In Review; Mercedes C220d AMG Line

Following on from our recent Jag XE review, we thought it might be fitting to review a similarly luxury car leasing option in the Mercedes-Benz C CLASS DIESEL SALOON C220d AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic (check the deal) which we recently delivered.

Our personal leasing customer, based in South Wales, was making the change from being a company car driver to having a personal car allowance. As a company car user, the company provides you with a vehicle which it pays for (generally including all servicing, tyres, insurance and sometimes fuel). However, as you do receive a benefit in having this arrangement, you pay Benefit in Kind Tax (BiK) which is based on the P11d of the vehicle and the level of C02. For many drivers, the Government’s insistence on increasing the rate of tax you pay on the vehicle has made this arrangement more unaffordable. Added to that is the fact that many companies no longer want to provide cars as there are responsibilities to the drivers (Corporate Manslaughter) and costs associated with a fleet – plus a notion that contract hire vehicles will become an “on-balance sheet” facet too.

In the alternative, some companies are paying their employees a fixed amount per month, a car allowance, which the driver then uses in order to procure the car personally.

When you do receive a car allowance, you need to consider that you will have to deduct income tax, the finance element of the car, the maintenance element on the car and also the insurance. Some drivers can be a tad hasty in wanting elite vehicles without considering all circumstances.

In terms of the beautiful car shown, it is based on the following specification:

· Cavansite Blue Metallic Paint
· Artico leather – Black
· Black ash wood trim
· 18″ 5 spoke AMG alloy wheels in Titanium grey

The AMG is the top of the pops within the Mercedes C-Class range, with the SE and Sport sitting below it. As standard you are blessed with healthy levels of specification including rain sensing wipers, AMG floormats, Active park assist, collision prevention assist, Garmin Map Navigation, electrically adjustable door mirrors, DAB radio, Twin exhaust pipes., LED lights, climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, lighting pack, mirror pack and 18” alloy wheels.

Rather than additional factory options, consider adding the “Premium” pack for ambient lighting, keyless-go and a panoramic sunroof. By going for the “Premium Plus”, you can have the Burmester surround sound and the upgraded COMAND navigation.

Equally popular amongst younger and older drivers alike, the Merc offers a positive driver experience.

For the company car driver, consider the P11d at £37,180.00 and CO2 of 117g/km. In terms of technical spec, the 2.2 litre diesel offers 170ps, taking the car to 62 mph in circa 7.5 seconds while delivering MPG of 61.4 combined. This is not a ridiculous proposition for a high-mileage car leasing solution. On the servicing-side, the new C-Class needs to be maintained every 12 months or 15,500 miles, whichever is sooner.

So what do you think – is the Mercedes better than the Jaguar XE or is the BMW 3 series the class-leader?