The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan continues to be in high demand, making up 35% of all Mercedes-Benz models sold in South Africa despite the popularity of SUVs - but how appropriate is it for road-trips? (Check out our quick video review of the C200 here.)
Convenience, comfort, and space in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
An S-Class-inspired interior with flowing lines, glossy finishes, and a high-resolution LCD screen can be found inside the C-Class.
The central touchscreen, a standard feature, offers portrait-oriented graphics with stunning clarity. In favour of the next-generation AI MBUX system, which enables voice commands or control via the steering wheel buttons, Mercedes-Benz has minimised physical buttons and switchgear. All this works together to reduce driver distraction, which can be detrimental if you're travelling on the dangerous highways and byways of SA.
The driver's seat is exceptionally supportive and comfortable, to help reduce a painful lower and upper back when seated for long periods.
As for space, the C-Class offers plenty of room for both front and two rear passengers. There is space for a third passenger in the middle, but the high centre tunnel means it won't be comfortable on longer journeys.
Because of how the front seats are positioned, tall passengers may feel a little cramped in the back seats on longer trips, but they would have to have exceptionally long legs.
The C-Class also features a roomy boot that can easily accommodate holiday luggage for four.
C-Class Power, performance, and fuel efficiency
Both the C200 and C220d models have four-cylinder turbocharged engines with a mild hybrid 15 kW 48-Volt system, which boosts power and improves fuel economy. While the C220d offers 147 kW and 440 Nm, the C200 produces 150 kW and 300 Nm. With a claimed consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km, the C220d stands out as a particularly effective option for longer drives. In our tenure in the C220d, our range came to just over 1200 km on a single tank of diesel, which is exemplary! And this was a combination of highway and school-run city driving.
Curious about real-life consumption in the other engine variant? My colleague Sean had the Mercedes-Benz C200 on test - read his review here.
Related: Which Mercedes C-Class is better: Diesel or Petrol?
Driving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Driving the C-Class is effortless thanks to the upgraded 9G-TRONIC gearbox, which also offers a variety of driving modes that can be customised to suit personal preferences. Staying in Eco mode is advised if you want to save fuel, but in the 220d model, this didn't make too much of a difference to our total range.
There is an assortment of driving packages available too that include adaptive cruise control and steering assist / lane keep assistance for a more relaxing and safer drive overall. (The C-Class gets a 5-star euroNCAP rating.)
With the rear-axle steering option specified, the C-Class is smooth and responsive. With this feature, manoeuvrability is improved, the turning circle is smaller (ie. it's easier to park), and handling stability is better at higher speeds.
Configure the C-Class of your dreams on the Mercedes-Benz SA website here.
See what new and used Mercedes-Benz C-Class models are selling for on AutoTrader
Verdict
The stylish and comfortable cabin teamed with cutting-edge technology and fuel-efficient engines make the C-Class the perfect travel partner. I would definitely opt for the C220d if regular road-trips are on the cards. (Please note that the image above is of the Avantgarde model).
The C-Class is comfortable and cosseting, and given all the diesel left in the tank, it was a car I did not want to return to it its fleet manager at all.
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Standard Equipment in the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
- Smartphone integration
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Advanced connectivity Plus
- ARTICO man-made leather black
- Active Brake Assist
- Windscreen wipers with rain sensor
- Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
- Extended MBUX functions
- Communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes me connect services
- 9G-TRONIC
- Cruise control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Underguard
- MBUX multimedia system
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- LED High Performance headlamps
- Freight packaging with tie-down hooks
- AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system and lowering
- Centre console in high-gloss black
- Interior Light package
- Independent boot locking
- Ambient lighting
- KEYLESS GO starting function
- Air conditioning preinstallation for hot countries
- Emission control system with EU4 technology (C 200)
- Emission control system with EU6 technology (C 220 d)
- Exhaust system with DPF Generation 2.0 (C 220 d)
- Roof liner in crystal grey fabric
- BlueTEC diesel emission control system including generation 4 (C 220d)
- Preinstallation for digital radio
- Comfort Seats
- Integrated Starter Generator Generation 2
- EQ Boost starter-alternator
- DYNAMIC SELECT
- Silver grey diamond-pattern trim
- Leather multifunction sports steering wheel
- Run-flat tyres
- Velour floor mats
- Stowage Space package
- Double cup holder
- URBAN GUARD vehicle protection
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Interior monitoring system
- Seat Comfort package
- 4-way lumbar support
- Advanced Package
- Folding rear seat backrests
- Fingerprint scanner
- automatic climate control
- Central display
- Fuel tank with a capacity of 66 litres
- Parking package with reversing camera
- Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
- Mirror package - Interior mirror and driver's exterior mirror automatically dimming.
- Electrically folding exterior mirrors
- Ambient lighting with projection of brand logo
