Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,250
Average Price: Around £15,800

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 compact 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. All variants feature a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The C-Class boasts understated classiness with a high-quality interior finish and the excellent MBUX infotainment system, though styling is somewhat bland and can be confused with the larger E-Class.

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. Whilst the C-Class is practical enough for most needs, it's not the roomiest option in its class—the saloon boot is 455 litres, reducing to 315 litres for the PHEV. The driving experience is composed and refined, though it lacks the sharp handling of the BMW 3 Series. Running costs are reasonable, with the diesel C220d achieving up to 60mpg and the PHEV offering excellent value through lower emissions and tax. Servicing costs are fairly expensive at around £400-£450 per service at a main dealership.

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

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising sharp handling dynamics, those needing maximum interior space, buyers seeking four-wheel drive in non-performance models, or those wanting the lowest servicing costs.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C-Class if: You seek a premium, well-equipped compact executive car with excellent technology, prioritise plug-in hybrid efficiency and class-leading electric range, or are a company car user benefiting from lower benefit-in-kind tax.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling dynamics, need maximum interior space, require four-wheel drive in non-performance models, or want the lowest servicing costs.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2022-present) is a strong contender in the compact executive segment, offering indulgent quality, high-tech features, and excellent running costs—particularly the C300e PHEV with its class-leading electric range. Whilst the BMW 3 Series edges ahead for driving dynamics and the Audi A4 offers more spacious interiors, the C-Class remains a solid choice for those valuing premium finish, technology, and plug-in hybrid efficiency. It's unlikely to disappoint buyers seeking a refined, well-equipped executive saloon or estate with competitive value.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

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