Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 – 2014) Review

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 – 2014) At A Glance

4/5

+Neatly styled estate. Very comfortable and refined. Impressive CDI diesels are economical. Good sized useable boot space.

-Parameter steering overlight in town. Expensive options. Not the best estate for driver enjoyment. Still has an old-school foot operated parking brake.

Insurance Groups are between 28–50
On average it achieves 86% of the official MPG figure

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate review

Ironically, my first drive of a W204 was on the Honda Accord launch the week before ‘my' C320 CDI arrived. Honda had hired examples of the competition and the Mercedes representative was a base spec C200 CDI Classic SE manual.

I actually liked that car. It felt completely honest and that it would do 1,000,000 miles. It wasn't fast, but the gear ratios were well matched to the engine, it handled well and it was comfortable enough for the driver to last 1,000,000 miles as well.

The £42,000 C320 CDI Sport estate was a different kind of animal. In basic form it costs £35,000, but this one had £7,000 of extras. The usual stuff: leather at £1,295, satnav at £1,995, park assist at £605, metallic paint at £620. However it did include (for £610) a very clever towbar that completely tucked away under the rear valence where it could do no harm when not in use.

For the £17,500 extra it cost over the C200 CDI Classic saloon, this C320 CDI Sport estate was a genuine luxury sports estate. Instead of a pedestrian 10.2 seconds to 60, it gets there in 6.8. it gobbles a bit more expensive diesel (33.7mpg in my case) but manages to steer relatively clear of Alistair Darling's clutches with a CO2 output of 199g/km. That means £210 tax this year and £260 next year. Not too painful.

Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate 2008 Road Test

Mercedes Benz C-Class C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2011 Road Test

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 – 2014) handling and engines

It's extremely comfortable. The latest Command satnav is intuitive and clear, though you do get Miss Whiplash giving the instructions rather than Honda's delightful dreamgirl.

At town speeds the speed sensitive parameter steering is so light and lacking in feel I did the unforgivable and kerbed an alloy on one of Belgravia's unforgiving kerbs. Then as soon as you get moving, it's fine. It's just that the car is so heavily loaded with technology you don't so much drive it as conduct it.

For a long time Mercedes have fitted the best cruise control and speed limiter of any cars on earth. It's completely simple. Adjusts your speed in 1mph or 5mph increments, so two movements gets you 10mph. Push it and you can limit your speed through a contraflow to whatever you want just as long as the Polish HGV on your tailgate will let you.

I'm not sure I like the front grille much. As Teutonic as a Tiger tank. But the profile and rear three quarters of the car are good. And the overall look is as solid as the car feels.

And that's what you want from a small Mercedes. You want it to feel like a condensed big one. The previous W203 C Class didn't do it. But this one does.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
C180 BlueEfficiency 42–48 mpg 8.7–9.2 s 139–176 g/km
C180 BlueEfficiency Automatic 43–48 mpg 8.7–9.1 s 139–163 g/km
C180 CGI BlueEfficiency 40 mpg 9.2 s 164 g/km
C180 CGI BlueEfficiency Automatic 38 mpg 9.2 s 172 g/km
C180 Kompressor BlueEfficiency 43 mpg 9.8 s 156–162 g/km
C200 CDI BlueEfficiency 54–59 mpg 9.6 s 127–141 g/km
C200 CDI BlueEfficiency Automatic 49–55 mpg 9.5–10.1 s 134–153 g/km
C200 Kompressor 39 mpg 8.8 s 173–178 g/km
C220 CDI 48 mpg 8.5 s 156–161 g/km
C220 CDI BlueEfficiency 60–66 mpg 8.5 s 114–135 g/km
C220 CDI BlueEfficiency Automatic 49–58 mpg 8.1–8.8 s 130–154 g/km
C230 30 mpg 8.6 s 221–226 g/km
C250 BlueEfficiency 42 mpg 7.4 s 159–162 g/km
C250 CDI BlueEfficiency 46–55 mpg 7.2–7.8 s 132–160 g/km
C250 CDI BlueEfficiency Automatic 54 mpg 7.4 s 135–138 g/km
C350 28 mpg 6.5 s 235 g/km
C350 BlueEfficiency 39 mpg 6.0 s 170 g/km
C350 CDI BlueEfficiency 42–47 mpg 6.3–6.5 s 159–180 g/km
C63 AMG 23 mpg 4.6 s 285 g/km
C63 AMG Edition 507 23 mpg 4.3 s 285 g/km
C63 AMG S 23 mpg 4.6 s 285 g/km

