since 1976
since 1976
IT’S been about 18 months since the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class was introduced to the Malaysian market and yet, it has evolved further. The latest update exercise sees a new model mix, a completely new engine and new styling changes that should keep the C-Class as the best-selling Mercedes-Benz in the market.
In the word of Mark Raine, Vice-President Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia: “The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class now comes with a refined design, a next generation digital infotainment system, state-of-the-art assistance systems and more dynamic engines making a great car even better. We are excited and confident to continue the success story of our best-selling locally produced model in Malaysia.”
His exuberance is clearly overflowing and we would expand on that exciting introduction. The latest C-Class model mix sees the C 200 Avantgarde, C 300 AMG and the Mercedes-AMG C 43, which are all locally assembled, thereby leading to very reasonable prices of RM259,888, RM304,888 and RM421,888 respectively. These prices are on the road without insurance.
The big story is the C 200 Avantgarde that is powered by the new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a powerful starter/alternator combination of 48 volts, which is introduced as EQ Boost that contributes an additional 10kW (13hp) and 160Nm to give a stronger kick. This is said to be unique in this segment.
This is the follow-up to the 1.4-litre engine introduced in the new A-Class recently. While it might be a challenge to convince customers to go for a 1.5-litre (1497cc) Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it must be remembered that the current automotive trend is heading towards smaller displacement engines that are more efficient while delivering strong output to make driving just as exciting.
After all, Mercedes-Benz started going small more than 10 years ago with the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine and we have such a model in our driveway in the C 200 CGI. We are very happy with this car in our daily commute and would enjoy the thrill of some quick burst of acceleration when we come across open roads.
We believe the new C 200 Avantgarde would be just exciting to drive. After all, the 1.5-litre engine still delivers the same power output of 135kW (184hp) at 5800-6100rpm but more torque of 280Nm at 3000-4000rpm (our C 200 CGI delivers 270Nm from 1800 to 4600rpm). The new C 200 is faster than our car too in sprinting from 0 to 100km/h at 7.7 seconds (ours does that at 8.2 seconds). Its top speed is 239km/h.
Of course, if you want more oomph, then the C 300 AMG is up your alley with its 2.0-litre (1991cc) twin scroll turbocharged engine delivering 190kW (258hp) at 5800-6100rpm and 370Nm from 1800 to 4000rpm. It does the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds. And if you have the open road for it, 250km/h is this car’s top speed.
Still hungry for more? The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC has to be the answer. Powered by a 3.0-litre (2996cc) V6 Biturbo engine that punches out 287kW (390hp) at 6100rpm and 520Nm from 2500 to 5000rpm, get ready to burn the roads! It tears to 100km/h from the lights in 4.7 seconds while its top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h.
Fun driving aside, as with each updates, there are visual changes and these are focused on the front of the vehicle and the design of the headlamps and rear lamps. For the latter, both are defined by clear-lined contours and sophisticated LED (light emitting diode) high performance headlamps and rear lamps. For the C 300 and Mercedes-AMG C 43, the headlamps are Multibeam LED units that are said to provide optimum visibility in all conditions.
The front bumper is given a more dynamic look with central trim element in high-sheen chrome and air inlets with diamond-pattern mesh in grain black. The grille takes on different patterns for the respective model to give each a distinct personality. At the rear, the twin exhaust design is similar for the C 200 and C 300 with flattish tailpipes while twin round tubes per side are the order for the Mercedes-AMG C 43.
Stepping inside, Mercedes says the new C-Class features high-quality materials and the ‘excellent integration’ of functional elements with the 12.3-inch digital cockpit. This comes with the option of three display patterns; Classic, Sport and Progressive. As for the new high-resolution 10.25-inch media display to the centre of the dashboard, it could be operated with two touch control buttons on the steering wheel. The touch-sensitive control also responds to swiping motions just like that for a smartphone.
This new generation C-Class comes with smartphone integration via the media system through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Likewise, this model continues with Keyless-Go to enable access and drive authorisation with the key fob in your pocket or handbag.
A safety feature in the C 200 is the Blind Spot Assist. It functions in the speed range of 10-200km/h by providing the driver with a visual alert and an audible warning when a turn indicator is activated. Obviously, it is practical as it warns of a possibility of side collisions. And it continues to operate for up to three minutes after the engine is switched off.
New to the C 300 and Mercedes-AMG C 43 is the Active Lane Keeping Assist that warns the driver by means of pulsed vibrations at the steering wheel when the vehicle drifts unintentionally out of lane at between 60 and 200km/h. If the car passes over a continuous line on the road, the system pulls the vehicle back into lane by applying the brakes on one side. In the case of a broken line, such intervention also takes place when there is a danger of collision with a vehicle in the next lane.
