DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Refreshed C-Class gets thousands of unseen parts
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been Australia’s best-selling luxury car for more than a decade. Intent on keeping it that way in the face of everpresent competition from the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, Benz has re-worked its golden child with 6500 new or modified parts.
“We could sell it as a new C-Class but we’ll call it a massive facelift if you like,” says Mercedes-Benz Australia chief Horst von Sanden.
Massive it may be, with more than 50 per cent of the car altered, but the bulk of the changes are under the skin. Visually this fourth-generation C-Class, introduced in 2014, has subtly evolved with new bumpers, grille, lights and alloys across the range.
There was no need for revolution with the C-Class. It looks like a mini S-Class and this aesthetic has been key to its success.
The freshened C-Class has arrived en masse with all body styles covered. The new sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible are on sale now with your choice of petrol, diesel (sedan and wagon only) or, from AMG, the C43 bi-turbo V6. The monstrous C63 S bi-turbo V8 versions land in January.
Most interesting are the C200 cohort. Benz has downsized the engine for its strong-selling entry-level model from a 2.0-litre turbo four to a completely new 1.5-litre version with what it calls EQ Boost, a 48V mild hybrid set-up. Its belt-drive starter/generator takes care of engine start-up, kicking in an extra 10kW/160Nm at low revs until the turbo comes on boost.
The 1.5-litre’s power output, 135kW, matches that of the outgoing 2.0 but it produces 20Nm less torque. The mild hybrid’s helping hand means power delivery is smooth, if a little underwhelming.
In the 0-100km/h sprint, the previous C200 clocked 7.3 seconds while the new car takes 7.7. Claimed thirst is 6.4L/100km, down by just 0.1L though calculated under a more “real-world” economy regimen.
C-Class shoppers shouldn’t be put off. There are faster pickings further up the range, with the C300’s 2.0-litre turbo (190kW/370Nm) expected to be the Australian volume seller. In sedan form the C300 is $71,400, a premium of $8000 over the C200.
Those seeking value and a more genteel C-Class experience shouldn’t look past the C200. What it lacks in urge it makes up for with unflustered and classy pace, concealing the engine’s capacity.
Only when asked to hustle does the engine sound out of its comfort zone and run out of urge. Keep things smooth — a common trait among C200 drivers — and the nine-speed auto helps deliver polished progress.
The C200s tested featured optional Dynamic Body Control ($1400), with Comfort, Sport or Sport+ modes of damping control. The changes in character are marked enough to warrant the outlay.
Stay in Comfort and the bump-absorbing velvety ride quality is up there with larger Benzes. The sportier settings tighten things enough to ramp up the enjoyment through turns, though the steering doesn’t have much feedback.
C-Class prices are up $1500 range-wide, justified by new cabin features. Standard on all are a customisable 12.3-inch digital cockpit plus a 10.25-inch media display, now with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring. There’s no giant dual-screen as in posher Mercs or even the cheaper A-Class.
The interior remains a high point for comfort and build quality, however. There are the regulation man-made leather trim and new touches such as steering-wheel swipe pads to control the infotainment and the choice of 64 ambient light colours.
Those finding modern active safety kit too intrusive may appreciate the C200’s lack of active lane keep found in other C-Classes. The absence of active cruise control — even as an option — is a convenience mark-down for this entry-level car.
The breadth of the C-Class range means you tailor your choice to suit. There’s plenty of theatre to be had in the C-Class range, as illustrated by time at the launch in the AMG C43 — from $107,900 with bi-turbo V6 (287kW/ 520Nm), it remains a relative bargain, made even better with the higher-tech cabin.
The C43’s mighty power delivery comes complete with infectious crackles and pops on gear changes, adding to its appeal for those seeking a precision performance tool without the $160,000 pricetag or mad-dog nature of the AMG C63 S.