MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
Possibly the quintessential Mercedes-benz, even if it is one of the humblest sedans to carry the three-pointed star badge. The C-class remains a premium pillar for the brand renowned for excellence.
There is an undefinable quality which makes something excellent and whatever it is, the Mercedes-benz C200 AMG-LINE has it.
The C-class starts with the standard equipment model and builds on that to take the car from prominent to premium.
With upgrades going from Avantgarde through Exclusive and up to AMG-LINE, the C-class offers an impressive selection of customisation levels to suit every taste and with the top-end AMG-LINE, you get the best of the best when it comes to appearance and equipment.
AMG-LINE brings in some quality elements, most obviously in the form of the tyre pressure monitoring system-equipped, 19inch alloys attached to a sports suspension and sports direct steer system.
Other details include AMG body-styling, floormats, sports pedals, black wood and aluminium trim, sports seats, perforated front brakes and a three-spoke steering wheel with a flattened lower section.
In addition to the AMG-LINE specification, this example includes the Seat comfort package, the Vision package, metallic paint and privacy glass.
Seat comfort enables three memory settings for three level heated seats and mirrors with adjustments for headrests and steering wheel.
Vision package incorporates a heads up display with virtual image windscreen projection, a 360-degree camera, LED intelligent (cornering) light system and a panoramic, heat insulating glass sunroof with roller blind.
But all the window dressing – premium, admittedly – merely adds to the outstanding driving dynamics of an already sublime drive.
The joy of the drive in the C-class is that it is in fact, anything you want it to be: point a to b transport in the best possible time, a grand tour with relaxation in mind, taking the long way home or even sitting in a four lane carpark, the C-class is not only comfortable doing all of this; it makes you, the driver, feel comfortable as it does so.
Better than comfortable, in fact. For those who think driving is a chore, the C- Class from Mercedes-benz just might change your mind.
Powered by a scaled down (from the previous model), 1497cc four- cylinder petrol engine with what is effectively a booster in the form of an electric motor, the C200 C- Class has now become a ‘mild hybrid’ or ‘mybrid’ which improves engine performance and efficiency.
The mybrid tech is called EQ boost and is a 48-volt motor which produces 10kw and an impressive 170Nm of torque, which takes non-motive strain off the engine, powering air conditioning, infotainment systems and serving as a more efficient starter motor.
Mercedes-benz EQ system also provides limited assistance at cruising speeds when the C200 is making the most of its new nine-speed automatic transmission.
So the C200 has some extremely clever technical aspects, but this does not tell the story which should be told. As mentioned above, the C- Class line is a comprehensive one with an abundance of upgrades to consider.
No matter your style or performance preferences, there is most likely going to be an enhanced C- Class which you will be proud to own – an individualised automotive statement which starts with a simply superb executive car.