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BusinessCar is the first fleet magazine to be given access to the crucial new BMW 3-series-rivalling C-class
The new Mercedes C-class is a major improvement on its predecessor. The previous model wasn't blessed with the dynamism of a BMW 3-series or the impressive interior design and quality of an Audi A4, but this one is far more striking.
In an almost unprecedented move, the German brand has produced two distinctive designs. The SE and Elegance trim levels get the traditional three-pointed star on the bonnet and grille, but the top-spec Sport - renamed from the previous Avantgarde in the UK - is more aggressive-looking, with a huge Mercedes badge taking up most of the grille. The company says it's trying to cater for two very different groups of Benz customers, and it works, with the traditional older core market likely to prefer the classical elegant looks, and a younger buyer more likely to favour the more modern interpretation.
Inside, it's all typical Mercedes-Benz, and drivers with any familiarity for the brand will be left in little doubt as to what they've stepped into. It feels of a decent quality, although the buttons on the centre console let the side down a little, and there seems to have been little thought as to how they'll look in relation to the rest of the otherwise classy cabin. Similarly, the optional satnav screen slides neatly out of a hidden slot in the dashboard, but the mounting looks messy when in the open position. Rear space is far more impressive than its BMW 3-series rival, and boot space is plentiful for a saloon in this class, even if there is an annoying lip towards the back that stops the cargo area being completely flat.
On the road, the C-class is probably the most refined and best-riding car in its class, but that'll need final confirmation when we try the car on the UK's decrepit road network. At motorway speed there's little tyre or engine noise, although the wind whipping past the big wing mirrors makes something of a surprising racket.
Where the C-class has made its biggest step forward is when the road becomes bendy. Never renowned as a car for the enthusiast, it now offers good body control and grip, making for a car more keen to make progress through a twisting run, even if there's the feeling that the 3-series still probably has the edge for keener drivers (but at the expense of some ride comfort). The 3.0-litre diesel offers impressive performance and would be considered a top engine if only those darned BMW engineers hadn't developed one of the best engines on the market with their 3.0-litre diesel. Merc's version isn't far behind, though.
The new C-class is an impressive all-rounder that is certainly a step forward from its predecessor, and makes Mercedes-Benz appealing once more for those up-and-coming executives. The split personality idea with two very distinct designs of front end will also help counter the younger buyers' previous ideas that the brand is a bit stuffy.
Running costs are yet to be confirmed, and that'll be an interesting comparison as the C-class still carries a price premium over its rivals. However, the classy new styling and generally improved interior and driving dynamics make for a car that enables Mercedes-Benz to be as competitive as it could probably hope for.
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
