What’s hot?
- Latest C Class style, quality and image, coupled with the eco appeal of a hybrid.
- Emissions lower to 99 g/km (in this AMG trim) compared to 113 g/km of similar engined (non hybrid) C 250.
- Stand out fuel consumption numbers: 72.4 mpg (Urban); 83.1 mpg (Extra-Urban); Combined 78.5 mpg (Combined)
- Silent runner: at start up and low speeds, the C 300 can run on electric motor alone, so no noise or tailpipe emissions to worry about.
- All-electric running mode available at speeds up to 22 mph.
- Seamless blend of Mercedes’ 2.1-litre turbodiesel with 7-speed auto transmission, 27 hp electric motor and Li-ion battery in one sophisticated package.
- Low company car taxes: BIK of 12% versus the 18% of the similar, non hybrid C 250.
- Company car tax of just £77/month for 20% tax payer. For 40% payer, it’s £152.25.
- AMG package brings sports suspension and Sports Direct-Steer as standard. The C 300 steers and handles superbly, while still remaining impressively supple and refined for day-to-day driving.
- AMG 18-in alloys and sports seats also part of the AMG package.
- The new C Class’ outstanding interior, arguably best in class for quality, design and packaging.
- The quickest C Class currently on sale (as of early 2015) with quoted 6.4 secs for 0-62 mph and 152 mph top end…but also the ‘greenest.’
What’s not?
- Mercedes’ rumbly 2.1 four cylinder turbodiesel yet to become the most refined around
- You’re unlikely to see the C 300’s 78.5 mpg combined figure anywhere in the real world
- Extra weight and cost over the similar engined C 250, while on paper, the ‘base’ C 200 actually runs the C 300 pretty close for economy
- Slight reduction on boot capacity vs non hybrid models
- Entry level C 300 SE comes in at 94 g/km and thus qualifies for 100% first year capital write down allowance (in the current tax year), whereas this sporty top end AMG edition does not…
