Mercedes C-Class models explained

By Craig Hale

Last updated: 14 May 2025

Discover the Mercedes C-Class model range

The Mercedes C-Class range is a luxurious family of mid-sized cars that tick just about every box there is. Most people think of the saloon variant, but it has a more practical estate sibling and, in previous generations, coupé and convertible counterparts.

It’s also one of the most versatile car ranges out there, with nearly every type of fuel. Over the years, there have been petrol and diesel models, both of which are available with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the full range of Mercedes C-Class models available today, highlighting their unique features, what makes them stand out and why you might want to consider them above other versions.

Mercedes C-Class models: full list

The Mercedes C-Class is now only available in two key body styles, but over the years further form factors have also been available.

Here’s a detailed look at the different models you can choose from, including an overview of the different fuel types on offer.

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

The Mercedes C-Class Saloon is the German brand’s smallest saloon, but it’s still a class or two above other compact family saloons.

It has a smooth, elegant design and a premium interior, making it the perfect choice for those who want a refined ride in a car that doubles as a high status symbol.

The fifth-generation model has a 455-litre boot, which is somewhere between what you’d get in a family hatchback and an SUV, but remember that the saloon-style boot opening isn’t as practical as those, because the rear windscreen doesn’t open with the door.

Mercedes C-Class Estate

Perfect for drivers who need a little bit more space and bags more practicality, the C-Class Estate is the ultimate choice. The 490-litre boot isn’t massively bigger, but the wide-opening hatchback-style boot makes the space far easier to access.

Despite its looks, it’s no longer or wider than the regular saloon, and only 16mm taller, so it’s no more difficult to park. It also feels similar to drive, which is a good thing because the C-Class is known for its engaging handling.

Mercedes C-Class Coupé

Mercedes started selling coupé versions of its popular C-Class from the second generation, which launched in 2000. It remained on sale for the third- and fourth-generation versions, too.

Unfortunately, it was dropped from the lineup when the C-Class entered its fifth generation in 2021, but in late 2023 a brand-new model launched to pick up where it left off.

The newer Mercedes CLE is an indirect replacement for the C-Class Coupé and the E-Class Coupé, so it’s slightly larger, more luxurious and more expensive.

If you don’t want to spend lots on a newer model, consider a fourth-generation C-Class Coupé for its excellent driving experience and stylish looks.

Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

The convertible version, badged C-Class Cabriolet, was only available on fourth-generation cars, but that’s no bad thing because this model feels premium inside but doesn’t cost the earth to buy, thanks to the launch of newer models.

If you’re after the latest and greatest, consider the CLE Cabriolet. There are powerful 2.0- and 3.0-litre mild hybrid engines to pick from and a handful of high-end trim levels.

Mercedes-AMG C-Class

The AMG tuning division is so iconic that most standard Mercedes models sold are finished in a variation of the AMG Line trim, inspired by the full-fat performance editions.

At the top of the tree are the ‘63’ models. The Mercedes-AMG C63 used to feature a powerful V8 engine, but newer models feature a more efficient plug-in hybrid setup which offers just as much punch.

A mid-range C43 finishes the lineup – it used to use a 3.0-litre petrol engine, but newer cars use a 2.0-litre mild hybrid system in the name of reduced emissions.

Mercedes C-Class petrol, diesel and hybrid models

Mercedes engines are generally known for their performance, engineering quality and durability, and the options available in the fifth-generation C-Class offer a solid blend of all these factors.

For example, the slowest will still get to 62mph in under eight seconds, but fuel economy figures for non-AMG versions never drop below 40mpg on paper.

Mercedes C-Class petrol

When Mercedes introduced the fifth-generation W206 C-Class, it knew it had to make some drastic changes to keep emissions under control, which is why all of its engines are Euro 6e-compliant.

Therefore, petrol Mercedes C-Class cars all come with mild hybrid power, which provides a small 20hp electric boost under acceleration and helps reduce the strain on the engine, improving real-world fuel efficiency. Options include:

C200 - 1.5-litre, 204hp, 7.3 seconds to 62mph, 45.6mpg

C300 - 2.0-litre, 258hp, 6.0 seconds to 62mph, 42.4mpg

They’re also in slightly lower insurance groups than their diesel counterparts, which could make them cheaper to insure.

