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Mercedes C-Class: update for classy business exec

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19 May 2011

Model year 2011 new generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport G-Tronic business car road test report

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Sport road test

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport G-Tronic

What is it?

LATEST version of Mercedes’ compact executive, the C-Class boasts a comprehensive round of changes – although you’d be hard pressed to spot them. New CLS-style headlights are the biggest visual exterior updates, but more attention has been paid to boosting cabin quality. C-Class engines are more efficient and more powerful too, while equipment also gets a leg up. The Mercedes C-Class is tested here in 172PS 2.1-litre C220d Sport with G-tronic auto, priced at £32,475 on the road.

What’s hot?

  • Cabin quality improved by brushed aluminium trim…
  • …and a central screen for options like satnav
  • Exterior tweaks subtle but still every inch the classy business saloon
  • Diesel bumped up to 172PS, does 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds…
  • …has lots of mid-range overtaking punch
  • And returns 58.9mpg while emitting 136g/km of CO2 as well
  • Company car tax band for 2011/12 is 20% as a result
  • 7G-tronic auto is slick and smooth, even if it does add £1,500 to the price
  • But it’s better on CO2 than A4 and 3 Series auto rivals
  • Satnav is intuitive and, while optional, it’s a must for RVs though
  • Bluetooth and climate control are standard as are adaptive dampers…
  • …they ensure the ride is firm but comfortable
  • Wind noise is well suppressed, great motorway manners
  • Sport brings neat alloys

What’s not?

  • Diesel engine is gruff…
  • …standard six-speed manual gearbox is notchy
  • An Audi A4 and a BMW 3-Series both have more rear seat space
  • Steering is lifeless, driving is little fun as a result
  • Class-leading BMW 320d EfficentDynamics is still ahead…
  • …on both CO2 emissions and company car tax benefit in kind
  • Audi A4 still beats it for cabin quality and ambience

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 32,305
Monthly Rental*: 397 (CH)/£476 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 20%, 21%, 22%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 2.1-litre 4cyl turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions: 136g/km
Power/torque: 172PS/400Nm
Economy: 58.9mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

With a host of changes, the updated Mercedes C-Class is a leap forward over its predecessor. The cabin is better built, answering one of the criticisms levelled at the last C-Class model, there are more goodies available and the new diesel is punchy and efficient. But it still falls short of the A4 and 3-Series in almost every area and with a new 3-Series due next year, that will be a concern to the three-pointed star. Make no mistake, the C-Class is a good business car, but it’s not quite as cheap to run or as much fun to drive as its rivals. And while the margin is small right now, it’s only going to grow.

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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