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Mercedes C-Class: sporting suit tailored for business

The C-Class has been re-defined – choose smart luxury, or smart sporting.
And the range topping C250 CDI AMG is some car.
Mercedes Benz car review: RALPH MORTON
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8 October 2012

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 250CDI car review picture
New C-Class line up offers business-like efficiency with the SE, or the more thrusting image offered by this AMG version.

 

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Saloon 7G-tronic Plus

Mercedes C-Class review: RALPH MORTON

What is it?

Sometimes a trip to the tailors to redefine your appearance works wonders for your presentation.

And Mercedes has done just that for its MY13 version of the core C-Class model.

It’s not that the key components of the Mercedes C-Class were wrong, rather their presentation in the company car window looked…well, a little tired.

Mercedes C-Class
All models now get the swish leather interior, plus alloys

Step forward a new look C-Class line up of model lines called Executive SE, AMG Sport, AMG Sport Plus, and AMG. And standard items now include leather and alloys on all models.

Depending on your preference, business car buyers have the choice of Executive SE (think expensive suit plus Church brogues) or AMG Sport (same expensive suit plus Nike performance trainers). In other words smart luxury or smart sporting.

The car we’re reviewing here is the Mercedes C-Class 250 in AMG Sport trim with seven-speed auto gearbox with paddles for manual changes should you wish. On the road price is £32,965. The lesser-powered C200 auto costs £30,850, while the mid point C220 diesel auto costs £31,925 in the same AMG Sport auto trim.

Mercedes C-Class
You can choose the outright performance of the AMG without risking a harsh ride – all is smooth composure over humps and bumps

 

What’s hot?

  • Understated but definitely eye-catching AMG looks
  • That’s not all. It drives with a satisfying directness that feels like its been honed from Merc’s F1 programme
  • Turn the steering wheel and the car points in the direction you want with accurate speed sensitive assistance
  • Over humps the firm ride keeps the Mercedes firmly planted on the road…
  • …but this sporting C-Class also manages to be wonderfully supple over the bumps. There’s no crashiness over potholes either
  • And then there’s the whopping 500Nm of torque from the four-cylinder turbo diesel that pushes you effortlessly up the road
  • And a seven-speed autobox that shifts seamlessly along
  • Inside it’s all AMG sports steering wheel, brushed aluminium pedals and F1 style paddle shifts
    Mercedes C-Class
    It’s a practical car too – capacious boot, and plenty of room for rear seat passengers
  • Plus a capacious boot and room for passengers in the rear
  • Easy to use COMAND Online Media Interface for colour digital satnav and interior customisation programs is a must-have option for business users
  • There’s optional on-the-go internet connectivity
  • With CO2 emissions of 131g/km the topline diesel Merc isn’t the cleanest but company car tax is still only 20%
  • And there’s over 56mpg fuel economy, too

 

What’s not

  • Merc might have upped the ante with its new lines and improved specifications, but be prepared to spend on options…
  • …the COMAND system, DAB digital radio and pre-wiring for telephone will set you back £2330…
  • …while the impressive safety pack – called Driving Assistance Package (blind spot assist, lane-keeping, pre-safe brake) is £1895
  • With CO2 emissions at 131g/km, the Mercedes will find itself the wrong side of the new leasing disallowance tax break when it’s introduced from April 2013

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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