Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale near Brighton

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,100
Average Price: Around £14,600

Mercedes C-Class (2022-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
The PHEV has a class-leading electric range	Not as sharp to drive as a BMW 3 Series
Beautifully finished interior	There are roomier cars for less money
MBUX infotainment system looks stunning	Bland styling

Quick Summary

The Mercedes C-Class is now in its fifth generation and represents a refined, well-equipped executive saloon and estate. The range includes mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, plus a plug-in hybrid with an impressive 68-mile official WLTP pure-electric range—the longest in its class by a significant margin. All variants feature a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The C-Class boasts understated classiness with a high-quality interior, though styling is somewhat bland and easily confused with the larger E-Class. Note that four-wheel drive is only available on high-performance AMG models; all other variants are rear-wheel drive.

The C300e plug-in hybrid is particularly compelling, offering the best efficiency credentials in the compact executive segment and lower tax bands for company car users. The C220d diesel delivers up to 60mpg, whilst petrol variants achieve around 40mpg. The MBUX infotainment system is excellent, featuring voice control, touchscreen, and steering wheel controls. However, practicality is a consideration—the PHEV's 315-litre boot is smaller than many family hatchbacks, and rear headroom is tight compared to rivals. Servicing costs are fairly expensive at around £400-£450 per service annually.

Best for: Buyers seeking a premium, well-finished executive saloon or estate with advanced technology, company car users interested in plug-in hybrid efficiency, and those prioritising electric range over practicality.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting maximum interior space, those seeking the sharpest handling dynamics, buyers requiring four-wheel drive on non-performance models, or those seeking the lowest running costs in the segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C-Class if: You prioritise premium finish and technology, seek a plug-in hybrid with class-leading electric range, or want a well-equipped executive saloon with strong residual values.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum interior space, desire the sharpest handling, require four-wheel drive on non-performance models, or prioritise the lowest running costs in the segment.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes C-Class is a solid, well-rounded executive saloon that excels in refinement, technology, and plug-in hybrid credentials. Whilst the BMW 3 Series offers sharper driving dynamics and the Audi A4 provides more spacious interiors, the C-Class's class-leading PHEV electric range and beautiful finish make it highly competitive. The C300e is particularly attractive for company car users seeking efficiency and lower tax bands. However, rivals offer better practicality and handling, making the C-Class a middling but indulgent choice for those prioritising premium quality and technology over outright space or performance.

Read our full Mercedes C-Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.