Mercedes C 220 CDI Sportcoupe

...owned (or rather leased) my Mercedes C220 cdi for the past 18 month - I have travelled 36,000 miles in it and so feel that I know it inside out.

I have previously had 2 Mercedes C Class saloons that I really did enjoy, I decided to plump for the Sports Coupe for a more modern look.

I must say the car hasn't really lived up to my expectations - I am glad that I only took a 2 year lease out - it may well soon be time to ...
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Overview

It is Mercedes so it makes you feel good - yes I am shallow! It is a better drive than a non prestige brand but the question is could and should it have been better - my answer would be yes!  ... more

I have owned (or rather leased) my Mercedes C220 cdi for the past 18 month - I have travelled 36,000 miles in it and so feel that I know it inside out.

I have previously had 2 Mercedes C Class saloons that I really did enjoy, I decided to plump for the Sports Coupe for a more modern look.

I must say the car hasn't really lived up to my expectations - I am glad that I only took a 2 year lease out - it may well soon be time to try out BMW! (If I can get a good deal!)

I will split the review down into categories (not in depth, I am no F1 driver nor am I a mechanic!)

Exterior

It does look good - well when it's clean anyway - sleek flowing lines from the front to rear, fog lamps, aggresive looking front grill and good alloy wheels give it a sporty appearance.

I do think it would benefit from low profile tyres to finish the effect - there is just too much rubber on display. My model is silver - I would recommend this to any car owner of any car - It definitely looks clean for longer!

Interior

I couldn't afford the leather seats option - it bumped up the lease price too much, so I didn't think it was worthwhile, however the black interior is both hardwearing and stylish - I have noticed however that on the seats in the rear, the upholstery keeps coming away from underneath and needs clipping back on.

The dials are all clear and consise and carry through the sporty image with the trim in my model being a cool looking silver.

The driver sitting position is very easily adjustable and has a lot of options, I used to suffer from back ache on long journeys as a former VW driver, but I am pleased to report that this is not the case for the Merc.

The rear passenger space is very cramped - especially if like myself the driver is over 6 ft and needs the leg room at the front. My daughter is only 11, but she has to sit behind her mum to be comfortable on longer trips.

There are a couple of niggles with the interior that really annoy me.

1) When you pop the seat forward to let passengers in the back (it is a 3 door coupe) and then put the seat back into position, it always takes the seatbelt to an unreachable position and leaves you squirming to grab hold of it.

2) Back with the seat belt, it often doesn't return to position correctly and when you exit the vehicle and shut the door it means the buckle smashes straight through the speaker cover. I will have to replace this before the car goes back - there's currently not much left of it!

If you are looking for a boot space this isn't the car for you - it deceptively looks like it has a good boot, but the sports angling means that it isn't very deep, oh, by the way, niggle number 3 - when it's raining and you open the boot to get the shopping out, expect to get wet!

Drive

Most Mercs are automatic - don't worry, once you've tried it you will never go back to manual again - why be bothered changing gear when you don't have to!

The gear box is smooth and responsive but not that sporty or quick. Hit the sports button to move it from comfort mode and you will see an improvement - mind you, you will also see a drop in your mpg.

Whilst on the subject of economy, it is pretty good although not as good as the 2 previous Merc saloons that I have had. That said, I have been tracking the mpg since new and am averaging around 40.

The ride is comfortable as you would expect from a quality mark, but I do think that the quality is currently on the slide a little. Mind you, it has never broken downor caused me any concern whatsoever so maybe that is just in my imagination.

I understand that the new C class range is being unveiled this summer so I would recommend waiting for that. This does mean that there will be plenty of deals, whether to lease or buy on the existing C class range though.

Price

I got an exceptional deal so shop around - I pay £425 per month for 25K miles per year with full cover and service. over a 2 year deal

Overview

It is Mercedes so it makes you feel good - yes I am shallow! It is a better drive than a non prestige brand but the question is could and should it have been better - my answer would be yes! 

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