Mercedes-Benz India has launched the new-generation C-Class, with prices starting at Rs. 55 Lakh, Rs. 56 lakh for the C 220d and going up to Rs. 61 lakh for the top-spec C 300d variant. The C-Class has been on sale in India since 2001 and this is the 5th generation (W206) model that comes to India, after it made its global debut in early 2021. Till date, Mercedes has sold over 37,000 units of the C-Class in India and no doubt hopes that the new C will be a volume spinner for the company as well. Mercedes has begun assembling the new C-Class at its plant in Chakan, Maharashtra and pre-bookings for the luxury sedan have begun as well.
Also Read: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class India Launch: Live Updates
(The C 200 is expected to see more demand with the latest generation and the EQ Boost really gives the small 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor a lot of punch)
Mercedes will offer three engines on the new C - a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine in two states of tune. In addition, all three engine options get an integrated starter generator (ISG) with EQ Boost, which provides a significant 15 bhp of extra power and up to 200 Nm of extra torque. Mercedes says that the C 220d in particular is one of its most fuel efficient cars, with a claimed mileage of 23 kmpl. For its size, the C 200 petrol too offers an impressive 16.9 kmpl, while the C 300d gets a claimed fuel efficiency of 20.37 kmpl. Full specifications given in the table below.
| Specifications | C 200 (Petrol) | C 220d (Diesel) | C 300d (Diesel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,496 cc | 1,993 cc | 1,993 cc |
| Power | 201 bhp at 5,800 - 6,100 rpm | 197 bhp at 3,600 rpm | 261 bhp at 4,200 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm at 1,800 - 4,000 rpm | 440 Nm at 1,800 - 2,800 rpm | 550 Nm at 1,800 - 2,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 9G-Tronic | 9G-Tronic | 9G-Tronic |
| Claimed Mileage | 16.9 kmpl | 23 kmpl | 20.37 kmpl |
| 0-100 kmph | 7.3 seconds | 7.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 246 kmph | 245 kmph | 250 kmph |
| Price | Rs. 55 lakh | Rs. 56 lakh | Rs. 61 lakh |
Also Read: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class India Review
(This is the sportiest, most evocative iteration of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class yet)
Our time spent with the new-gen C left us impressed, especially with Mercedes employing its 'Sensual Purity' design language on the car. The exterior in particular, works very well, with the pulled back cab-rearward design, power bulge on the bonnet and the AMG trim on the C 300d along with the Avant Garde line on the C 200 and the C 220d make it the sportiest, most evocative model of the C-Class yet. In terms of dimension, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class grows 10 mm wider, the wheelbase increases by 25 mm, with 21 mm increased between the front and the rear seats. The overall length of the sedan increases by 65 mm.
Also Read: 2022 Will Be Mercedes-Benz India's Most Successful Year Yet: Martin Schwenk
(The C-Class runs MBUX 7NTG, while the model also gets a host of ADAS features including automatic emergency braking, park assist and more)
Along with the exterior design, the S-Class inspired themes are more pronounced on the inside. The highlight is the new 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen which gets the latest generation of the MBUX based on NTG 7. It is a connected car, along with a bunch of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features like active brake assist and active parking assist. The new C also gets a feature called 'Car-to-X', which is similar to a social network of cars, where Mercedes cars with MBUX can communicate with each other and share information on a real-time basis. The top-spec C 300d also gets Mercedes' smart digital lights which use up to 1.3 million pixels for lighting and can be configured according to the direction of traffic.
(The legroom is substantially more on the new C-Class, while the highlight on the C 300d is the Burmester 3D sound system)
Like most modern premium cars, the touchscreen has almost all in-car controls and therefore, giving the dashboard a clean, sophisticated look. Another highlight is the HD instrument panel, with different themes and settings. The touchpad controls on the steering are now more flush. You get the Burmester sound system, ambient lighting, a connected car telematics suite that works with the Mercedes me app, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and either Alexa or Google home integration. Do note, that some of these may be available only on the C 300d.
(You can now lock the car by pressing the Mercedes-Benz logo on the key-fob, similar to what another German automaker has been doing for years)
There are a few features that are missing on the new C though. The car doesn't get ventilated seats, the controls for the rear AC are missing and the rear passengers do not get USB chargers, although there are two in the elbow box and one on the dashboard. The new C-Class goes up against established rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE and the Volvo S60.
