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The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is normally the benchmark compact luxurious sedan, the identical method its bigger S-Class stablemate is a expertise benchmark, the Porsche 911 a sports activities automobile benchmark, or the VW Golf a mainstream passenger automobile benchmark.
So when a brand new one launches, it’s sort of a giant deal.
Earlier in 2022 the newest fifth-generation mannequin – dubbed W206 – lastly arrived in Australia having already arrived in Europe the yr prior. It was a much-needed overhaul to reinstate the C-Class as a pacesetter within the phase.
The sedan vary has been pared again considerably, presently providing simply C200 and C300 variants, with the warmer AMG C43 due early in 2023, and the as-yet un-revealed AMG C63 plug-in efficiency halo to comply with after that.
Here on take a look at now we have probably the most inexpensive new C-Class, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C200. It’s about $12,000 dearer than its predecessor, which isn’t an insignificant amount of cash regardless of the added tools.
Can the bottom C-Class justify its premium over its predecessor in addition to its rivals?
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz C200 value?
The C200 is probably the most inexpensive variant within the new-generation C-Class line-up, priced from $78,900 plus on-road prices.
It’s fairly a bit up on the earlier technology, round $12,000 in reality, although the native arm says the brand new mannequin comes with about $10,000 of additional tools along with the engineering developments beneath the pores and skin.
Our take a look at automobile was loaded with choices too, which introduced the as-tested value to $88,870 plus on-roads (incl. LCT). Eesh.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan pricing:
- Mercedes-Benz C200: $78,900
- Mercedes-Benz C300: $89,590
Prices exclude on-road prices
Key rivals embrace:
Prices exclude on-road prices
What is the Mercedes-Benz C200 like on the within?
It’s laborious to not get in and involuntarily say “wow”.
The new C-Class impresses immediately with its large screens and sweeping sprint design, which actually feels much more fashionable than its predecessor. Perceived construct high quality seems like a step up too, although there’s loads of finger print-prone gloss black surfaces and a few more durable, scratchier supplies used decrease down within the cabin.
Ahead of the motive force is Mercedes-Benz’s newest steering wheel design with double-decker touch-capacitive spokes and a chunky, perforated Nappa leather-based rim. It actually does really feel particular.
With that stated the brand new controls could take a little bit of getting used to. As I discovered in my overview of the up to date AMG E53 in addition to the AMG C43 abroad, the humorous form and small management space means chances are you’ll not at all times discover these controls to be persistently correct, and at occasions it’s simply plain annoying.
For instance adjusting the cruise management requires a diagonal swipe on a curved floor, so I used to be usually going up or down by too many digits or simply plain urgent the flawed factor. After a while you’d most likely heat to it, although.
Behind the steering wheel is a brand new free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with a well-recognized Mercedes take a look at really feel that we’ve seen in different fashions. Being MBUX 2.0 there’s new layouts and options that debuted within the S-Class.
As we’ve come to anticipate from the Three-Pointed Star, graphics are crisp, refresh charges are slick and there’s loads of configurability with out feeling like a mini-me of an Audi digital cockpit – it has its personal character.
Comfort up entrance is fairly good because of the well-bolstered, supportive entrance sports activities seats that come as normal with electrical adjustment (together with lumbar), although the reminiscence presets you see right here type a part of the elective Vision Package.
I additionally discovered the footwell to be unusually tight, with my left foot too giant to sit down on the foot relaxation with out wedging in opposition to the plastic lining.
Mercedes has been working laborious to minimise the switches and buttons it places in its cabins, and one space that is instantly obvious is the door-mounted seat controls. The buttons don’t transfer within the path you press them anymore, relatively a contact sensor which generally is a little trippy the primary few occasions you utilize them.
It’s an identical story for the row of buttons under the touchscreen, however we’ll get to that in a bit.
Storage up entrance is a giant enchancment over the previous automobile, lastly because of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you may match a bigger smartphone into the wi-fi charging tray with out having to muddle it with wires. There’s two adjustable cupholders beneath a damped lid in addition to a slot for keys and wallets.
Further again there’s a deep centre console cubby that hides an extra USB-C port when you favor to cost your cellphone the old-school method.
The pièce de résistance is the gorgeous 11.9-inch portrait oriented touchscreen infotainment system, which juts out of the centre console and dashboard fascia as if Mercedes has bonded an iPad Pro to the C-Class’s inside.
Running the brand new MBUX 2.0 interface, the brand new system helps over-the-air (OTA) software program updates and even includes a fingerprint scanner to unlock – very like we’re used to in smartphones.
