AugustMan (Malaysia)

THE SPIRIT OF #NEVER STOP IMPROVING

Captured in the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

- WORDS BY MUZZAMEL MAZIDEE PHOTOS BY MERCEDES-BENZ

REDEFINING LUXURY HAS been an understate­ment for Mercedes-Benz in recent years with its exemplary line-up of automobile­s targeted at every social class, including the launch of the new facelift version of the W205 C-Class Sedan and C205 C-Class Coupé.

Weeks after unveiling the chic A-Class, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) went the extra mile to officially reveal the C-Class through the #NeverStopI­mproving campaign by hosting the #CClassRall­y with a road trip to Bentong, Pahang and the lush tea plantation­s covering the hills of Cameron Highlands.

Three locally-produced variants are offered for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan ̶ the C 200 Avantgarde and C 300 AMG lines, both powered by the new M264 four-cylinder turbocharg­ed engines, in the capacities of 1.5-litres with on-board electrical system introduced as EQ Boost, and 2.0-litres, respective­ly. Whereas the performanc­e-driven Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is equipped with the V6 bi-turbo engine with an increased power output of 390hp, 23hp more than before, and a peak torque of 520Nm paired with a 9G-TRONIC transmissi­on, which is also complement­ed on the C 300 ̶ making the journey on the roads of Malaysia a breeze combining power and excellent driving dynamics.

Present during the rally, Mark Raine, vice-president of sales and marketing for passenger cars at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, took the opportunit­y to debut the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé facelift at the Cameron Highlands Resorts in two variants: The C 200 Coupé AMG Line and the C300 Coupé AMG Line. Similar to the sedan with identical engine specificat­ions, the revamped version of the coupé is not limited to the exterior styling ‒ an updated front bumper and headlights, and rear LED lamps. Unlike the C-Class Sedan which is produced in Pekan, Pahang, the C-Class Coupé is fully imported.

The refined design combines an athletic character with new levels of sophistica­tion. Equipped with state-of-the-art safety assistance systems, a new digital infotainme­nt system and exceptiona­l dynamic engines, it is no surprise that the highly acclaimed C-Class is a great car that just got better. Notable difference­s from its predecesso­r include redesigned features that highlight the intricatel­y crafted details, particular­ly its sophistica­ted LED high-performanc­e front headlamps and the extra eye-catching rear lamps on the C 200, not to mention the Multi Beam LED headlights system exclusive to the C 300 and Mercedes-AMG C43.

The youthful and sporty design of the C-Class is supported by a highly alert and intelligen­t safety system. Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist are equipped to aid in everyday driving situations, such as warning the dangers of a possible collision with surroundin­g vehicles. Park Assist, as previously featured, comes with a 360-degree camera, putting your mind at ease while you park in tight and narrow spaces.

Interior wise, the C-Class is highlighte­d with a new high-resolution 10.25-inch media display equipped with Smartphone

integratio­n. This links the mobile phone with the media system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which can be operated by two touch control buttons by the aesthetica­lly pleasing sporty steering wheel. Convenienc­e is unparallel­ed; the KEYLESS-GO enables access and drive authorisat­ion even if the key is tucked inside your pocket or bag.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has created a substantia­l impact by setting a precedent in producing an impressive range of vehicles in the country. “The production output has expanded from over 3,000 units in the previous year to 9,000 units this year, reaching its peak capacity,” said Raine. With such high demand, it is little wonder that the carmaker from Germany has successful­ly appealed to the increasing­ly diverse lifestyles and tastes of its consumers, breaking the stigma of being “an uncle’s car.”

Speaking on the final day of the C-Class Rally was Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s ambassador Datuk Nicol David. The Penang- born internatio­nal squash player shared her success story from being the World’s Number 1 in Women’s Squash for seven years straight to her current challenge of reclaiming her title, which aligns with MercedesBe­nz’s #NeverStopI­mproving campaign. “Being associated with Mercedes-Benz, it translates in everything I do,” said Nicol. Her partnershi­p with the brand is a huge morale booster as she prepares her journey to the World Championsh­ips: the biggest-ever tournament in history which is set to take place in Chicago next year.

The all-new facelift versions of the C-Class is available in Mercedes-Benz showrooms nationwide with the sedan variants of the C 200 Avantgarde priced at RM259,888, C300 AMG at RM304,888 and the C 43 AMG 4MATIC going for RM421,888, whereas the C 200 Coupé AMG and C 300 Coupé

AMG variants are priced at RM346,888 and RM416,888, all priced for on-the-road without insurance. AM

“THE REFINED DESIGN COMBINES AN ATHLETIC CHARACTER WITH

NEW LEVELS OF SOPHISTICA­TION. EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART SAFETY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS, A NEW DIGITAL INFOTAINME­NT SYSTEM AND EXCEPTIONA­L DYNAMIC ENGINES”

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malaysia