Head to head · Saloon
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
On the measures that matter most to a used buyer — value retention, reliability, fuel economy and insurance — the Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, winning 3 of the 3 categories where the two differ.
| Measure | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £23,550 (2023, 29,000 mi) | £27,950 (2023, 34,000 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 58% · wins | 55% |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 65 · wins | 60 |
| Average mpg | 45 · wins | 44 |
| Insurance group | 32 | 32 |
| Road tax / year | £200 | £200 |
| Typical annual service | £290 | £290 |
Valuations are each model's ~3-year-old example at typical mileage, through the same model behind the profiles. Adjust mileage, trim and condition in the interactive comparison →
C-Class vs E-Class — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the C-Class or the E-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 65 against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's 60 out of 100.
Which holds its value better, the C-Class or the E-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class — it keeps about 58% of its original price after three years, against 55% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
How much does a used C-Class cost compared with a E-Class?
A roughly three-year-old Mercedes-Benz C-Class is worth about £23,550 at typical mileage, against about £27,950 for the equivalent Mercedes-Benz E-Class.