Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

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

VW Golf R faces off against Cupra Leon 333 – car pictures of the week
Golf R v Cupra Leon
Features

VW Golf R faces off against Cupra Leon 333 – car pictures of the week

Hot hatches are getting thin on the ground, but the VW stable is still in the game with the Cupra Leon 333 4Drive and Golf R. These are our favourite …
31 Jan 2026
Jaguar GT prototype review – driving 2026’s most controversial car
Jaguar GT prototype – front
Reviews

Jaguar GT prototype review – driving 2026’s most controversial car

Jaguar’s all-electric GT is entering the final stages of testing; we try a prototype in Sweden and find it’s not averse to a little snow-drifting
2 Feb 2026
New Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance review – more aero, still brilliant
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance
Reviews

New Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance review – more aero, still brilliant

A wilder-looking winged variant of the GR Yaris joins Toyota’s GR range – and the best news is it’s coming to the UK
28 Jan 2026