Being an evolution of the primary MBUX, the general feel and appear is acquainted however with a bigger show and built-in local weather controls. It all works fairly nicely, and you can spend hours flicking by means of all of the menus and settings – I made one complete TikTok video for the totally different ambient lighting themes alone.
Our take a look at automobile’s high-spec model of this infotainment system brings augmented actuality (AR) navigation as nicely, which makes use of the automobile’s entrance digital camera to challenge navigation prompts and road names onto a dwell video feed.
It’s a very cool, if novel operate that has made a step up over the earlier MBUX system because of the bigger show and extra subtle AR animations. Keep in thoughts additionally, that is the primary C-Class with any type of MBUX.
Despite the medium tag, the premium mid-size passenger class has by no means been a standout for rear practicality.
That stated, the C-Class gives extra room than its predecessor, partly because of an extra 25mm of wheelbase. At 6’1 I match behind my driving place simply high quality, however if you need extra luxurious lodging you’re higher off an E-Class.
Rear air vents, a fold-down armrest with cupholders, rear map pockets and bottle holders within the door are normal fare, although it’s disappointing a 3rd zone of local weather management isn’t obtainable on non-AMG C-Class fashions regionally.
Kids will probably be high quality again there, significantly in the event that they’re in automobile seats. There’s ISOFIX anchor factors for each outboard seating positions, and top-tether factors throughout all three rear pews.
The C-Class Sedan gives 455 litres of boot capability, which is identical because the earlier mannequin.
Unfortunately the C-Class Estate has been culled from the Australian line-up for this new technology, that means when you just like the C-Class feel and appear however need more room for the household’s baggage, you’ll have to attend for the brand new GLC which isn’t as a result of hit native showrooms till the primary half of 2023.
Like the earlier mannequin the brand new C-Class’s chunky rear bumper makes for a reasonably excessive load lip, however the boot is fairly huge and sq..
As the C-Class will get run-flat tyres throughout the vary, there’s no spare wheel beneath the boot ground. Vehicles fitted with the 19-inch AMG alloy wheels (as examined) get the model’s TIREFIT restore package which incorporates an air compressor as nicely.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Power within the C200 comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with a 48V mild-hybrid system which the corporate dubs EQ Boost – consisting of an built-in starter-generator and lithium battery.
Outputs are rated at 150kW (5800-6100rpm) and 300Nm (1800-4000rpm), whereas drive is distributed to the rear wheels through a nine-speed computerized transmission.
The C200 claims to sprint from 0-100 in 7.3 seconds, whereas gas consumption is formally rated at 6.9L/100km.
Mercedes-Benz requires 98 RON for the C200’s 66-litre gas tank, and emissions are rated at 157g/km of CO2.
How does the Mercedes-Benz C200 drive?
While a 1.5-litre petrol engine doesn’t sound prefer it’d lower it for a mid-sized, premium automobile, the C200’s drivetrain really impresses by punching above its weight in most areas.
With 300Nm on faucet from 1800rpm, the C200 is well-suited to on a regular basis driving and has greater than sufficient punch in reserve to rise up to freeway speeds or overtake. Just keep in mind the 1.5-litre turbo will get a bit of gruff beneath load.
The bulk of our time with the C200 was spent driving to and from the workplace in addition to typical weekend actions driving in a mixture of city and freeway roads.
Performance off the road is respectable, with the 48V mild-hybrid system serving to to easy out the idle cease/begin system when coming to a halt or setting off from the lights. As you decelerate, it’ll swap the engine off at as much as 20km/h, and we discovered it fairly darn seamless and remoted from the cabin.
However, at occasions we discovered the nine-speed computerized transmission to be a bit of clunky, primarily once you get again on the accelerator after slowing right down to about 20-30km/h. It’s as if the automated transmission can’t determine whether or not it must be in gear 2 or gear 3, and at occasions can clunk or jerk into stated ratio.
The C-Class is in any other case fairly a refined and relaxed sedan to drive. Despite the AMG Line styling there doesn’t appear to be any formidable give attention to dynamics as we’ve seen on this phase earlier than, so it does the posh sedan factor fairly nicely.
I loved the just about wafty trip high quality in its Comfort setting, and the sunshine, fluid steering which makes the C200 an easy factor to dwell with. Decent insulation from highway and wind noise – regardless of the run-flat tyres and bigger wheels – solely added to this.
Conversely, this isn’t probably the most partaking luxurious sedan to drive, and even in its firmer, sportier settings can not match the likes of the Alfa Romeo Giulia or BMW 3 Series from a dynamic standpoint. Whether it is a deal-breaker or promoting level is de facto right down to your private choice.
