Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale near Southampton

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,300
Average Price: Around £16,000

Mercedes-Benz 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-Benz C-Class (2022-present) is now in its fifth generation and represents a refined, well-equipped executive saloon and estate. It offers a choice of 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. The C300e PHEV outperforms rivals such as the BMW 330e and Volvo S60 T8, which manage only around 35 miles per charge. All variants feature a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard, and the C-Class boasts understated classiness with high-quality interior finishes and an exceptional MBUX infotainment system.

The C-Class is practical enough for most needs, though it's not the roomiest option in its class. Saloon models offer a 455-litre boot, whilst the PHEV's 315-litre capacity is reduced due to battery storage. The estate variant provides more space with 360–490 litres depending on powertrain. Running costs are competitive, particularly for the C300e PHEV, which falls into a lower tax band than most plug-in hybrids, making it an excellent choice for company car users. The diesel C220d achieves up to 60mpg, whilst petrol variants return around 40mpg. However, servicing costs are fairly expensive at around £400–£450 per service at a main dealership.

Best for: Buyers seeking a premium, well-equipped executive saloon or estate with excellent technology, those prioritising plug-in hybrid efficiency with class-leading electric range, and company car users benefiting from lower benefit-in-kind tax.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising sharp handling (the BMW 3 Series is superior), buyers needing maximum interior space, or those seeking four-wheel drive in non-performance models.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C-Class if: You're seeking a premium, well-equipped executive saloon or estate with excellent technology, prioritising plug-in hybrid efficiency with class-leading electric range, or a company car user benefiting from lower benefit-in-kind tax.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling (BMW 3 Series excels here), need maximum interior space, or require four-wheel drive in non-performance models.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2022-present) is a solid contender in the compact executive saloon and estate market, offering exceptional technology, beautiful interior finishes, and the best plug-in hybrid credentials in its class. Whilst the BMW 3 Series edges ahead on driving dynamics and the Audi A4 offers more spacious interiors, the C-Class remains an indulgent, well-rounded choice. Its class-leading PHEV electric range and lower tax implications for company car users make it particularly compelling. With competitive running costs and comprehensive standard equipment, the C-Class is unlikely to disappoint those seeking premium refinement and modern technology.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

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