‘You feel like you have everything under control’
In 2021 we were introduced to the new Mercedes-Benz C-class, but its predecessor has far from disappeared from the streets. In fact, now that it is becoming a little more accessible, it might just be your next occasion. We use user experiences to determine how good the car is.
The previous generation C-class was on the market between 2014 and 2021, a facelift in 2018 brought it up to date. In addition to the traditional Limousine and Estate, you could also choose a Coupé or Cabriolet. And of course for a huge variety of powertrains, with powers from 122 hp for the C180 d to no less than 510 hp for the AMG C 63 S. What is often striking in user reviews is that drivers are more inclined to share their experiences if the car has a has an alternative drivetrain. This also applies to this C-class, where relatively many C350 e-drivers describe their experiences with this plug-in hybrid..
Comfort and ease of use
You quickly assume that people choose Mercedes-Benz because of a comfortable overall experience, but when it comes to seating comfort, experiences with this C-class are divided. We read extremes, from a C350 e-driver who writes that ‘the seats are excellent, also due to the extendable seat section’ to an owner who had the driver’s seat adjusted after he suffered from back problems. “Front seat seats, not wide enough between the cheeks,” writes another. A point of criticism that more people fall for.
There is also no consensus about the space supply. “It’s a nice place to be on the back seat,” writes the owner of a C350 e Estate, “except for the middle seat, where the belt attachment constantly pokes you in the back. Shame. You sit comfortably in the front, even on longer journeys.”
Another driver with a similar car experiences the space as limited. “A point of criticism is the space in the back,” he writes. “When I drive, the rear left seat is downright unusable. At least, my wife (and she is small) was once sitting behind me and she could sit there, but I could only get in and out if I moved my seat forward.”
The owner of a C160 Limousine reports that the trunk space is sufficient. “Large, deep trunk that can hold a lot, nets and mounting points on the sides so you can secure your luggage.” Yet here too there is criticism. “It is inconvenient in terms of layout, because the floor is not flat but slopes slightly.”
Infotainment and controls
A third point where experiences differ is the operation. “The central screen in the Mercedes is of lower quality than that of BMW,” writes a C350 e-driver, for example. “The graphics are simply less attractive and do not meet the price you pay for the car. This may be better with the Comand Online system.”
The problem should therefore be solvable with an additional investment. This is confirmed by a rider who opted for this extensive system. “I am now completely used to the separate screen. My eyes don’t have to look down as much and aesthetically it’s also a good placement for me. The screen is very sharp and the navigation works very quickly.” However, the more expensive system also appears to be not flawless. “The pronunciation of quite a few instructions is completely unintelligible,” this driver complains.
One driver suffered from malfunctions with the navigation and multimedia system and, in consultation with the dealer, had the more expensive system installed. “Comand Online has now been in place for over a week and a half. Drove it for over 2,300 km and what a pleasure. If anyone else is going to order a C… Comand Online is a MUST!” That is also the message from another driver. “A tip for all people considering a Mercedes: Go for the Comand Online system!”
Handling C-class
Is there nothing that C drivers are unanimous about? Well… yes. Almost everyone speaks highly of the driving experience. “As expected, this car is extremely comfortable and you can easily drive long distances,” writes the driver of a C200 Estate. “The car is also extremely quiet, there is hardly any engine noise and only some tire noise.” A C350 e-driver is also extremely satisfied. “With this chassis you can zoom really fast through the long bends at traffic circles. It then remains sturdy, safe and comfortable. Yet it is straight forward an oasis of peace and comfort.” Another plug-in driver also experiences this. “The suspension is second to none. Imperfections are effortlessly smoothed out, with the exception of short, very transverse ridges. Speed bumps, on the other hand, are hardly felt.”
The handling at higher speeds has also been praised several times. “On the German Autobahn, cruising at higher speeds in the C300 is comfort at its best,” writes a Coupe driver full of praise, “You don’t notice that you are doing 180+ km/h.” A C220 diesel driver is also enthusiastic. “At 220 km/h, driving the Benz is comparable to 160 in my old Peugeot 508 SW. He lies like a rock, not a rattle, not a bounce. You always have the feeling that you have everything completely under control.”
A less powerful version is also appreciated in terms of driving. “The car is absolutely geared for comfort, but without becoming soft or wobbly,” reports a C180 user. “You can take corners mercilessly fast if you want. The Mercedes steers lightly, but with a lot of feeling and very directly. I also notice how light the car feels. With 1,295 kg in standard trim, it has become a less heavy car and I notice that in cornering and when braking, and also in how the 1.6 engine delivers sufficient performance.”
Maintenance, malfunctions and irritations
So the C-class drives well, but what about the quality? Not everyone is happy about that. “Premium brand or not, this car also had faults,” begins a C180 driver. “For example, after 2 years the screen of the navigation system started to fail or freeze. This was often solved by turning the ignition off and on again, but ultimately the SD card reader was replaced.”
A private C200 Estate driver is mostly satisfied, but did have to deal with a few unplanned garage visits. “I now have a set of new left wishbones, a NOx sensor and a new guide rail for the electric roller. As far as I’m concerned, 3x too many trips to the garage for a car of this age with this mileage,” is his conclusion after 89,000 kilometers. Fortunately for this rider, these problems were resolved under warranty.
The C350 e has some quirks of its own, which several riders have mentioned. “Had a breakdown twice ‘Without switching. Find a workshop’. That was a bit difficult, because the car could not be started,” writes an owner who did not experience this malfunction afterwards. This rider also reports that the compressor of the air-suspended rear axle failed after 147,000 kilometers. “Still €1,100.00 excl. VAT costs for the leasing company. Seems to happen more often, so pay attention when purchasing.” And indeed, it is not the only reviewer who has to deal with such a defective compressor.
The Estate’s luggage cover also causes annoyance to several drivers. “With a little bump, it spontaneously shoots up, it turns out to be a known error. The garage drilled out the holes a bit, but after that the problem did not occur again,” writes an expert.
There are also positive stories to counter these sounds. “In all this time I have never had to make an extra garage visit or have to top up oil between maintenance,” writes a driver after 180,000 kilometers. “Which is a compliment for a car with this complex technology.”
The image that remains after reading the user reviews is also complex. According to owners, this C-class drives excellently, but all that glitters is not gold. For example, you have to pay extra to raise the infotainment system to an appropriate level, the seats are not to everyone’s taste and several drivers are confronted with interim garage visits. In summary: drives well, could be better.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl