The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has landed in Australia and the range will, initially, be available in two variants – the C 200 Sedan and the C 300 Sedan.

Mild hybrid drivetrains provide the power for the new modelswith four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines using an integrated starter-generator (ISG) for assistance at low engine speeds. The ISG – which can add additional output of up to 15 kW and 200 Nm – uses a 48-volt electrical system.

The C 200 comes equipped with the 1.5-litre version of the M 254 petrol engine and 9G-TRONIC auto. Before mild hybrid assistance, the engine makes 150kW and 300 Nm, and offers a fuel economy rating of 6.9 L/100 km. The C 300 Sedan gets a 2.0-litre M 254 engine making 190kW and 400Nm, which achieves an economy figure of 7.3 L/100 km. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for each of the two variants takes 7.3 seconds and 6.0 seconds respectively.

The new C-Class also gets the second generation of the MBUX infotainment system, rendered on a new portrait-orientation 11.9-inch central screen with a more pronounced tilt towards the driver. The driver’s display is a free-standing 12.3-inch LCD screen.

The appearance of the screens can be individualised with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Mercedes says the vehicles’ voice assistant is more interactive and capable of learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App. Online Music and major music streaming services are fully integrated into MBUX.

Below the central display, there’s a fingerprint scanner that allows users to log into their own MBUX profile.

The new C-Class is larger than its predecessor with the wheelbase increased by 25mm to 2865mm. Elbow room has been increased by 22mm in the front and 15mm in the rear, there’s 35mm more knee-room in the second room, and headroom in the rear has increased by 13mm.

The C 200 interior features sporty AMG Line trim and AMG floor mats, 64-colour ambient lighting, an illuminated front door sill with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering, keyless entry and start and dual-zone climate control.

The AMG Line exterior features AMG body styling, while the exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable with electric folding and heating. The LED headlights include Headlamp Assist and Adaptive High Beam Assist. There is an optional Digital Light package.

Standard safety features include a centre-front airbag between the driver and front-seat passenger, a 360-degree camera that assists with parking, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic ultrasonic sensors, Active Distance Assist cruise control, Attention Assisst driver drowsiness monitoring, Speed Limit Assist and lane tracking including Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

In addition to the specification of the C 200 Sedan, the C 300 Sedan receives full leather upholstery, 19-inch AMG multi-spoke bi-colour alloy wheels, and dark-tinted privacy glass behind the B-pillar.

Inclusion of the Driving Assistance Package Plus adds a suite of active assistance and convenience features including Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Active Stop-and-Go Assist. Also included is Evasive Steering Assist, Extended Automatic Restart on motorways, and the Pre-safe Impulse Side accident anticipation and protection system.

Excluding on-road costs, The Mercedes-Benz C 200 Sedan is priced at $78,900, while the Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan is priced at $90,400.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (March 2022) 

25 March 2022