New C-Class finally lands in Oz

MERCEDES-BENZ Cars Australia has released pricing and specification details for the new W206-generation C-Class sedan range, which is available in two derivatives – the C200 and C300 – with more versions to come. Prices start at $78,900 (plus on-road costs).

The new C-Class, which has made a belated arrival Down Under, takes many of its cues from the recently launched S-Class upper large sedan.

Compared with the outgoing C-Class (of which Benz sold 60 000 units in our market, the newcomer offers more interior space, 48V mild-hybrid engines, plus numerous new onboard technologies; it also has a higher level of standard spec, including features that were either unavailable or optional on the W205.

 “C and S sit at opposite ends of the alphabet. However, in our portfolio they’re now moving closer together,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. 

Both the C200 and its C300 sibling feature AMG Line exterior and interior trim packages. 

With a length of 4793mm a width of 1820mm, the W206-generation C-Class is notably larger than its predecessor, which benefits interior space – especially for rear occupants, who are afforded 35mm more knee-, 13mm more head- and 15mm more elbow room.  

The C200 utilises a 150kW/300Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in combination with an integrated starter generator (ISG), which uses a 48-volt electrical system to perform gliding, boosting or energy recovery to optimise the efficiency of the Benz’s power unit.

The ISG can produce an additional 15kW and 200Nm and Mercedes-Benz claims a zero to 100kph time of 7.3 seconds and average fuel consumption of 6.9L/100 km (ADR combined).

The C300 has a similar configuration, but with a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and an ISG that can produce an extra 5kW (20kW). The claimed zero to 100km/h time is 6.0 seconds and stated average fuel consumption 7.3L/100 km (ADR combined).

Both the C200 and C300’s power units are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the standard AMG body styling, the C-Class derivatives have LED headlights with Headlamp Assist and Adaptive High Beam Assist – a DIGITAL LIGHT package is optional. The exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable with an electric-folding function and heating. 

Whereas the C200 is fitted with 18-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels finished in Tantalite Grey, the C300 comes equipped with 19-inch AMG multi-spoke bi-colour alloy wheels

In terms of interior specification, the C200’s S-Class-inspired interior is dominated by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and the 11.0-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen of the latest MBUX infotainment system. It can be operated “Hey Mercedes” advanced voice recognition, via the touchscreen, using the console-mounted touchpad, or via track pads embedded in the multifunction sports-styled steering wheel (trimmed in Nappa leather).

The display unit includes a fingerprint scanner for access to driver profiles, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as various connectivity functions via the Mercedes me Connect app, including live traffic updates, parked vehicle locator and predictive navigation.

The MBUX Navigation Premium is standard and can be upgraded with the option of Augmented Reality, which utilises a forward-facing camera to create an augmented navigational view on the centre screen showing real-time directional assistance.

Apart from new front sport seats, which are electrically adjustable, including four-way lumbar support, the C200 is outfitted with sporty AMG Line trim and AMG floor mats, 64-colour ambient lighting, an illuminated front door sill, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control and DYNAMIC SELECT, which offers four selectable drive modes.

The standard safety suite includes, for the first time, a centre-front airbag between the driver and front-seat passenger, which takes the total number of airbags to 10. 

A 360-degree camera assists with parking, as does Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC ultrasonic sensors. Other standard assistances include the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cruise control system, ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitoring, Speed Limit Assist and lane tracking including Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

The C300 has the same specs, but additionally features full leather upholstery, dark-tinted privacy glass behind the B-pillar, as well as Driving Assistance Package Plus.

The latter adds Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Extended Automatic Restart and the PRE-SAFE Impulse Side accident anticipation and protection system.

The Mercedes-Benz C200 Sedan is priced at $78,900 (up $12,000), while the Mercedes-Benz C300 Sedan is priced at $90,400 (up $15,100). Both prices exclude ORCs.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.