MSN Cars - Mercedes C-Class Estate

Merc1 · **MSN Cars - Mercedes C-Class Estate -** 11-07-2007, 02:36 PM

First impressions

In the four-door prestige saloon market Mercedes has to fight tooth and nail with BMW, Audi, Lexus and others. But when it comes to the posh estate car the three-pointed star rides high. After all, it pretty much invented the idea with its W123 of the late 70s and early 80s. With the seal of approval from the green welly and black Labrador brigade, this car was the embodiment of middle class success in the time before SUVs. But with cars like the B-Class and R-Class in the range the role of the luxury estate is less defined now. Not that it's stopped Mercedes from launching this, the wagon version of its latest C-Class.

In saloon form the new C-Class has been winning a lot of friends. The sharp looks are a success and there's the choice of two distinct lines according to whether you prefer things traditional or want a more sporting look. Elegance gets a proper grille with a star on the top while Sport gains a coupe-style grille mounted star and stiffer suspension. And the estate continues the run of form. Merc wagons are always graceful and the new C-Class is no exception. The front end is as per the saloon, which is no bad thing. But the boot is squarer and more estate like than its predecessor, boosting space by around 10%.

Performance

Estate buyers tend to be practical, no nonsense types. And as a result the most popular model is the C220 CDI, the mid ranging four-cylinder turbodiesel. With 295lb/ft of torque and fuel consumption of 46.3mpg - 2.2mpg better than the outgoing car - it's a great all round package. But we couldn't resist taking out the C320 CDI. With a smooth and refined V6 turbodiesel boasting 376lb/ft of torque, a slick seven-speed auto and boasting an official consumption figure of 39.7mpg it really is the pick of the range. Capable of 0-62mph in just 7.8 seconds it is effortlessly fast and relaxing with it.

Ride and handling

Expectation dictates a diesel powered estate car is never going to be the last word in driver involvement. But Mercedes has pitched the C-Class perfectly and on our Elegance spec car the standard Agility Control self adjusting dampers struck a fine balance between comfort and poise. If you fancy a bit more focus the Sport spec cars (known as Avantgarde in other markets) will run 15mm lower on harder springs and with firmer anti-roll bars. Optional Advanced Agility Control with adjustable dampers will also be available but on this evidence the SE and Elegance on standard suspension is probably the most appropriate set up.

Interior

The new C-Class has moved the game on considerably when it comes to interior quality. In traditional Mercedes fashion the design is conservative and functional rather than flashy and full of gimmicks. But this is what people choose a Mercedes for and the marque is wise to play to its strengths. The seats are firm and supportive, the dials clear and the switches all have a pleasingly solid feel. Experience shows that on the saloon there is a disappointing amount of offset to the steering wheel on right-hand-drive cars though. Not something you expect in this day and age. The huge wing mirrors aren't ideal either, causing a serious nearside A-pillar blindspot.
Mercedes C-Class (Image © Motoring Research)

An extra 45mm in the wheelbase means small gains in cabin space of around 10mm in rear legroom and 40mm of front shoulder and elbow room. But it's the new squarer back end that really reaps rewards in boot space, the new car's maximum of 1500 litres trumping both its predecessor and 3-Series Touring rival by well over 100 litres. To stop your shopping rattling around this cavernous space you will also be able to order the optional Easy-Pack load management system from the E-Class. A clever mix of adjustable bars, dividers and compartmentalised bags really boost versatility and will no doubt delight the target audience.

Economy and safety

As we've already noted the key four-cylinder diesel motor uses less fuel than before. There's also the option of a fleet friendly C200 CDI, with emissions of 157g/km and official fuel consumption of 47mpg. The C320 CDI we drove has also cut its emissions from 208g/km to 198g/km, dropping 2% on the BIK scale while improving combined mpg by 2.5 to 38.2. The petrol engines offer similar improvements too but those with eye to the prevailing green mood should probably hold on for a couple of years. Coming in 2009, the C250 Bluetec will offer Mercedes' clean diesel exhaust technology and claimed fuel consumption of 57mpg. Hybrids will follow not long afterwards.
Mercedes C-Class (Image © Motoring Research)

Meanwhile as a family car safety is an important consideration. And it's an area where Mercedes traditionally excels, the new C-Class being no exception. Estate cars are popular towing vehicles and the C-Class has a maximum capacity of 1800kg. But the standard fit trailer stabilising ESP is a welcome feature, counteracting the dangerous fishtailing that can occur when towing. There are seven airbags as standard too, together with active head rests, belt tensioners and force limiters to protect in the event of an accident. And to help you avoid one in the first place there is the option of the all seeing Intelligent Light System too.

The MSN Cars verdict: 4/5

We like the C-Class saloon a lot and the estate takes nothing from this, while adding a whole load of extra practicality. The labyrinthine spec sheet merits some serious swotting before you decide on your preferred options but whatever your preferences the C-Class estate has to be considered top of its class for both practicality and driver appeal. But it will come at a cost, even if final pricing is TBC.

Summary

New generation C-Class range expands to include a practical and stylish estate version.

* Likes: Sharp looks, boosted practicality, interior quality, ride and handling, diesel engines
* Dislikes: Price, confusing spec levels, expensive options

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cawimmer430 · **Re: MSN Cars - Mercedes C-Class Estate -** 11-08-2007, 06:22 AM

Great review overall. I love what they said about the interior. Basically conservative and solid and not flashy and gimmicky, typical Mercedes.