C-CHANGE(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 53

Mercedes has rejuvenated its important C-Class model for a new era, significantly updating the combustion saloon and estate versions of this fifth generation W206-era design to reflect the look of the added all-electric version. As before, this premium lower mid-sized model brings more than a dash of S-Class luxury to this important segment.

Background word count: 243

Once, if you thought of a Mercedes you thought of a large limo. But for the last three decades, the model that has more readily sprung to mind is the C-Class. Here, we're looking at the very extensive update made to the fifth generation W206 version. With this car, Mercedes still wants you to think of a large limo, calling it a 'mini S-Class'. Though the C-Class isn't quite as important a model for the brand as it once was (the smaller CLA now out-sells in the UK), it remains a defining contender for the marque. Especially since the arrival of the C-Class Electric, launched just before this combustion model update, whose controversial aggressive frontal look provided the inspiration for the visual changes made here. Under the new packaging, the changes made aren't particularly far-reaching, which you might think could be an issue given that the saloon and estate variants of this Mercedes are still priced above equivalent versions of their BMW 3 Series / i3 closest rival - and that Munich model is an all-new car. But since 1993, the draw of the Three-Pointed Star has delivered C-Class sales anyway. This model line has found 12 million new owners since the MK1 W202 version first arrived, followed by the W203 in 2000, the W204 in 2007, the W205 in 2014 and the current W206 generation in 2021. But is this latest car good enough to sell on more than just its badge?