Mercedes-Benz C 300 (2022) Review

Open the door and the case is made instantly. The vertical central display, the turbine vents, the ambient lighting and the quality of the switchgear give the compact Mercedes an atmosphere the rivals do not attempt. It rides quietly, insulates well, and on the motorway it feels like a considerably more expensive car. Two things spoil it.

The first is the interface, because almost every function including the climate controls now sits behind that portrait screen, and the steering wheel touch pads register inputs you did not make. The second is the engine. The mild hybrid 2.0 litre turbo four makes 255 horsepower and is fast enough, but it is coarse under load and the small electric boost cannot disguise the fact that the six cylinder option is gone.

Ownership needs clear eyes. Depreciation in this class is severe, air suspension and electronics repairs out of warranty are expensive, and Mercedes dealer labour is at the top of the market. Reliability records sit mid pack rather than poor. The interior is worth a lot. It is not worth ignoring the running cost, and buyers who lease rather than keep tend to be happiest here.