Real MPG average for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 – 2014)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

86%

Real MPG

17–66 mpg

MPGs submitted

650

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 – 2014) interior

Dimensions
Length 4596–4606 mm
Width 1728–2008 mm
Height 1459 mm
Wheelbase 2760 mm

Full specifications

The rear seat folding arrangement is exactly what you need in an estate car. Not quite as good as Mazda's Karakuri buttons. But flop down the wider of the two backrests and it takes the whole luggage blind and dog guard with it, no fiddling, and leaves a decent size luggage deck 1,632mm long by 1,398mm wide.

You still get the old American style parking brake, on autos, at least, and if there was some way of holding the car without it (and without blinding the driver behind) I couldn't find it. No big deal, though. It's a proper drum brake and holds well against ‘Drive', so all you have to do is pull the release when the lights turn green and you can go.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 – 2014) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4596–4606 mm
Width 1728–2008 mm
Height 1459 mm
Wheelbase 2760 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1500–1795 kg
Boot Space 485–1500 L
Warranty 3 years / Unlimited miles
Servicing 15500 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £25,169–£68,495
Insurance Groups 28–50
Road Tax Bands C–M
Official MPG 23.2–65.7 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult 5
Child 2
Pedestrian 2
Overall -

On sale until August 2014

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 156 5dr £27,790 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 156 Auto 5dr £29,290 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 136 5dr £29,095 58.9 mpg 9.6 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 136 Auto 5dr £30,725 55.4 mpg 9.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 170 5dr £31,370 65.7 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 170 Auto 5dr £33,000 56.5 mpg 8.3 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 170 5dr £30,170 65.7 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 170 Auto 5dr £31,670 56.5 mpg 8.3 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 204 5dr £32,540 55.4 mpg 7.3 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 204 Auto 5dr £34,040 54.3 mpg 7.4 s
63 AMG 457 5dr Auto £58,500 23.2 mpg 4.6 s
63 AMG Edition 507 5dr Auto £68,495 23.2 mpg 4.3 s

On sale until July 2014

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
63 AMG 457 5dr Auto £58,500 23.2 mpg 4.6 s
63 AMG Edition 507 5dr Auto £68,495 23.2 mpg 4.3 s

On sale until April 2014

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5dr £29,800 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Auto 5dr £31,300 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus 5dr £30,800 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus Auto 5dr £32,300 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5dr £31,220 58.9 mpg 9.6 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Auto 5dr £32,720 55.4 mpg 9.5 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus 5dr £32,235 58.9 mpg 9.6 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus Auto 5dr £33,735 55.4 mpg 9.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus 5dr £33,295 65.7 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus Auto 5dr £34,795 55.4 mpg 8.3 s
250 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5dr Auto £33,795 41.5 mpg 7.4 s
250 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus 5dr Auto £34,795 41.5 mpg 7.4 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus 5dr £34,350 55.4 mpg 7.3 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus Auto 5dr £35,835 54.3 mpg 7.4 s
350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5dr Auto £37,245 47.1 mpg 6.3 s
350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus 5dr Auto £38,245 47.1 mpg 6.3 s

On sale until June 2012

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr £28,530 41.5 mpg 9.2 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto 5dr £29,925 42.8 mpg 9.1 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5dr £27,130 41.5 mpg 9.2 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY SE Auto 5dr £28,630 42.8 mpg 9.1 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr £30,280 41.5 mpg 9.2 s
180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Auto 5dr £31,625 42.8 mpg 9.1 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr £29,810 58.9 mpg 9.6 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto 5dr £31,310 55.4 mpg 9.5 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5dr £28,395 58.9 mpg 9.6 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE Auto 5dr £30,015 55.4 mpg 9.5 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr £31,525 58.9 mpg 9.6 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Auto 5dr £33,025 55.4 mpg 9.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr £30,765 60.1 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto 5dr £32,385 55.4 mpg 8.3 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE 5dr £29,470 60.1 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE Auto 5dr £31,090 55.4 mpg 8.3 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr £32,585 60.1 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Auto 5dr £34,085 55.4 mpg 8.3 s
250 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr Auto £32,385 41.5 mpg 7.4 s
250 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr Auto £34,085 41.5 mpg 7.4 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr £31,925 55.4 mpg 7.3 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto 5dr £33,425 54.3 mpg 7.4 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr £33,640 55.4 mpg 7.3 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Auto 5dr £35,125 54.3 mpg 7.4 s
350 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr Auto £37,750 38.7 mpg 6.0 s
350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr Auto £35,835 47.1 mpg 6.3 s
350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr Auto £37,535 47.1 mpg 6.3 s

