2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – An Elegant, Powerful, And Practical Saloon

Mercedes-Benz UK introduced the fourth-generation C-Class executive saloon in February 2014, boasting a much more comfortable and upmarket interior, more refined handling, and punchy engines. The company gave it an extensive facelift in 2018 and added two plug-in hybrid models later in 2020. Thanks to its good looks, high-standard safety features, and posh interior, the fourth generation models regularly appeared on the UK's best-selling cars list.

2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Trim Levels and Powertrains

The fourth-generation C-Class came with a limited lineup, including an entry-level SE, the mid-level Sport, and the range-topping AMG Line trim levels. Only two engine choices were available at the launch, including a 184hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol (known as C200) and a 170hp 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel (known as C220 BlueTEC).

The engine lineup of C-Class MK4 grew later with the introduction of a 204hp C250 BlueTEC diesel that came in September 2014, as well as C300 diesel-electric and C350 petrol-electric hybrid powertrains that were available from April 2015.

Customers demanding more power were catered to in spring 2015 when Mercedes made the 476hp C63 AMG range-topping variant available. A less powerful C43 generating 362hp came in April 2016.

Besides the new engine range, Mercedes also introduced the estate wagon, two-door coupe, and cabriolet models. The mid-life facelift came in May 2018 with the same trim levels, but the automaker updated the engines, tweaked the exterior and interior styling, and replaced the hybrids with plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Standard Features

The standard facilities for the entry-level SE at the launch of the fourth generation included 16-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, 7.0-inch centre console touchscreen, reversing camera, rain-sensitive wipers, collision prevention assist plus, cruise control with hold function, tyre pressure monitoring, direct steer with speed-sensitive steering, and more.

The 2018 facelift brought more features and upgrades, including adjustable suspension and a 10.25-inch display substituting the 7.0-inch screen.

The mid-level Sport came equipped with 17-inch alloys, aluminium interior trim, contrasting stitching, Garmin Map Pilot Navigation, heated front seats, LED high-performance headlights, 15mm lowered comfort suspension, Parktronic with Active Park Assist, and sports seats in Artico leather.

The AMG Line was introduced with 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling & floor mates, AMG sports pedals, AMG sports seats & steering wheel, chrome splitter, sports Direct-Steer system, 15mm lowered sports suspension and gearshift paddles on auto variants.

Safety

The Mercedes C-Class Mk4 received a five-star safety score from Euro NCAP in 2014 with an adult occupant protection rating of 92 per cent, child protection rating of 84 per cent, pedestrian protection rating of 77 per cent, and safety tech rating of 70 per cent.

The facelifted models came with more advanced safety amenities, so go for 2018 or above C-Class models if you want the protection of seven airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a driver-attention monitor, and an emergency braking-assist system. A head-up display unit and blind spot monitoring were optional.

Price

The used price of the fourth generation starts at around £13,000 and goes up as per the model year and trim level. The automaker suggests a service check-up every 24 months or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first). The MK4 is a little dearer to insure than its competitors since it takes place in slightly higher groups – 23 to 49 compared to Audi A4 with insurance groups from 19 to 44, and the BMW 3 Series with insurance groups ranging from 18 to 45.

Head to Hilton Supermarket to buy the best C-Class models at affordable prices.