C-Class Estate, W205

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Following on from my recent thread on W212 E-Class models, we've driven one of those last week and while very nice it really is too big for our needs. We drove a few other things, amongst which was a W205 C-Class estate. There appears to be a good number of these on Autotrader which tick all the boxes, what are these like for reliability? Regards the C350e, what is the PHEV system like, in terms of reliability, extra service considerations, battery lifespan etc.? Any other input on these at all?

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alishutc said:

I have a 2016 C350e estate.

I can't really comment on reliability because sample size of 1, but I've had no issues with it so far (I bought it used about 2 years ago). Overall I'm happy with it - it's pretty quick with the electric and battery power combined otherwise quiet and comfortable with the air suspension. As far as plug in hybrids go it really is at the bottom end in terms of electric only range - this time of year it won't get into double figures. It works for my purposes (I live in London and am either making pretty short journeys or else driving much further afield to visit family etc). I also have off street parking so was able to install a charger. I'm averaging about 60mpg over the time I've had it.

You do lose a bit of boot space over the regular estate, but I can still fit a couple of small kids bikes back there, for example. I have the sport trim and the infotainment system/nav are pretty crap, I tend to just use Google Maps on my phone these days. I may get an aftermarket Android Auto / CarPlay system fitted, just researching the possibilities now.

Depending on what age you are looking at it is worth noting the the tax rules for PHEVs changed around 2017 I think, so mine is tax exempt but a slightly newer model wouldn't be. I also qualify for the London congestion charge exemption - though only for another year or so before they stop this for PHEVs.

That's great insight, thanks very much for that

So like you we have off-street parking so a charger install is an option for us - mind if I ask what you went for and how much you paid? Our usage is largely trips up to about 10 or 15 miles with occasional (i.e. once a month or so) longer runs so I guess we should benefit from a PHEV in terms of low fuel usage and tax. My wife's current car is a 2008 ML320 and mine is a Jaguar XKR so whatever the navigation system in a W205 looks like will feel positively space-age in comparison but we do tend to use Google Maps too.

How much boot space are we talking about losing?

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Thanks again all, very useful. PH delivers

Regards the hybridy bits - what's the manufacturer warranty on batteries, is that ten years like some other brands? Does that only cover the battery packs or does it extend to the charging and drive systems too (I'm guessing not)?