The latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class Estate made its South African debut this week and we were there to try it out.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has shown what the Germans are really capable of and this luxurious sedan just oozes charm, luxury and class. While the station wagon / estate market is not the biggest in South Africa, Mercedes-Benz feels there’s a niche market here and hopes to sell some units here. Mind you, we’re not talking large volumes here. At best, we’d see 500 C-Class Estates leave showroom floors.

There are three versions available. There’s two turbocharged petrol derivatives, while the flagship model is a potent, yet efficient diesel. So that’s a C180, a C200 and the mighty C250 BlueTec Estate to choose from. Like all German premium products, standard specification is average, but the options list offers verycool gadgets and tech.

Space and Practicality

This new C-Class Estate is in fact longer both in terms of wheel base and in overall length than its predecessor. It’s also marginally wider, meaning there’s more room and space. Mercedes-Benz SA also claims there’s more headroom in the new models, something thattaller folk will appreciate. Luggage space is now up to 1 510 litres and the rear seats can fold down electronically. One of the coolest touches has to be the hands-free method to open the boot. All you need to do is wave your foot under the rear bumper and the sensor will pick up the movement, and the automatic door will open.

C250 BlueTec

The launch was held in Johannesburg and the route wouldto take us to Clarens, on the border of Lesotho. I knew this meant open-road cruising and a C250 BlueTec diesel was the perfect choice. With 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, this diesel-powered C-Class Estate was a performer and a half. It’s able to get to 100kph reasonably quickly, but its real strength lies in overtaking, while still returning low fuel consumption figures of around 4.5L/100km.

C200 C-Class Estate

After a quick lunch stop in Frankfort, we switched to a well-equipped C200 C-Class Estate. This model boasted numerous optional extras thrown in and I think it offers the best bang for buck in the C-Class Estate range. Sure, you can opt for the brilliant diesel, but that commands a R90 000 premium. Be warned though, as some of the cool optional gadgets can easily add R100k onto the list price. The petrol engine in the C200 C-Class Estate has a turbocharged 2.0-litre with 135 kW and 300 Nm , which feels more than enough. It’s claimed to be light on fuel too, with a figure of 5.5L/100km claimedon the combined cycle.

The route took us off the national highway and into the Golden Gate National Park. It’s such a pity the weather didn’t play along as the scenery and driving roads are simply spectacular. Despite not being extremelysporty, the C-Class Estates acquitted themselves well and didn’t object to being driven in anexcitedfashion.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Price in South Africa

Like everyMercedes-Benz passenger car, the new C-Class Estate comes standard with a 6-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan.

C 180 Estate – R447 600

C 200 Estate – R468 300

C 250 BlueTEC Estate – R558 400