The celebrated 2015 Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid scooped the award for Best Company Car for Tax at the SME Company Car of the Year awards in January 2015, with the judges saying that its low running costs and tax-efficiency were two of its major strengths that swayed their decision.
Sally Dennis, Head of Fleet, Mercedes Benz UK, was overwhelmed, saying that the gong highlights the brand’s continued commitment to providing low-emission cars, and confirming that Mercedes will continue to expand their repertoire of Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric cars. The new Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid emits 94g/km of CO2, and returns 78.4mpg. If business buyers weren’t tempted before to give this car a chance, the fact that it now has an award to confirm its position as king of the low running costs will probably be enough to persuade even the hardiest of sceptics.
Why Did The Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid Win?
The 2015 Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid is really aimed at business owners more than it is individuals, with the general consensus that individuals looking for a car for personal use only are probably best looking at similar alternatives, such as the Mercedes C250. But for businesses, there are fewer better options out there than the new Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid if you’re looking for a car that will reduce running costs whilst enhancing productivity.
Sure, it has its flaws – it’s not the smoothest or the sharpest to ever leave the Mercedes warehouse – but with a 2.1-litre four pot engine that develops 20bhp combining with a 27bhp electric motor to give quicker acceleration speeds than the 6.6-second dash to 62mph from rest that the C250 can manage, we’d like to use a football analogy and say that this pairing is more potent than putting Messi and Ronaldo in the same team.
Almost anyway.
The engine doesn’t rattle either, unlike many of its diesel and petrol counterparts, but at the same time there isn’t much argument for trying to keep running on electric power all day, because it’s only good for 20mph.
But What About The Tax Thing?
Okay, the real reason the new Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid won Best Company Car for Tax at the SME Company Car of the Year awards is probably because it, well, lowers company car tax. By quite a margin.
The diesel alternatives, such as the C220, C250, and the C200 will continue to pay a 3% surcharge, the Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid doesn’t have to. Moreover, only 10% of its value is taxed, whilst it’s placed in the 11% company car tax band.
Should I Get One?
The 2015 Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid does have its flaws – it doesn’t drive as well as most of its C-Class stablemates, whilst weight in the corners is noticeable – but overall it isn’t hard to see why it scooped such a prestigious gong. It’s quiet, calm, and costs about three times less to run than a diesel or petrol alternative would. With prices starting out from £36,000 it’s slightly on the expensive side, but it produces better economical results in the long term. Standard equipment across the Mercedes Benz C-Class range is good, and includes 16” alloys, man-made leather seats, a reversing camera, cruise control and rain sensing wipers, whilst body styles to choose from are a Saloon and Estate. And with a top speed of 150mph and fuel consumption figures of 78.4mpg, it makes sense in a lot of ways.
If you want to get hold of the new Mercedes Benz C300 BlueTEC Hybrid don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our Mercedes lease deals.
