Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim holds its value better?

By Chad Lückhoff

We look at the depreciation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class over the last four years to see which models are affected the most.

The current generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) has been with us since 2014, receiving a mild facelift in 2018. While the appearances were still very much the same, Mercedes-Benz changes over 1000 parts to create a better car all around. 

While this facelift pushed up the prices of the new models, the pre-facelift models took a bit of a knock – as it usually happens. 

If you're thinking of getting into a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you may want to consider which models and trim levels suffer the greatest at the hands of depreciation.

While this may be handy advice, it is in no way an exact science and the market will always dictate which models are the most sought after (driving prices up over 'book' value) and which ones are circling the drain.

Much of this will also come down to the spec level of the vehicle in question. Highly specced cars can suffer the greatest while mid-spec offerings will come a lot closer to hitting the mark. Low-spec vehicles will also suffer more in this regard. It's about finding a sweet spot.

 

AMG-Line

Not to be confused with Mercedes-AMG models, the AMG-Line sees the sensible engine offerings kitted out with style and handling packages that will make them look more exclusive and thus, more expensive. AMG-Line models tend to retain their value better due to market demand and sensible approach. They offer the appearance of an AMG performance model without destroying the bank or the planet with their high-power engines.

 

Typical depreciation

When new, in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class retailed for the following amounts:

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180		R415 900
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 200		R436 600
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 220 BlueTEC		R459 000
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 250		R502 600

 

Scanning AutoTrader for used 2015 models shows the following results (average pricing)

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180	R320 000	less 23.0 %
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 200	R385 000	less 11.8 %
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 220 BlueTEC	R370 000	less 19.3 %
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 250	R400 000	less 20.4 %

 

This study shows that the smaller engined C180 is our biggest loser, losing on average 23 % of the value over a period of 4 years. Similar is seen with the larger displacement C250 that loses on average roughly 20 %. 

The C200 is the winner here, losing the least over the 4 year period.

Once again, much of the true final outcomes will rely on the individual car's spec level, options fitted, mileage and condition.

 

See how the C-Class stacks up against the competition: Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4