Mercedes C-class review – performance and 0-60

Thanks in part to that EQ Boost motor, all C-class models are fairly rapid considering their positioning and efficiency. At its slowest, the C200 petrol and C220d diesel both hit 62mph from rest in 7.3sec, with the C300 petrol dropping this to 6.0sec. Plug-in models are slightly slower on account of their extra weight at 6.1sec. For now the fastest C-class is the C300d which will do the sprint in 5.7sec; this is a four-cylinder turbo diesel rated at over 55mpg on the WLTP combined cycle – remarkable stuff.

On the road, all of this electrification is brilliantly integrated – finally, these sorts of mild-hybrid systems are starting to feel like essential parts of the powertrain, rather than a parasite on the system dragging regen out of the brakes with no discernible benefit. The C300d feels particularly rapid, with excellent response from the turbo and the EQ Boost motor imperceptibly filling in torque gaps at low rpm and during gear changes.

> Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe (W205) review 

The C300d’s performance makes more sense when you look at the figures, with the diesel producing 406lb ft, supplemented by another 143lb ft from the electric motor. While these two figures can’t be simply added together to come up with a huge single figure, it puts into perspective how effortless it feels at any engine speed. Aside from some subtle vibration at idle the powertrain is also extremely refined, with none of the raucousness evident in previous generations of C-class diesels.