On sale until April 2011

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 5dr £26,630 40.4 mpg 9.2 s
180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Auto 5dr £28,245 38.2 mpg 9.2 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 5dr £27,990 54.3 mpg 9.6 s
200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Auto 5dr £29,555 48.7 mpg 10.1 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE 5dr £28,975 57.6 mpg 8.8 s
220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Auto 5dr £30,650 48.7 mpg 8.1 s
350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance 5dr Auto £35,135 41.5 mpg 6.5 s
350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr Auto £36,870 41.5 mpg 6.5 s
350 Elegance 5dr Auto £35,890 28.0 mpg 6.5 s
350 Sport 5dr Auto £37,625 28.0 mpg 6.5 s

On sale until April 2010

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance £25,900 42.8 mpg 9.8 s
180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Sport £27,600 42.8 mpg 9.8 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE £28,185 53.3 mpg 7.8 s
250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE Auto £29,720 46.3 mpg 7.2 s

On sale until May 2009

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
200 Kompressor Elegance £26,338 38.7 mpg 8.8 s
200 Kompressor Elegance Auto £26,338 - -
200 Kompressor SE £25,169 38.7 mpg 8.8 s
200 Kompressor SE Auto £25,169 - -
200 Kompressor Sport £28,002 38.7 mpg 8.8 s
200 Kompressor Sport Auto £28,002 - -
220 CDI Elegance £27,356 47.9 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI Elegance Auto £27,356 - -
220 CDI SE £26,186 47.9 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI SE Auto £26,186 - -
220 CDI Sport £29,020 47.9 mpg 8.5 s
220 CDI Sport Auto £29,020 - -
230 Elegance £28,605 30.4 mpg 8.6 s
230 Elegance Auto £28,605 - -
230 SE £27,436 30.4 mpg 8.6 s
230 SE Auto £27,436 - -
230 Sport £30,459 30.4 mpg 8.6 s
230 Sport Auto £30,459 - -
280 Elegance Auto £30,372 - -
280 SE Auto £29,202 - -
280 Sport Auto £32,226 - -
320 CDI Elegance Auto £32,579 - -
320 CDI Sport Auto £34,243 - -

Model History

February 2008

The new C-Class Estate is available to order from February 2008, with deliveries starting on 1st March 2008.

March 2008

New C-Class Estate unveiled

Model designation S204. The C Class estate has luggage capacity of up to 1500 litres, giving it one of the largest load compartments in the segment. Choice of 8 engines, extensively reworked to boost power output and improve fuel economy by as much as 12 per cent. Prices from £24,630 for the C 180 KOMPRESSOR SE, rising to £37,205 for the C 350 Sport.

SE, Elegance and Sport distinguished by unique radiator grilles. Three extended horizontal louvres and a large centrally positioned Mercedes star define Sport models which combine a luxury specification with first class driving dynamics. Elegance models feature chrome highlights on the radiator grille which is finished in high-gloss paint accentuating its comfort and luxury. Finally, the SE line offers the same technical innovations but in a deliberately more restrained and traditional package, and together with Elegance features a more executive design with a bonnet-mounted Mercedes star.

Single-action folding rear seats, split 1/3 : 2/3 split, collapse to create a virtually flat load floor measuring around 1.80 metres long and up to 1.20 metres wide. Luggage capacity expands from a thoroughly practical 485 litres behind the seats – 690 litres to the roof – to 1500 litres (loaded to roof level, VDA measuring method) with the rear seats folded down.

That means the C-Class Estate can swallow four golf bags and four trolleys. For everybody else, it is perhaps best to imagine the largest possible cuboid that could fit into the load compartment: 943 x 599 x 1465 mm equates to a volume of 827 litres, or approximately two and a half washing machines. That’s 66 litres more than the outgoing model and between 50 and 100 litres more than comparable premium estate models.

