Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Mercedes C220CDI range
Prices: £26,290-£29,295 - on the road
Insurance Group: 14
Emissions: 127g/km
Performance: 0-60mph 8.4s / Max Speed 143mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 58.9mpg
Safety: adaptive ABS brakes, ESP stability control, twin front, side and curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, NECKPRO head restraints
Dimensions: Length 4581 / Width 1770 / Height 1447mm

Diesel Powered Fun

Our Rating: No Rating Available

Mercedes has made a few mistakes over the last ten years or so, but of course they have had a few successes as well. No matter what they did for the most part they stayed high on the list of cars people want to own. If the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI is an indication it would seem that the German automaker has their feet planted much firmer on the ground and are ready to get back to their glory days.

One of the things that originally set the brand apart from the other luxury car makers is that they focuses a lot of attention on building quality, luxury cars that came with decent diesel engines. For a while diesel disappeared, but recently oil-burning power plants are popping up in every car class across the world. The Mercedes C-Class now has the option of three diesel engine choices. This article will focus on what is under the bonnet of the C220 CDI.

The Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI has a 2.1-litre turbodiesel under the bonnet that will produce 168bhp and can get from 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds. That is an impressive number when the fact that the C-Class is not a dainty little car. The C220 is a heavy full-sized luxury car that is powered by oil and can still get that type of get-up-and-go. That alone requires a tip of the hat to the German engineers. Top speed is about 143mph.

Mercedes has equipped the C-Class with what they call the Agility Control package which is a system that features smart dampers that adjust to the style of the driver. If the car is driving along at normal speed the dampers put less force on the car for a softer ride. Amp up the driving and the dampers get stiffer allowing for better handling and control.

The engine alone may not steal business from the likes of Audi or BMW, but the fact that Mercedes is offering the C-Class in what they are calling Sport and Elegance versions might sell a few more vehicles because they cover all their bases. The Sport version with its more aggressive handling and styling will appeal to the younger crowd and the Elegance version comes with a softer suspension and more elegant styling with touches of eucalyptus wood around the cabin. Exterior styling differences are also huge when it comes to comparing the Sport and Elegance packages. The Sport model gets the AMG treatment with 17-inch wheels and the sexy AMG body kit.

Standard features for the C350 are typical for the Mercedes-Benz line-up and don't include too many bells and whistles except for the regular stuff like power windows, power locks and air conditioning. They do however include Bluetooth Connectivity in all the C-class cars. The car also does come with a host of safety equipment that includes; adaptive anti-lock brakes, ESP stability control, dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag and NECKPRO head restraints.

The lack of upscale appointments may turn off some buyers, but this sparse compartment harkens back to the day when a Mercedes was considered fully-loaded if it came with floor mats for the back seats. However drivers looking for a exceptional engine and ride quality will be more than pleased with the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI.