Which Mercedes C-Class is better: Diesel or Petrol?
Early in 2022, Mercedes-Benz South Africa launched its latest C-Class sedan range, with brand new cosmetics to match the latest design language from the German automaker. Let's compare this new C-Class's engines, to see which one is better.
Code-named the W206, the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is familiar in many ways, however, completely different in others. Still retaining the sedan silhouette the model still provides the practicality that customers have become used to. It is with the exterior design and interior layout that this model departs completely from its predecessor.
Related: Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line (2022) Review
Not to mention the host of new driver assistance systems and a completely new infotainment configuration. Under the bonnet a few changes also take place and we will be taking a closer look at the engines offered in the new sedan derivatives to find out which is better, diesel or petrol. If you are looking to sell your car, why not try our Instant Offer tool here before you start your search for new or used Mercedes-Benz C-Class models on AutoTrader here.
Derivative line-up and pricing
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is most certainly not cheap anymore, however, in return, you do get a well-specified and premium sedan. And to add to that, with a stylish interior and exterior design.
| Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde | from R 1 041 189 |
| Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line | from R 1 095 189 |
| Mercedes-Benz C220d Avantgarde | from R 1 109 510 |
| Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line | from R 1 163 510 |
*Note that the pricing listed above was correct at the time of writing the article, however, can change at any moment and without notice.
It should be noted that there were also coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class, available, however, these still retain the W205 platform, technology, design and powertrains.
Related: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class launches in South Africa
Performance figures
Let us take a closer look at the comparative figures between the two powertrain configurations. Note that these figures are claimed by the manufacturer and owners might experience a difference in frugality.
| Mercedes-Benz C200 | Mercedes-Benz C220d | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol | 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Power | 150 kW + 15 kW electric boost | 147 kW + 15 kW electric boost |
| Torque | 300 Nm + 200 Nm electric boost | 440 Nm + 200 Nm electric boost |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 s | 7.3 s |
| Top speed | 246 km/h | 245 km/h |
| CO2 emission | 154 g/km | 122 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 6.8 L / 100 km | 4.7 L / 100 km |
*This table was populated with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za and was correct at the time of writing this article.
Which one is the best?
Although the power figures and claimed fuel consumption from the 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol engine in the C200 are impressive. The diesel offering provides very similar performance with additional torque from its 2.0-litre, turbocharged configuration. It becomes even more attractive when we take a look at the claimed fuel consumption figure of the diesel model. It is for all these characteristics that we say that the diesel offering is the better of the two even at the premium purchase price.
