The latest version the Mercedes-Benz C-Class made its Malaysian debut today, available as a CBU unit in two mild-hybrid variants. The variants and prices are as mentioned below:
- Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde Line – RM288,334
- Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line – RM330,681
Measuring 4,751 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,438 mm tall, the new C-Class is 65 mm longer, 10 mm wider, and 9 mm lower than the outgoing model. The 2,865 mm-long wheelbase is also 25 mm longer than its predecessor.
Under the hood, the C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine which is paired with a 48V integrated starter generator (ISG) producing 204 PS and 300 Nm of torque. The C300 on the other hand is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and the aforementioned ISG system that collectively produces 258 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
Fitted with the same 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic gearbox, the C200 and C300 are capable of sprinting from naught to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and 6.0 seconds respectively.
Modernized all round and enhanced with sporty design elements, the new C-Class features a short front overhang, long wheelbase, rear overhang as well as a sporty bonnet with power domes that accentuates this urge of forward motion.
The windscreen and passenger cell have been moved to the rear for these classic proportions known in the industry as “cab-backward design”. All models also feature a central star, with the design and character of the radiator grille differing in the details.
Firstly, we have the C200 which is equipped with Avantgarde line exterior, with highlights including the radiator grille design with central Mercedes star, trim strips in high-sheen aluminium and chrome with lowered comfort suspension, and 18-inch 5-spoke wheels.
And then we have the the C300 AMG Line which comes with a grille with the star design in chrome. Unlike the C200, this variant comes with 19-inch AMG multi spoke wheels. Other key exterior highlights of including panoramic sunroof, LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist.
At the rear, the lamps for the first time have a two-piece design in the C-Class, with the light functions divided between the side wall and boot lid lamps. Their precisely configured interiors also showcase the standard of particularly high quality in detail with the silver grey diamond-pattern trim.
Inside, the dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section, into a wing-like section with new, flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles, and into an opulent expanse of trim. The latter flows from the center console to the dashboard without interruption.
The dashboard and central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees, and in the middle of it all is a high-resolution 12.3-inch free-standing driver display, setting it apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials.
The touchscreen also features a fingerprint scanner which can identify you quickly and conveniently. This is because your personal data, such as profiles or even office functions, are protected. When you touch the scanner, the system then grants the user access. This is secure and additionally more straightforward than entering a PIN.
Like the dashboard, the screen is slightly tilted towards the driver. A chrome insert divides the center console into a rear, padded section for the armrest and a front section in lustrous jet black. The seemingly free-floating central display rises smoothly and seamlessly from this three-dimensional surface.
And then we have the sport seats which use layers and enveloping surfaces to create a visual impression of lightness. The head restraints are a completely new design and are attached to the backrest with a sealed piece of trim under which the adjustment mechanism is located.
The look of the screens can be individualized with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, and Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).
Augmented Video is also available as standard equipment in the Malaysian configurations of the C-Class. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The moving images are shown on the central display.
Thanks to systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing, the new C-Class sets new standards in efficiency. The engine range has only four-cylinder units from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family.
Accordingly, the engine range plays a major role in the flexibility of the international production network, with needs-based electrification.
That being said, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also revealed that the locally assembled version of the W206 C-Class here will be ready in the second half of 2022.
