By Otsile Kadiege

Yesterday, the pricing for the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan surfaced on the automaker’s local website. The new C-Class, which will be assembled in South Africa, shares a lot of technology and styling with the uber luxurious S-Class.

Evolutionary exterior design 

Upfront, the car gets a new light design and a large new grille. All models feature a central star and the design of the radiator grille differs based on the trim. The base model has a central star and louvres. In the Avantgarde line, there are additional decorative elements in the louvres, while the radiator grille and front apron feature chrome surrounds. The distinguishing feature of the AMG Line is the diamond grille with the star design in chrome.

The new C-Class is equipped with LED High Performance headlamps as standard. The digital light system familiar from the new S-Class is available as an option. The rear-end takes after the new S-Class. The lights, 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. The bumper is also newly designed with new exhaust tips.

In terms of dimensions, the new C-Class is 65 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the model it replaces. Wheel sizes range between 17- to 19-inches. There are three new paint finishes – spectral blue, high-tech silver and opalite white – have been added to the colour range.

Flagship interior design and technology 

Like the S-Class, the driver area features a high-resolution LCD screen. It is free-standing and this sets the driver display apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials. Customers have a choice between a 10.25-inch or a 12.3-inch version. The look of the screens can be individualised with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

The central display housing the infotainment has a screen diagonal (as is the case in the new S-Class) of 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) as standard. A larger version measuring 11.9 inches is optionally available. Also standing out are flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles. The C-Class also gets the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz steering wheels and what appears to be new seat designs. A dashboard covered with man-made leather and featuring nappa-look beltlines is available for the C-Class (optional equipment, standard with AMG Line).

Like the new S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). With MBUX Smart Home function, the C-Class connects with your home to control certain functions there. A colour head-up display can be ordered as optional equipment. The driver sees a virtual image measuring 9 x 3 inches floating above the bonnet at a distance of about 4.5m. Boot space comes in at 455 litres.

Powertrain

On Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s website there are two derivatives to choose from, namely C200 and C220d. The former is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine making 150 kW and 300 Nm. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz claims it will sprint to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds as well as a combined fuel consumption of 6.6l/100 km.

The diesel powerplant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine developing 147 kW and 440 Nm. It’s also paired to the automaker’s 9G-Tronic transmission. Mercedes-Benz claims a combined fuel consumption of 4.4l/100 km. Both engines feature an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical system. 

Pricing and availability

The locally assembled Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is priced as follows:

• Mercedes-Benz C200 – R771,300; and

• Mercedes-Benz C220d – R813,490.
  

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is yet to announce the local launch of the new C-Class sedan.