Mercedes C 300 d

FIRST DRIVE Executive estate proves that there's life in diesel yet

- Alastair Crooks

IT'S no secret that the UK diesel market is struggling. Just over three per cent fewer diesel cars were sold in 2022 compared with 2021 and it doesn't look like that trend will change any time soon.

So does diesel even remotely make sense in 2023? Mercedes obviously thinks it does, because the latest C-Class comes with a variety of diesel options, including this 300 d Estate model.

Ignoring the hot AMG models, the C 300 d sits just below the range-topping C 300 e plug-in hybrid petrol model in the line-up. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is the same unit as in the more affordable 220 d and is essentially the same engine used in the previous-generation car.

Helping to modernise things is the use of mild-hybrid technology which, in the 300 d, equates to an output of 261bhp and 550Nm of torque - quite substantial figures. The 300 d is actually the quickest of the current crop of C-Class Estate variants, with a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph.

The relative lack of weight of the 300 d compared with the plug-in hybrid model is the reason for the extra pace (1,835kg versus 2,290kg, due to the latter's big battery), while it also helps to sustain impressive fuel efficiency. Mercedes claims 52.3mpg combined for the C 300 d Estate but we found our car approaching 60mpg over a mix of motorway and town driving.

There are no direct rivals to the C 300 d either, which makes its combination of fuel efficiency and rapid performance even more appealing. If you want a diesel BMW 3 Series Touring, you'll have to choose between the slower 320d or much more expensive, six-cylinder 340d, both of which are thirstier. The Audi A4 Avant is limited to a 201bhp 2.0-litre 40 TDI model, and if you try the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, you'll find the 197bhp 2.2-litre model can't live with the 300 d's grunt.