Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes C-class review – MPG and running costs

Widespread hybridisation makes all new C-classes more efficient and less expensive to run

Evo rating
  • Chassis is extremely capable; powertrains a big improvement
  • It’s four cylinders or nothing for this generation; there’s a lot of tinsel to wade through

Another bonus of the C-class’s total electrification is some pretty solid mpg figures across the board. At its least efficient the C300 will still claim 42.2mpg on the WLTP cycle, with the C200 rising to 44mpg.

Diesels are very impressive, considering both the size of car they need to motivate and the ease with which they do so. The C220d’s headline 61.4mpg is particularly striking, and compares favourably to the BMW 320d’s 55 to 61mpg. The top-spec C300d compromises only slightly with a 55mpg rating, and after a few days of driving on urban roads and fuel-sapping dual carriageway A-roads dotted with roundabouts, we found it drawing on 50mpg. On a constant motorway, we have no doubt it’ll reach its official claims.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Running costs are becoming less of an issue since the advent of leasing and personal finance, but the Merc’s strong residuals make monthly payments extremely cost-effective considering how much car you’re getting.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget
Citroën C5 Aircross
In-depth reviews

Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget

When is a generic family crossover not the dullest thing on Earth? When it’s a comfy Citroën glazed in weirdness
9 Apr 2026
Porsche 911 (992.2) review – more complex than ever, but still the best sports car
Porsche 911 (992.2) – front
In-depth reviews

Porsche 911 (992.2) review – more complex than ever, but still the best sports car

The 992-generation 911 has taken time to reveal its character, but it’s evolved into a sports car with enormous breadth and ability
10 Apr 2026
Jaguar F-Pace SVR long term test – more efficient than a diesel Discovery
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Long term tests

Jaguar F-Pace SVR long term test – more efficient than a diesel Discovery

A stint in a diesel-engined Discovery that resulted in only 30mpg has convinced me the F-Pace SVR is impressively frugal
8 Apr 2026