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In-depth reviews

Mercedes C-class review – MPG and running costs

Widespread hybridisation makes all new C-classes more efficient and less expensive to run

Evo rating
  • Chassis is extremely capable; powertrains a big improvement
  • It’s four cylinders or nothing for this generation; there’s a lot of tinsel to wade through

Another bonus of the C-class’s total electrification is some pretty solid mpg figures across the board. At its least efficient the C300 will still claim 42.2mpg on the WLTP cycle, with the C200 rising to 44mpg.

Diesels are very impressive, considering both the size of car they need to motivate and the ease with which they do so. The C220d’s headline 61.4mpg is particularly striking, and compares favourably to the BMW 320d’s 55 to 61mpg. The top-spec C300d compromises only slightly with a 55mpg rating, and after a few days of driving on urban roads and fuel-sapping dual carriageway A-roads dotted with roundabouts, we found it drawing on 50mpg. On a constant motorway, we have no doubt it’ll reach its official claims.

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Running costs are becoming less of an issue since the advent of leasing and personal finance, but the Merc’s strong residuals make monthly payments extremely cost-effective considering how much car you’re getting.

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