ANOTHER C-CHANGE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mercedesc-class_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 52

Despite the rise and rise of the SUV, the C-Class continues to be Mercedes' most recognisable international model. Plenty of pressure then for this fifth generation 'W206'-series version launched in 2021, which fully embraced various forms of engine electrification. And brought more than a dash of S-Class luxury to this important segment.

Modelsword count: 9

4dr Saloon / Estate (C200/C300/C300e/C220d/C300d/C300de/C 43 AMG/C 63 AMG)

Historyword count: 422

In the first two decades of this century, for anyone thinking of a German mid-sized premium badged saloon or estate, the options were always pretty straightforward; the dynamic drive of a BMW 3 Series, the uber-cool technology of an Audi A4 or the aspirational image of a Mercedes C-Class. That's how it traditionally was in this segment, but with this more aspirational MK5 'W206'-series C-Class design launched in 2021, the Stuttgart maker aimed to significantly broaden this model line's appeal. By then, over 8.6 million C-Classes had been sold since the original first generation 'W202'-series version was launched in 1993, with sleeker 'W203' and 'W204' second and third generation designs following in 2000 and 2007, before this MK5 model's predecessor, the 'W205'-series fourth generation car, first arrived in 2014. That MK4 design sold well, helped by a far-reaching update in 2018, with over 2.5-million cars delivered in over 120 countries before this fifth generation 'W206'-series design arrived in mid-2021, available only in the core saloon and estate variants that most customers wanted. By 2021, the C-Class didn't have to be the cheapest saloon Mercedes made - by then that role in the range was occupied by a four-door version of the front-driven A-Class - so there was a little more scope for this car to include pricier technology. Much of this was borrowed from the S-Class limo, including the updated 'MRA Mercedes Rear Architecture' platform and the opulent screen-centred interior. All of which was just as well because this new-era C-Class faced more competition from more different quarters in 2021 than it ever had before - not only from other class favourites but also from SUVs and EVs, including those in Mercedes-Benz's own G and EQ-series product line-ups. With this fifth generation design, Mercedes wanted to offer more; a sharper drive to tempt BMW folk; and a big enough step forward in technology and efficiency to make a potential Audi customer think again. We'd been promised these advancements with previous C-Class models, but there were stronger grounds for Mercedes' claims this time round, the aim being to redefine what 'luxury' means in this segment. A Mercedes-AMG C 43 performance petrol model was launched in 2022. In 2023, Mercedes introduced a faster Mercedes-AMG C 63 S model with a controversial PHEV engine. In 2025, there was also a C300de diesel PHEV model too. This 'W206'-era model line sold in its original form until Summer 2026, when it was extensively facelifted. It's the pre-facelift 2021-2026-era version we look at here as a used buy.

What You Getword count: 589

This could only be a small Mercedes. There's plenty of E-Class in the genes of this fifth generation 'W206'-series design - and cues too from the even larger S-Class sedan. The saloon and estate C-Class variants that most wanted were both deceptively curvy and both significantly larger than before. A previous owner will notice that from the side - this saloon model's 65mm longer than before and, perhaps more significantly, 42mm longer than a competing BMW 3 Series. Either way, there's a bit more pavement presence this time round, thanks to a slightly sleeker roof line that's reduced height by 9mm. It's very E-Class-like at the front, characterised as usual by the brand's hallmark radiator grille, which will look quite different - and much less arresting - if you attempt to save an insignificant amount and opt for entry-level 'Sport' trim. The various AMG Line models get twinkling chrome pins around the central three-pointed Star and a much more dynamic-looking AMG lower bumper, air intake and lower splitter design. The rear gets an uplift with the AMG Line trim levels too, the bumper gaining high-gloss chrome elements, a more potent design and more prominent exhaust apertures that might make folk think you've stretched to one of the sportier Mercedes-AMG variants. And inside? Well back in 2021 no car in this class had ever felt quite as up-market as this. It really does feel like a luxurious cabin of a larger car. Specifically the S-Class, which in this era used much the same kind of twin screen arrangement - in this case an 11.9-inch central multimedia colour display for infotainment and a customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display for the drive gauges. Get settled in and other freshly evolved details present themselves; the three squarical 'jet engine'-style circular vents just above the infotainment monitor; the leather-stitched wheel with its unusual twin-bar horizontal spokes; and the cleverly sculpted door cards, which have unusual concave shaping and 'floating'-style silver-trimmed handle panels. It all makes the cabins you get in competitor models from this era feel very last generation. Not everything feels as good to use as it looks - the vents for instance. The tiny steering wheel touch-sensitive buttons take a bit of getting used to and there are some brittle plastics here and there but the standard leather seats are properly supportive, there's plenty of stowage space and the trimming can be exquisite. And the rear seat? Well that offered rather cramped quarters in the previous generation model. Which is presumably why Mercedes extended the wheelbase by 25mm for this 'W206'-era design. The result was an improvement in cabin space, though not as much of a one as some had hoped for. The stats claimed that legroom was up by 21mm, elbow room by 15mm and headroom by around 12mm, but you'll still feel more comfortable in the back of, say, an Audi A4 from this era. As usual in this class, it's perfectly comfortable for two passengers (unless they're really tall) but a real squash for three, the further impediment here being a prominent transmission tunnel. Finally, the boot. Given this MK5 model's length increase, you might be surprised to find the cargo area no bigger than the previous generation model - it's 455-litres in size with the saloon. Though shorter, the alternative Estate body style is still able to up the trunk capacity to 490-litres. We really like the useful corner seatback retraction catches too. Activate them in the Estate and 1,510-litres of carriage capacity can be freed up.

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