The C Class is a very important car for Mercedes, a staple of a large range that has to make steady money for the company- and there is nothing like hedging your bets if you are relying on something to be successful. The latest generation C comes with two faces depending on your mood.
There is a sporty, aggressive face with a more dynamic set-up to match, or the more austere and elegant face that's tuned for comfort and comes with the all-important bonnet mounted Mercedes badge. Mercedes wants the C to appeal to a younger crowd without putting off the traditional, more aged, audience.
The C has long been defined by its rivalry with the BMW 3 Series, but in reality the two cars are aimed in different directions. Where the BMW is intended as a driver's machine, the C manages impressive levels of pace matched with even more impressive levels of refinement. However, handling is much improved over earlier generations and is even entertains occasionally.
The C Class doesn't come stuffed with equipment as standard - this car is all about the luxurious image, and whilst the basic mechanical package is entirely respectable you'll have to fork out a bit of money to go the whole hog. Running costs can be expensive in comparison to the car's rivals, but in the grand scheme of things it holds its value very well and you're buying an ultra-respectable badge.
The car is bigger than it has ever been, and has plenty of room for four to cruise in comfort. There is plenty of adjustment for the driver to find a suitably comfortable driving position and the boot is big enough to take plenty of luggage. The C Class is an incredibly useable car.
When it comes to the engines, it's the big diesels that best suit the C's character. You could, however, choose almost any of the engines and come away perfectly happy, it is such an accomplished range.
Every time a new C Class or 3 Series comes out reviewers are agog as to whether the Mercedes or the BMW is going to come out on top - at the end of the day, though, this is top flight competition and whichever way you look at it, the C Class is one of the finest compact executive cars in the world. Beyond that, it's simply down to taste.