MERCEDES-BENZ’S new C-Class (right) range will cost from £22,950 when deliveries begin in June – a slight price increase over the outgoing model.

The range-topping petrol model, the C350 Sport auto, will cost £35,475. For the diesels, prices begin at £24,090 for the C200 CDI SE and rise to £33,290 for the C320 CDI Sport auto.

By comparison, the BMW 3 Series range is priced from £20,705 for the entry-level petrol and rises to £36,100 for the 335d M sport auto.