2014 New Mercedes C-Class review, test drive

The C 220 CDI diesel engine has been updated for the new C-class. It now feels like it has more grunt, especially at low speeds, and the car gets moving from rest with just a tap on the throttle. Squeezing the throttle further delivers another corresponding increase in pace, which feels great. The new C, as a result, feels quick off the mark and this characteristic gels really well with the effortless nature of the car. There’s no doubt the new C-class is in its element being driven in a relaxed manner, the car delivering a very strong E-class vibe.

The cloak of refinement is, however, somewhat ruptured when you spin the engine faster The engine, at higher speeds, feels strained, sounds loud and the performance delivered after a point tapers off. This is a bit disappointing. You soon learn to drive around the problem and avoid spinning the engine hard unless you absolutely have to.   

The 208bhp C 250 petrol, in contrast, is an oasis of calm. The engine is really silent at almost all speeds, and what makes it even nicer is that the new chassis is super silent and refined too. Road noise is considerably reduced and the suspension functions very silently too, so the petrol-powered car feels particularly quiet on the move. What’s great is that the smooth pulling power and languid pace of the car also encourage you to drive it in a brisk but relaxed manner. There’s also plenty of power on hand when the engine is pulled harder. There’s a sporty snarl when you put your foot down and the bursts of acceleration are good enough to make you want to drive quicker and quicker.