CLASS of 2022
Mercedes-Benz’s new C-Class offers a little taste of S-Class style
Mercedes-Benz has taken the C-Class in a very luxury direction, turning it into what seems to be a smaller, less expensive version of the S-Class. You don’t have to be a Mercedes-Benz expert to see the visual similarities between this entry-level sedan and the iconic S-Class in 2022.
Starting the range off is the entry-level C200, and it gets a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with mild hybrid tech attached. This powerplant is good for
150kW/300Nm and will propel the C200 to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
Moving up the range gets buyers into the C300, which makes use of a turbocharged
2.0-litre engine with the same EQ Boost hybrid tech. This C300 makes 190kW/400Nm, and also cuts the 0-100km/h time down to just six seconds. Both models use the same nine-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel drive system comes as standard across the range.
If you’re wondering what’s happening with the MercedesAMG C 63, that car is due for an even larger shake-up. MercedesAMG has already confirmed that the iconic V8 engine has been replaced with a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain to meet Europe’s strict new emission standards.
Before you curse towards the sky with rage, it’s worth noting that AMG has also promised the new C63 will pack more power and torque than ever before, so it should retain its performance credentials.
It’s clear that Mercedes-Benz was intent on sprinkling S-Class luxury on the inside, as well as the outside. The major change is the large 11.9-inch infotainment screen that’s vertically mounted in the centre of the dash. While a large touchscreen display isn’t anything special these days, it’s a welcome step away from the small horizontal screen that the C-Class used to have. Like the unit in the S-Class, this screen seems to extend as one unit from the centre console panel, up to the height of the air vents.
As well as having “Hey Mercedes” voice functionality, this system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The other new element is the new multifunction steering wheel. I personally think it looks fantastic, but as with all touch-sensitive steering wheels, it takes a while to get used to.
The C-Class is a fantastic drive, and even the entry-level C200 has more than enough grunt for daily duties. Thanks to the extra shove from the EQ Boost hybrid system, passing at motorway speed is done with ease, and the rearwheel drive rarely lacking any forward grip. Other than the increased engine sound in Sport, it’s not easy to tell the difference between the modes on the dynamic selector.
As a whole, the new C-Class offers an extremely comfortable ride, and more than enough space for its size.
The claimed fuel economy figure of 6.9l/100km isn’t hard to hit. In saying that, the engine isn’t as rewarding as other turbocharged mills to wind through the revs, so most of our driving was done in a reserved fashion.
There are two very obvious competitors to the new C-Class. Though the segment seems to be fighting a losing battle against small SUVs, the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 are still highly regarded. For comfort and luxury, I’d put the C-Class ahead of those European rivals, but in terms of driving performance, I’d argue the BMW can’t be beaten.
This new C-Class is a wonderful car, and with a starting price well clear of the six- figure mark ($86,000), I wouldn’t be surprised to see this cut-price S-Class becoming a hit with buyers.