GOING UP A NOTCH
Once just an entree of what was on offer, the compact notchback from Mercedes has evolved into a smorgasbord of tech and space
More than a decade ago, hopping inside the Mercedes-benz C-class could be an underwhelming experience. Base models were bereft of what one might expect behind the threepointed star ornament on the bonnet.
Fast forward and Mercedes has transformed. Once stately yet prudish, Mercedes has morphed into an aspirational brand for all ages.
The C-class remains the most popular sedan within the Mercedes stable, overshadowed by an entourage of SUVS, with an all-new model arriving earlier this year.
WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
GRANT: I remember being disappointed with my first exposure to a C200 about 16 years ago.
KEL: Not so in the latest car, I was smitten with the look inside and out.
GRANT: I’ll take that as love at first sight. The new C-class is designed as a smaller version of the S-class limo that had traditionally led the way in tech and innovation – this baby sedan is the cut-price version.
KEL: The C200 maintains an expensive persona. What was the asking price?
GRANT: You would be looking at about $82,000 drive-away. That’s the same price across the nation, differing only slightly between states courtesy of individual onroad costs.
KEL: While I can see the value, that sounds like a reasonable step up from previous models.
GRANT: Back in 2014 when the fourth generation was launched it started from just over $60k. The all-new model has more interior space, vastly improved tech and an AMG body kit.
KEL: Everything seems expensive at the moment. The C200 is a sexy looking sedan.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE?
GRANT: With an ipad-like 11.9-inch vertical display, curved dash finishes and digital instruments for the driver, it’s an arresting cabin. Nothing feels like a base model.
KEL: That large Mercedes badge on the grille looks awesome. It’s a cool car in so many ways.
GRANT: Australians love sporty looks and the AMG interior and exterior features are standard, but most current C-class availability is the Edition C – which swaps out the AMG gear for more subdued Avantgarde styling for the same price.
KEL: Personally, I’d stick to the athletic version. Normally I’m not a fan of the aircon controls on the main screen, but the Mercedes system made access simple.
GRANT: Mercedes also has a good user interface. You can say “Hey Mercedes” and tell it to change various things in the car like the aircon, alter the interior lighting colour, or ask to be navigated to a destination.
KEL: It was one of my favourite operating systems that I have seen in recent years … often I would use Apple Carplay rather than the manufacturer’s system but the Mercedes design is smart and
simple.
WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?
GRANT: While the basic equipment list is sound, a Vision Package has to be selected to gain a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, traffic sign assist, heated front seats and upgraded satnav that combines augmented reality as part of the MBUX system. That would add at least $3600 to the bottom line. Once you had a couple of boxes ticked, that would push the price closer to $90,000.
KEL: Some of the features in the pack, like the automatic braking which operates while reversing, I’d expect to be standard. And the seats are faux leather.
GRANT: The Mercedes safety systems are among the best in the business, but the more advanced driver support including improved blind spot, traffic sign, lane keeping, traffic jam and steering assistance is on the C300 model – which starts from about $101,000 drive-away.
KEL: It’s a steep rise, although we sampled some of the optional extras and I’d find it hard to resist.
HOW WAS THE DRIVE?
GRANT: Providing the shunt is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Pedestrian in its performance, drive goes exclusively to the rear wheels and the 0-100km/h sprint is done in a reasonable 7.3 seconds.
KEL: When I went to accelerate quickly on occasions the performance was lacklustre. It took some time to respond.
GRANT: I never felt like it struggled, it does have a mild hybrid system that uses an electric integrated starter-generator to chip in with 15kw and 200Nm of additional grunt at low speed. For those who want more firepower there is the C300 – 190kw and 400Nm up from 150kw and 300Nm.
KEL: Through the majority of conditions the C200 was fine, and I liked the serene cabin and the ease of driving whether that was in rural areas, around town or on the highway.
GRANT: It was thrifty too, with a full tank it was showing a range of more than 1000km. We managed to achieve the same consumption figure as Mercedes over more than 600km, 6.9L/100km.
KEL: That’s good given the current price of fuel, but it ran on premium unleaded.
WOULD YOU BUY ONE?
GRANT: Sublime and polished, the C200 is an accomplished sedan. It delivers luxury within a polished package. The catch comes via optional extras, I’d happily own one but I’d probably take the C300 for the features I wanted and upgraded engine.
KEL: The looks inside and out had me convinced. Daily driving would be enjoyable in the C-class, but I too would like some extra firepower under my right foot, which would mean a greater outlay.