Mercedes C-Class diesel

While many manufacturers have turned their backs on diesel power, Mercedes understands that C-Class buyers might still want to choose this type of fuel for its efficiency benefits, particularly when on longer journeys.

Like the petrol models, the two Mercedes C-Class diesel engines feature mild hybrid tech with a 20hp electric motor, which could help cut emissions at slower speeds where diesels normally pollute more. You have the pick of:

C220d - 2.0-litre, 197hp, 7.5 seconds to 62mph, 62.8mpg

C300d - 2.0-litre, 265hp, 5.7 seconds to 62mph, 54.3mpg

Mercedes C-Class PHEV

Fifth-generation C-Classes only come with one plug-in hybrid option, but it’s one of the best in its class.

The C300e produces the same 204hp as the C200, but from a bigger 2.0-litre engine. It’s backed up by a 129hp electric motor – and with both systems working in harmony, you get an impressive 313hp.

Official fuel economy figures are hugely misleading, at 565mpg, but that’s more a problem with the WLTP testing procedure than Mercedes. The 71-mile electric only range (68 miles for the estate) should be pretty achievable, though.

Energy is stored in a 19.5kWh battery, which is nearly as big as what you used to get in early EVs like the first-generation Renault Zoe.

It’ll charge at speeds of up to 11kW, though most owners will use a 7kW home charger and that’ll take around three hours. It also supports 55kW DC rapid charging for those motorway stops.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S e Performance is also a plug-in hybrid, but rather than using a big battery for efficiency improvements, it uses a small 4.8kWh battery to store enough energy for performance boosts.

The 476hp 2.0-litre petrol engine (yes, you read that right) and 204hp electric motor make a combined 680hp. Enough to propel the car to 62mph in 3.4 seconds, but the 26.9mpg fuel economy figure is far from hybrid-like.

Previous fourth-generation cars were also available with diesel-powered plug-in hybrids. These and their petrol siblings had smaller batteries, and less electric-only range, but if the prospect of a super-economical diesel hybrid sounds appealing, it’s a car worth checking out.

What is the best Mercedes C-Class model?

Performance: Mercedes-AMG C43

It would be easy to suggest the top-spec Mercedes-AMG C63 S e Performance, but that one’s around £30,000 more expensive than the C43 new, and we think the C43 can be just as much fun.

It has the same mighty 421hp 2.0-litre petrol engine as the iconic Mercedes-AMG A45 S, plus a small 14hp mild hybrid boost, so it’ll still get to 62mph in 4.3 seconds.

You’ll also be smug knowing that your C43, which isn’t even a full second slower than the C63 S e Performance, is a lot cheaper to run, and you won’t have the hassle of endlessly charging up the small PHEV battery of that car either.

Budget: Mercedes C200 AMG Line

The C200 is a great pick – the most budget-friendly model has a 204hp petrol engine and fuel-saving mild hybrid tech, so it can be affordable to both buy and run.

AMG Line models are also so popular that there are plenty to pick from across all budgets. We think going for this good-looking variant will make your C-Class look more complete – you won’t feel like you’ve made the budget choice.

If a car like this is well within your budget, consider stepping up to higher trim levels for more kit before you look at your engine choice, because the C200 is a solid pick.

Mid-range: C300 AMG Line Premium

If you can, aim for a C300 model because you get a noticeable improvement in power, reducing the 0-62mph time in the fifth-generation car by 1.3 seconds, which is quite drastic.

Compared to the other mainstream trim levels, AMG Line Premium is about mid-range, and it comes with worthwhile upgrades over the standard AMG Line trim.

An AMG Line Premium Plus car won’t look any flashier, but it’ll have luxuries like cooled front seats and a Burmester sound system for a more luxurious ride.

Find a Mercedes C-Class model at cinch

Ready to explore your ideal C-Class in more detail or compare a range of used options side-by-side? Search for used Mercedes C-Class cars on finance to spread the cost of ownership and find a variety of models at competitive prices.

Now that you’ve read our guide, use our handy search filter tools to narrow down your perfect C-Class, whether that’s a saloon model with petrol power, an estate that runs on diesel, or any other combination.

You can also search by trim level, mileage, price and more, ensuring we can get you behind the wheel of your perfect C-Class.

Read more:

• Mercedes C-Class vs. E-Class

• Mercedes C-Class vs. BMW 3 Series