Maximum utilisable interior length of 2.82 metres, measured from the tailgate to the front passenger footwell – a whole 170 mm more than in its predecessor.

A new self-levelling rear suspension is available for £560. This uses an automatically pumping hydropneumatic system in which all components are fully integrated into the rear shock absorbers, saving space and weight. The energy required by the system is derived while the vehicle is on the move from the relative movements between the axle and body.

December 2010

Revised C-Class revealed

The revised C-Class will be launched in spring 2011 and is a comprehensive modernisation. The front and rear sections of this best selling model have a more striking design. There is now a high-resolution colour display screen in the instrument cluster, an elegant new dashboard with grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasising the premium character of the interior. A total of more than 2,000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The UK market launch of the Saloon and Estate versions will take place in March 2011.

The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to emphasise the V-shape of the front section. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps and the interior of the housings. The headlamps show their modernity by precision and an interplay between matt and high-sheen areas. The halogen headlamps are arranged in the classic way, with low beam on the outside, high beam on the inside and the indicators neatly arranged in the outer corner formed with the front wing.

The main focus of the design work in the interior was on restyling the dashboard with its integrated screen and new surface grain. The touch surfaces of the controls are now also more finely detailed and galvanised. A stepped extension to the instrument cluster now also accommodates the central display. The instrument cluster and a discreet light-catching contour continue into the front passenger side while the central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim.

All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated by the six-cylinder unit. Power has increased considerably, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 306 hp and 370 Nm (previously 292 hp and 365 Nm).

The four-cylinder petrol engines, which made a great evolutionary leap forward in 2009 and all feature direct injection and turbocharging and excel with high performance and exemplary economy.

The most economical model in the Mercedes C-Class range has also become even more frugal: the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the manual six-speed transmission and the standard ECO start/stop function. This corresponds to 117g/km of CO2. In conjunction with the improved 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function included as standard, the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY both deliver top-class figures with a combined diesel consumption of 58.8mpg. This corresponds toemissions of 125g/km.

The multimedia system COMAND Online now provides internet access for the first time (via the customers data enabled mobile phone). When the car is stationary, customers are able to browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly and are also easy to use while on the move. The integrated services include weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions.

Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation.

As a first in the C-Class, the BeckerMAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

13-12-2013:

Plastic interior door handles of W204 and S204 C Class seem to be breaking regularly. The first to fail is the drivers because it is the most used. Because these are an integral part of the door panel and not available separately, the cost to replace is £374 (inc VAT), plus fitting. Up to 75% is offered in 'Goodwill' in Germany. Nothing so far in the UK.

26-08-2014:

Another injector failure reported on 2011 S204 Mercedes C220 CDI Blue Efficiency.

17-01-2015:

Steering lock of 4 year old C-Class estate failed costing £1,000 to rectify.

07-05-2015:

Report of automatic transmission problem on 2013/62 Mercedes C-Class 1.6 petrol estate. On occasion it fails to change gear, normally at the start of a journey. The problem is intermittent. MB dealer failed on three separate occasions to find the fault, let alone diagnose its cause.

14-05-2015:

18" wheels with 225/40 tyres on the front and 255/35 on the rear reported as particularly prone to pothole damage on an S204 C250 estate.

29-11-2016:

Report that 45k mile 2010 Mercedes-Benz C180 CGI estate requires software update and replacement of timing chain and tensioners at a cost of £3,000.

25-07-2018:

Report of electromechanical parking brake of 2012 MB S204 C class estate automatic failing to hold the car on a steep incline. Owner has to also put it in Park and then it rolls back a bit. When she then puts it in reverse "it makes a horrible crunching sound."

03-03-2019:

Report of microblistering of the 'Fire Opal' metallic red paint over most of a 2013 Mercedes Benz S204 C-Class estate. Booked in for a respray inder warranty on 24-6-2019, but MB will not repaint an area previously damage repaired.

03-07-2019:

Report of brake pipe corrosion under 2002 Mercedes Benz S204 C-Class estate, first as an 'advisory' at the MoT in September 2018, then as a requirement at the car's service by a Mercedes Benz dealer in June 2019. Owner quoted £2,400 to replace all of the brake pipes.

What does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 – 2014) cost?