The C200’s extra primary driver help suite works nicely, although we had been left wanting for the total catalog of options given the bottom mannequin’s extra premium value positioning and the truth that this is a Mercedes-Benz in any case.
Standard adaptive cruise management and a primary lane-keep help are useful inclusions on the freeway, as is blind-spot monitoring. It’s all fairly simple to interact and use in every day life, although as famous earlier adjusting the cruise management pace and following distance with these new touch-capacitive spokes generally is a little fiddly.
If you need options like junction AEB, a correct freeway driving assistant, lane change help and a visitors jam assistant, you’re going to should spend one other $10,000 over base pricing for the C200, as Mercedes-Benz doesn’t even supply the improved suite as a value possibility for the C200.
That’s a reasonably disappointing oversight, given most manufacturers lately both embrace a fulsome help portfolio as normal or supply prolonged capabilities as an possibility. Mercedes-Benz’s pitch as a expertise pioneer likewise doesn’t match nicely with not having these options obtainable on all grades.
What do you get?
C200 highlights:
- 18-inch Tantalite Grey five-spoke alloy wheels
- AMG Line grille insert
- AMG physique styling
- Electric, heated, folding facet mirrors
- LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 11.9-inch MBUX portrait-oriented touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- Fingerprint scanner for driver profiles
- Mercedes me Connect app performance
- Semi-autonomous parking help
- Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Artico leatherette upholstery
- Powered boot closing
- Electric entrance sports activities seats with four-way lumbar assist
- AMG Line inside trim
- AMG ground mats
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Illuminated entrance door sill with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering
- Keyless entry and begin
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Dynamic Select system with 4 selectable driving modes
Sport Package ($1307, as examined) provides:
- 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloys
- Run-flat tyres
- Rear privateness glass
Vision Package ($3154, as examined) provides:
- Premium Package
- Keyless entry
- 360-degree cameras
- MBUX Navigation Premium
- MBUX AR navigation
- Powered entrance seats with reminiscence
- Heated entrance seats
- Panoramic sliding sunroof
- Head-up show
- Traffic Sign Assist
Options (as examined)
- Anthracite wooden trim – $538
- Burmester 3D premium audio – $1615
Is the Mercedes-Benz C200 secure?
The C-Class wears a five-star ANCAP security score, primarily based on Euro NCAP assessments in 2022.
It scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 90 per cent for little one occupant safety, 80 per cent for pedestrian safety, and 84 per cent for security help.
Standard security tools contains:
- 10 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
- AEB with Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Active Parking Assist
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane-keep help (steering help)
- Active bonnet
C300 provides:
- AEB junction help
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Blind-spot help
- Lane change help
- Lane following help
- Evasive steering help
- Side-impact anticipation, safety system
- Traffic signal help
It’s disappointing the Driving Assistance Package Plus is unique to the C300 in Australia and never obtainable as an possibility on the C200, that means you can’t have the bottom engine variant with the model’s full suite of help options.
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz C200 value to run?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class vary is roofed by a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee.
Mercedes-Benz gives a three-, four- and five-year servicing plan for the C-Class and repair intervals are 12 months or 25,000km, whichever comes first.
Service pricing:
- Three companies: $2650
- Four companies: $3600
- Five companies: $5200
As for real-world gas consumption, our take a look at automobile was exhibiting an indicated determine of 8.2L/100km after 420km of combined driving. It’s respectable if not standout, given the model’s thrifty 6.9L/100km declare.
CarExpert’s Take on the Mercedes-Benz C200
The new-generation C-Class is as a lot a child S-Class because it’s ever been, with a renewed give attention to consolation, refinement, expertise and inside presentation.
It’s a long-needed improve to maintain it recent in opposition to its BMW 3 Series arch rival, in addition to opponents just like the Audi A4 and Volvo S60.
While it’s a snug and refined luxurious sedan, the entry-level C200 is mighty costly in contrast not simply its predecessor but additionally the competitors, and isn’t obtainable with a full catalogue of luxurious and expertise options both.
Our take a look at automobile’s near-$90,000 sticker value is a tall ask, and that form of money will virtually purchase you efficiency variations of rival fashions, and even an entry-level E-Class.
There’s nonetheless a lot to love although, and the C200’s 1.5-litre engine is greater than sufficient motor for a automobile like this regardless of early doubts. Fans of the Benz model will little doubt be swayed purely by the actual fact it’s a Mercedes too.
My cash can be both on the no-cost-option C200 Edition C package deal; which does with out the AMG appointments for a extra understated look and never ticking some other possibility containers, or stepping as much as the C300 for the total tech suite.
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MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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