2015 Mercedes Benz C-Class Test Drive Score Sheet

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the first car to break into our top-ten. And it’s a top ten that’s separated by just 3.1 points. So, clearly, it’s pretty competitive at the top.

The upside is that the Indian car buyer is more spoilt for choice today than ever before. And the C-Class is the perfect symbol of that. In truth, it’s very close to being a perfect machine – the only place it loses points is in terms of Value for Money. You see, these are now 40-lakh machines by the time you get them on the road – and that’s a lot considering it doesn’t offer a particularly spacious rear seat. Sure, it has 40mm more legroom than before – which is certainly noticeable – but you’ll be better off in the driver’s seat of the new C-Class. And that’s because it now drives better than ever before.

The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark for the longest time, but with this generation the C-Class has certainly upped its game in terms of driving pleasure. When you push into a corner there’s mild understeer, as the front end seems reluctant to follow your lead. But the brilliant electronics take charge almost seamlessly and ensure that the C-Class does everything you ask of it. The best part is that the electronic systems work in the background without really getting between you and the machine.

But where the C-Class really scores is in terms of design and refinement. From inside the cabin, the Merc makes everything else in its class look completely pedestrian. It really does have one of the best automotive interiors in the world. The material quality is on par with the S-Class, and the cascading centre console symbolises the clean, elegant lines that characterize this machine. From the outside, it looks every bit the mini S-Class – and it’s certainly quite striking and svelte going down the road.

So, the C really is all things to all people – it has the refinement and quality of an S-Class, while having 3 Series rivalling handling, all in a package that you’ll never tire of. You do wish the diesel engine was a little more silent, and the price was a bit more attainable – but if you can afford it you won’t be disappointed.

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