Interior quality is possibly the latest
C-Class’s biggest asset, though. Every surface looks and feels a grade above
what you’ll find in a 3 series Touring, while most of the buttons and switches
feel solid and well damped. It’s just a shame the infotainment system isn’t
more user-friendly.
What’s it like to drive?
We tried the C250 Bluetec diesel, which
pulls eagerly from low down, and keeps piling on speed as the revs rise.
However, based on our experience with the C-Class saloon, this engine isn’t
worth the extra it costs over the C220, which is strong enough.
Most buyers will go for the optional
automatic ’box and this works well, resisting changing down so you can build
speed smoothly. It can be a bit hesitant around town, though.
Our test car was fitted with Airmatic
suspension – an £895 option on sport and AMG line versions that brings an
impressively comfortable motorway ride. Things aren’t so impressive around
town, though, where sharp-edged bumps can send jolts through the cabin. The
C-Class isn’t blessed with sharp handling to make up for this, either; it feels
heavier than a 3 series through corners and its steering isn’t as accurate.
This,
coupled with sleek, highly aerodynamic new styling, contributes to exceptional
fuel economy: the diesel C 220 BlueTEC can achieve 65.7 mpg combined. So you’ll
have fewer visits to the pumps and more time enjoying the open road. What’s
more, CO2 emissions are as low as 108 g/km, helping keep tax to a minimum.
Refinement is another area where the
Mercedes disappoints; its diesel engines are gruff, and there’s too much wind
and road noise. That said, we’d level those same criticisms at the 3 series.
Should I buy one?
If you’re willing to trade outright boot
space for more compact dimensions, the Merc has plenty going for it. It’s well
equipped and has a plush cabin, while the clever rear seats and a standard
powered tailgate help make up for its average-sized boot.
The trouble is, an equivalent 3 series
Touring is better to drive, just as spacious, and costs less to buy. As an
automatic, the BMW also emits less CO2, making it cheaper to run as a company
car.
