Tuesday 4th February 2014

New C-Class price and spec released

UK range starts at just under £27K, plenty of diesel options following soon

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C-Class vs 3 Series vs A4 has been running for nearly two decades now. Their ongoing fight for compact exec supremacy will intensify in 2014 with the arrival of the new C-Class, prices for which have now been confirmed.

7-inch screen and touchpad standard

The range starts at £26,855 for the C200 SE but that's slightly misleading because that's the price for the manual car and, let's face it, very few C-Classes will be sold without the auto. The C200 with Mercedes' 7-speed auto costs £28,355.

The diesel range starts with the C220 Bluetec SE manual at £29,365 (auto £30,865, a £1,500 extra). Both launch models are available with Sport and AMG Line spec options; Sport is another £1,995 over the SE and the AMG Line another £1,495 on top of that. Upgrading to Sport takes the wheels up an inch to 17s and includes LED headlights, Garmin nav and 'lowered comfort suspension'. The AMG Line brings 18-inch wheels, AMG bodystyling and sports suspension.

The diesel will be the biggest seller in Britain, with the AMG Line sure to prove popular too. At £34,355 for the auto, it's a fair bit costlier than an A4 2.0 TDI 177 S Line (£31,935) and more also than a 320d M Sport at £33,325.

Funny, there are no pics of it on 16s yet...

Every C-Class will get a standard touchpad for the infotainment and a seven-inch display plus an Agility Select system allowing a choice between Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and individual modes.

But then there are options to consider, of course. An Air Balance Package (yes really) uses the air filtering tech from the S Class and offers a choice of four fragrances for £350. Bargain. A Premium Pack (£1,595) on Sport and AMG Line cars includes a panoramic sunroof, memory seats and keyless go; Premium Plus is £2,795, for which Comand Online and a Burmester stereo are added.

Perhaps the most interesting option from a PH perspective is the Airmatic Agility Package, the variable self-levelling air suspension. At £895, it seems one of the best value extras.

The first versions of the new C-Class will reach customers in June. A C200 and C250 diesel, plus the C300 Bluetec Hybrid, will follow later in 2014. Watch this space for some driving impressions as soon as we have them.

[MogulBoy]

Can I have aloe vera scented air in my suspension please?

Minty.

[pSyCoSiS]

£27k is a relatively high price for a bog standard enrty level C Class?

Didn't realise thats how these things are now seling for new...

[Dr Interceptor]

pSyCoSiS said:

£27k is a relatively high price for a bog standard enrty level C Class?

Didn't realise thats how these things are now seling for new...

The days of a C180 Classic with manual 'box for £19,990 are long gone. Mind you that came with a tape player!

I'm pretty sure the amount of kit you get as standard will be pretty good.

[oilit]

absolutely daft ipad tablet thingy stuck as an afterthought - not for me

[Wills2]

Lovely interior, just wish the screen was retractable as it spoils the lines of the dash.

[HeMightBeBanned]

Yes yes yes, C220 Eco Blue Hybrid Airmatic blah. When's the C63 coming?

[tr7v8]

Of the 3 (A4, 3 series & this) this is the one I'd most likely end up with. One of my Porsche club members has a new C class estate & it is rather nice.

[campaj1]

350cdi?

[Agent Orange]

So that's slightly dearer than the outgoing model. Hmmm... I thought Mercedes were looking to sell the new C-Class for less than the current to entice buyers away from the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

Buggers up my negotiations on a new current C-Class estate....!

[TaylotS2K]

Personally I think it looks great. However, are Merecedes and Volvo sharing the same designer at the moment. Front ends are very similar.

[Debaser]

Any news on the AMG (not 'AMG Line') version?

[Shaoxter]

pSyCoSiS said:

£27k is a relatively high price for a bog standard enrty level C Class?

Didn't realise thats how these things are now seling for new...

Uhhh inflation?

[wemorgan]

Agent Orange said:

So that's slightly dearer than the outgoing model. Hmmm... I thought Mercedes were looking to sell the new C-Class for less than the current to entice buyers away from the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

Buggers up my negotiations on a new current C-Class estate....!

The lease deals could be cheaper than the other makes despite the RRP being similar.

[debateaments]

This is not a bad looking car at all, but I just realised what I don't like about the 2 series bmw by looking at this.
When you look at the profile of both cars the boot is very small relative to the bonnet.

[TNH]

Quite a handsome looking thing in my opinion.

I wonder if theyve sorted out the overly light steering which made you feel like you were driving a boat though?

Not keen on the stuck on screen either.

[anonymous-user]

The rear looks very truncated, it gives the car slightly odd proportions to my eye, but if Mercedes are true to form the E-class will be very similar looking but with the "correct" proportions.

[Alfa159Ti]

An I'll proportioned, bulbous looking thing to my eye.

Much prefer its predeccessor.

[British Beef]

I would rather find another £123k and buy the XJ220 in the other PH feature!

[redroadster]

Bring on the amg monsters.

[va1o]

Price seems fair enough and good to see the options are sensibly priced. Auto 'box and Nav will be fairly essential I should imagine.