Mercedes-Benz C-Class and AMG SUVs updated
IN just two weeks, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has rolled out updated versions of its best selling C-Class model and AMG high-performance sports utility vehicle line-up. The latest facelifted C-Class (W205) range is offered in five locally-assembled turbocharged flavours.
The range starts with the entry-level C 200 Avantgarde sedan that’s priced at RM259,888 (on-the-road without insurance), while the C 300 AMG sedan has been tagged at RM304,888 and the performance oriented Mercedes AMG C 43 4MATIC comes in at RM421,888.
The C-Class is also offered in coupe form starting with the C 200 Coupe AMG at RM346,888 and the C 300 Coupe AMG at RM416,888.
The C 200 has the Avantgarde exterior meaning there are newly designed bumpers for the front and rear, while sporting a new twin-louvre front grille (diamond radiator grille for coupe), LED headlights, newly designed rear LED light cluster and 18-inch wheels.
Under the hood, the C 200 sedan and coupe use a newly-developed 1.5-litre (1,497cc) M264 turbo engine producing 184hp and 280Nm. An EQ Boost 48-volt system has been fitted to support the engine’s output with an added 13hp when demanded.
Mated to the engine is its 9G-TRONIC ninespeed automatic transmission, the C 200 sprints from standstill to 100kph in 7.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 239kph, while having a combined fuel consumption of 6.0 to 6.3 litres per 100km.
Other features are the Agility Control suspension system with 18-inch multi-spoke alloys fitted with 225/45 (front) and 245/40 (rear) profile run-flat tyres with tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Inside, the cabin has been accented by open-pore grey oak wood trim that is complemented by leather on the steering wheel and seats (Artico in black or grey) for a natural touch.
Also found in the cabin is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch centre display with Classic, Sport and Progressive designs, LED cabin lights and Audio 20 GPS infotainment system with reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other equipment in the C 200 are seven airbags, active brake assist, autonomous emergency braking, PRE-SAFE positioning for front seats, active parking assist, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC speed limiter, adaptive brake lights, and a newly added Blind Spot Assist that functions from 10 to 200kph.
As for the mid-range C 300 AMG and C 300 AMG Coupe, both get powered by a 2.0-litre (1,99acc) turbocharged engine too which provides 258hp and 370Nm of torque.
This drops the C 300’s 0-100kph sprint time down to 5.9 seconds and gets its top speed electronically limited to 250kph.
Externally, the front end is differentiated with a diamond pin grille and changes out the headlights to a more capable Multibeam LED type and adding a faux rear diffuser.
The wheels here have been up-sized to larger 19-inch five twin-spoke AMG wheels with 225/40 (front) and 253/35 run-flat tyres with TPMS.
Inside, the cabin accented instead by black open pore ash wood trim to go together with the AMG sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, while the same infotainment system adds on a Burmester sound system and a 360-degree view.
Other added equipment includes a tinted sunroof, active lane keeping assist which operates from 60 and 200kph.
In coupe form, the C 200 and C 300 Coupe AMG’s styling remains the same with very little differentiation, save the LED headlights as well as the 18-inch (C 200 Coupe) and 19-inch (C 300 Coupe) wheels with run flat tyres.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC’s 3.0-litre (2,996cc) M276 twin-turbo V6 engine now produces 390hp or 23hp more from previously.
With the engine being managed by a ninespeed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission, power is sent to the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Now, 0 to 100kph sprints takes 4.7 seconds to achieve and gets its top speed electronically limited to 250kph.
Other than those previously mentioned, the C 43 is pretty much status quo, until an additional Slippery driving mode got added to the AMG Dynamic Select system’s Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes.
Externally, the C 43 adds on an adaptive high beam assist plus to its Multibeam LED headlights, while featuring some AMG parts that include a front lip, sport exhaust system and 19-inch twin-spoke alloys with 225/40 (front) and 255/35 (rear) run-flats.
Other changes include a more sportier black leather interior, matt silver fiberglass accent and Artico leather combination for the cabin, AMG-specific themes for the displays, COMAND Online system paired to the Burmester sound system, Dinamica microfi-
bre for the flat-bottom sports steering wheel and bright red seat belts
Meanwhile, the high performance Mercedes-AMG sports utility vehicles (SUVs) with the powerful AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engines for thrilling driving experience.
On-the-road without insurance prices are RM915,888 for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC and RM933,888 for the coupe-styled variant.
“They exude an aura of athletic dynamism and sheer power coupled with overwhelming traction and driving dynamics. These two are all about appearance, features, performance and sound,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president (sales and marketing) Mark Raine.
They are the only vehicles in their segment to be powered by an eight-cylinder biturbo engine, which puts out 510hp with a maximum torque of 700Nm.
Acceleration from zero to 100kph is completed in just 3.8 seconds with the top speed of 270kph.
Both SUVs use the sporty and responsive AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission, while the typical V8 engine sound comes courtesy of an exhaust system with flap technology.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also brought in the all-new G-Class, or Gelaendewagen, which gets a widescreen cockpit, a redesigned centre console and the new multi-function sports steering wheel.
The Mercedes-AMG G 63, the sole variant for Malaysia, is priced at RM1,464,888.
“The G-Class, a vehicle that is truly stronger than time, iconic and legendary but timeless at the same time,” said Raine.
The one-man-one-engine AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 generates 585hp, and delivers a maximum torque of 850Nm and is mated to a AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission.
It features the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and coil springs all-round.
For the first time the front axle has an independent, double wishbone suspension; a rigid axle with a five-link suspension is used at the rear. — JAY WONG and THOMAS HUONG