Despite South Africans' love affair with SUVs, the evergreen Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is still one of the most-searched-for cars on AutoTrader and accounts for 35 percent of all Mercedes-Benz models sold in SA. Built locally at the East London plant for export to right-hand-drive markets across the globe, the C-Class is an "unparalleled success story for the local industry", says Mark Raine, President of the Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co CEO of Mercedes-Benz SA.
Sleeker and more dynamic
Code-named W206, and affectionately known as the baby S-Class, the new C-Class continues to successfully impersonate its luxurious bigger brother. Even when motionless, the new model seems to be poised for a quick and effortless getaway, thanks to its sculpted bonnet with power domes, understated flanks, and angular, swept-back taillights and a pert rear end (with dual parallelogram-shaped exhaust tips).
The Avantgarde Line is equipped with 18-inch wheels, and the optional AMG Line (see image above) has 19-inch wheels as standard. Every new C-Class is equipped with LED High-Performance headlamps, while DIGITAL LIGHT with a projection function is optional.
On the inside, the S-Class heritage is evident too, and you'll find flowing lines, glossy surfaces, and a high-res LCD screen instead of the traditional instrument cluster; as well as a mega-sized central touchscreen with crystal-clear graphics in portrait orientation (a standard feature), and a choice of display screens that can be configured whichever way you prefer.
Like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz opted to minimise physical buttons and switchgear, leaving you to give the next-generation AI MBUX system voice commands, or to use the buttons on the wheel if you prefer to not touch the screen itself. We also noticed a small button at the bottom of the screen that reads your fingerprint and sets up the system to suit your personal preferences, much like your smartphone or an iPad.
This gives the owner access to their personal data, such as favourite contacts, most recent destinations, most-often-used apps/playlists and so forth. Authenticated users can even make purchases via Mercedes Me. The enhanced voice assistant is now also able to recognise vehicle occupants by their voices, and over-the-air software updates can be installed as they become available.
Build quality is satisfactory, but since the C-Class exists in the lower echelons of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, some lesser-quality plastics are present, although not visible when you're seated behind the steering wheel, looking over the upper surfaces and out at the road ahead. I can't say that I like the faux carbon fibre trim inserts much (it feels like a consolation prize because you can't afford a real AMG model) but I am a fan of the futuristic, oblong-shaped air vents.
I also found the driver's seat super-supportive and cosseting, like a luxurious, low-slung sports car - a rather welcome change after sitting very upright in a bakkie all week long. Cocooned in opulence, I thought of the old adage about money that doesn't buy you happiness, but it's certainly more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle.
What's on offer?
The range kicks off with the Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde (from R857 280 without options). The base model has been done away with completely, so if you do not fancy the Avantgarde Line, you'll have to spend a little more and get your Vitamin C-fix in AMG Line trim. Our first test model on the launch was a C200 Edition 6 (R917 380), looking resplendent in its dazzling, Spectral Blue paint job (see below). Only 400 of these models will be built and all of them have already found their forever homes.
While the C-Class competes in the compact executive sedan segment, its interior dimensions are getting less and less so: Space in the first row and on the rear bench is surprisingly generous, making it a very practical family vehicle even if the kids are getting as tall as the adults. The wheelbase has grown by 2.5 cm to 286.5 cm, offering generous legroom for all, although the top of the rear passengers' feet may feel a bit cramped on longer trips due to the positioning of the front seats. As always, there's a cavernous boot for holiday luggage or cases of wine, or both.
The C200 and C220d both make use of turbocharged, four-cylinder engines with a 15 kW 48-Volt mild hybrid system for an extra helping of kick and improved fuel efficiency. This integrated starter-generator is a brand new addition to the 220d model. Both the C200 and C220 have a 0 - 100 km/h sprint time of only 7.3 seconds, but there's still a bit of lag despite the electric power boost. As a daily driver, the 220d will save you the most cash (claimed consumption is 4.4 litre/100 km), but bear in mind that the entry-level diesel is rather pricey at R911 812 vs. the C200 Avantgarde's R857 280.
The C200's power output is rated at 150 kW and 300Nm of torque, while the C220d delivers 147kw and 440Nm. If I had to pick one, the diesel model (which we drove on day two of the launch) gets my vote without any doubt. It's just a smoother operator all 'round, and the diesel clatter is well-suppressed from inside the cabin. As fuel prices are destined for more increases, buying diesel is a no-brainer.
What's the new rear-axle steering like?
Parallel parking in bustling Franschhoek and carving corners on the Du Toitskloof Pass more than illustrated the new C-Class's sporty, yet driver-friendly skillset, due in part to the optional rear-axle steering. The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine may not sound very enticing (the 6-cylinder C's are now a thing of the past) but the car itself feels nimble and fleet-footed thanks to this new option, which also reduces the turning circle when you have to sneak a quick U-turn. The front axle has also been treated to a more direct steering ratio. Mercedes-Benz explains:
At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels – and up to 2.5° opposite to the front-axle angle during parking. Depending on the situation, this virtually shortens the wheelbase, and the vehicle is more manoeuvrable, light-footed, and agile as a result.
At speeds above 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer up to 2.5° in the same direction as the front wheels. This virtual increase in wheelbase has noticeable advantages in the form of improved handling stability and safety at high speeds, during fast lane changes, or sudden evasive manoeuvres. Moreover, considerably less steering input is required during dynamic manoeuvres, e.g. when driving on country roads – and the vehicle responds to steering movements in a more sporty manner. This is supported by the integrated dynamic control function of the ESP®.
All this means is that whether you're stuck in traffic, driving a twisty pass, or pulling into your favourite coffee shop's parking lot, the rather large C-Class is easier to drive and to park than ever.
The wheels are driven via Merc's uprated 9G-TRONIC transmission with which we are already familiar, which now weighs 30% less and has been fine-tuned for better efficiency. The different driving modes are still present via Merc's DYNAMIC SELECT switch that also adapts the damping to suit your requirements.
Should C-Class buyers be trading in their current models for the new ones?
Consumers who live, eat and breathe C-Class will find favour with the latest model, mostly because of brand loyalty, and I do think that upgrading to the swanky-looking new C-Class is worth their time and effort. After all, it not only looks better, but drives better too. And nobody has ever struggled to get rid of a C-Class in the used-car market.
