Mercedes C250 BlueTEC Estate AMG Line pictures

The updated Mercedes C-Class estate goes head to head with the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring.

The Mercedes aims for a more relaxed character than its rivals, making it a comfortable family cruiser.

The interior is classy, and the standard COMAND control system works well.

Most cars will be bought with diesel engines and the C250 BlueTEC is the pick of the range.

The C-Class' engine isn't the most refined.

Even the most powerful diesel returns 62.7mpg.

The Mercedes C-Class Estate comes with plenty of kit including seven airbags and autonomous braking.

The estate gets a small spoiler above the power tailgate, which is operated by waving your foot under the rear bumper.

The optional air suspension cushions the ride even further but in comfort mode it rolls too much in bends.

The Mercedes C-Class Estate's boot can hold 490 litres, which is only slightly less than the BMW 3 Series Touring.

The wheelbase has increased by 45mm over the previous model, improving rear legroom.

Some may feel the tablet-style display looks like an afterthought.

The C-Class' dash is similar in design to the S-Class limousine.

The controller for the COMAND multimedia system isn't quite as intuitive as BMW's iDrive.