New Mercedes-Benz C-Class grows up, here Q4

MERCEDES-BENZ has debuted the latest generation of its C-Class sedan and wagon with the volume-selling mid-sizer set to usher in a raft of styling, technology, platform and powertrain updates when it arrives Down Under in the fourth quarter of this year.

Now resembling something of a shrunken E-Class, the new C-Class has grown considerably compared to the current model, with the sedan measuring in at 4751mm long (+65mm), 2033mm wide (+3mm) and 1438mm tall (-9mm) while the wheelbase has been stretched by 25mm to 2865mm.

The front and rear tracks have also been widened by 19mm (1582mm) and 48mm (1594mm) respectively with the platform itself being an updated version of the familiar MRA platform, optimised to better cater for electrification measures – all C-Classes are now fitted with a 48V mild hybrid system and an integrated starter-generator (ISG).

Three engines will be available from launch – two petrol and one diesel – before the inevitable high-performance and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions come along later.

To start with, all of the engines will be four-cylinder mills with the range opening with a turbocharged 1.5-litre pinched from the updated E-Class range.

In C180 guise, the little four-banger develops 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque with an additional 15kW/200Nm contributed by the ISG (same as on all variants).

While there is sure to be some variation between body styles, Mercedes says the entry-level mill will propel the C-Class from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds and drink between 6.2-7.2 litres of fuel per 100km on the WLTP cycle.

The C200 variants will utilise the same engine albeit in a higher state of tune, this time developing 150kW/300Nm.

Fuel economy for the C200 is rated at between 6.3-7.6L/100km depending on the drive type (rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive) while the 0-100km/h times also vary from 7.1-7.5s.

At the top of the petrol range is the C300 which ups the displacement to 2.0 litres and in turn the power and torque, developing 190W/400Nm.

Just like the C200, drive is sent to either the rear or all four wheels with both the two-wheel drive and all-paw 4Matic completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.0s.

Fuel economy is a little more varied however, ranging from 6.6-7.9L/100km depending on the variant.

As for the diesels, just the one engine is being offered from launch but in two states of tune, both paired with the aforementioned ISG.

In the C220d, the 2.0-litre turbo oil-burner develops 147kW/440Nm and sips between 4.9-5.6L/100km while the gruntier C300d churns out 195kW/550Nm, drinking between 5.0-5.6L/100km in the process.

Performance wise, the C220d will stop the clock from 0-100km/h in 7.3s (7.4s for wagon) while the C300d roves the athlete of the range, stopping the clock in 5.7s (5.8s for wagon).

All variants will be paired to an updated nine-speed automatic transmission.

Shortly after the initial launch, Mercedes says it will launch a series of both petrol and diesel PHEV powertrains centred around the 2.0-litre engines detailed above.

Paired to a 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery, the PHEV powertrains will develop 95kW of pure-electric power and 440Nm of torque and should deliver an all-electric range of up to 100km.

The claimed all-electric top speed meanwhile is 140km/h.

When the battery is depleted, it can reportedly be recharged in just 30 minutes when hooked up to a 55kW DC charger.

Just like the powertrains, technology within the cabin and infotainment systems have been stepped up, primarily though the inclusion of the second-generation MBUX system lifted straight out of the new S-Class.

Gone are the dual 10.25-inch screens and in their place – in front of the driver at least – resides a new freestanding 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (optional 12.3-inch) while the infotainment screen has been reoriented (to vertical) and moved down on the centre fascia.

Measuring 9.5 inches in diameter (11.9-inch option), the new screen is underlined by a thin row of key drive-mode and HVAC controls and is complemented by a completely button-free centre console dashboard – save for the start/stop button.

Above the screen are three air vents set into an almost floating upper dash panel.

While local pricing and specification levels are yet to be revealed, global standard equipment highlights include alloy wheels (17- to 19-inch depending on variant), ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice recognition, over-the-air software updates and LED ‘High Performance’ headlights.

According to Daimler and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, the gap between the volume-selling C-Class and the flagship S-Class is shrinking in terms of technology and standard equipment.

“The C-Class is already our best-selling saloon,” he said.

“Still, I’m certain our new C-Class will excite even more customers with a wide range of high-tech features derived from our flagship S-Class.

“With the latest-generation MBUX, rear-axle steering (optional) and comprehensive electrification, our most successful model range will once again raise the bar as the most sophisticated offering in its segment.”

The current C-Class has had a triumphant start to 2021, occupying 41.8 per cent of all $40,000-plus medium car sales last month with 398 units shifted – more than double the amount of BMW 3 Series’ (139/14.6%).