C-Class |
Since its introduction 40 years ago with the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 190, the so-called “Baby Benz”, more than 10.5 million C-Class vehicles have been sold in over 100 markets worldwide – with South Africa becoming a significant contributor to the ever-growing global Mercedes-Benz production network for the C-Class. The latest iteration of the C-Class serves as testimony to the quality of cars manufactured locally in the spirit of yeyethu, meaning “it is ours” in Xhosa.
Although the “Baby Benz” was not initially available in South Africa, with only a few runout units allocated to the country when the plants in Germany started ramping up production, the first locally produced model rolled off the line in East London in 1994, setting in motion a legacy of C-Class production that now spans close to three decades.
Since then, the local Mercedes-Benz South Africa production facility has grown in both stature and reputation, winning the JD Power quality awards for six consecutive years, cementing the status of the East London plant as a world-class production hub.
Viewed against this background, the importance of the all-new C-Class for Mercedes-Benz South Africa cannot be overstated, and Driven was fortunate enough to be afforded a first drive opportunity with the new C-Class followed by the official launch in the Cape Winelands last month.
Two Derivatives
While derivatives such as the C300d 4Matic will be assembled locally for export, the only two models available locally, initially, are the C200 petrol and C220d diesel, both with four-cylinder units from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family.
The C200 turbo petrol boasts power delivery of 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque, while the C220d turbodiesel delivers 147 kW and 440 Nm of Torque. The C220d achieves combined fuel consumption of 4.4 – 5.2 l/100 km, while the slightly less frugal C200 achieves combined fuel consumption of 6.3 – 7.2 l/100 km, based on the WLTP protocol.
The C200 is also available in a debut edition known as Edition 6. It is limited to only 400 units and features numerous visual accents to underline its exclusivity, including two distinct colours – Spectral Blue and Selenite Grey. The Edition 6, now available on Agility Finance from R9,999 per month (subject to terms and conditions), includes the more pronounced AMG Line trim, AMG 19” wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and Agility Control.
All the new C-Class models, some of which may be launched in South Africa at a later stage, are equipped with petrol or diesel engines incorporating an integrated starter generator (a 15 kW electric motor) and a 48-volt electrical system.
Flowing Exterior
Styling in the latest C-Class exudes more rounded, flowing lines than its predecessor, with a curved roofline reminiscent of the new S-Class that slopes graciously to the rear to give it a coupé-like appearance. The bodylines have been reduced to accentuate the so-called ‘catwalk line’ or shoulder line even further.
Its appearance is further enhanced by a wide track and flush-fitting 18” or 19” wheels. The rear-end design is typical Mercedes-Benz, with the design of the tail lamps showcasing an unmistakable day and night appearance. Based on the modular MRA2 platform (also underpinning the S-Class), the new C-Class is also bigger than its precursor (65 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 4 mm lower with a 25 mm longer wheelbase).
A New Kind of Comfort
Upon entering the new C-Class, the clean and uncluttered fascia is the first feature that demands attention, devoid of any protruding buttons and switches except for a starter button and rotary headlight dials. The shift to digitalisation is also noteworthy in the central display, with vehicle functionality accessible via a touchscreen.
Like the S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) with information displayed on an imposing tablet-like screen, capped by three round air vents and a digital instrument panel with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty and Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance and Service). An uncomplicated interface, swift processor and large icons make scrolling through the MBUX sub-menus effortless. However, the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant module proved more fascinating than useful, at least for those of us who hail from the BC (before computer) era. This advance in technology can even explain vehicle functions and recognise occupants through voice recognition!
The sumptuous cabin is classic C-Class, with lavish portions of soft-touch trim, elegant brightwork detail and comfortable seats with impeccable stitched leather. All of this creates a stylish and functional fusion between tradition and technology.
At start-up, the soft, uneven clatter of the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine in the C220d is barely audible, with its initial irregular beat efficiently dissipating once on the move. The revised, highly tuned four-cylinder common rail motor is exceedingly refined and highly responsive – in no small part due to the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system.
EQ Boost comprises a 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful integrated starter motor (ISG) supplementing the combustion engine’s operation under acceleration (with up to 15 kW and 200 Nm of torque) and cruising conditions. It also reduces engine strain, improves fuel efficiency, and harvests kinetic energy from braking and coasting.
This additional boost is palpable on pull-away, as the combination of mild electric assistance and low-speed compressor spooling negates any turbo lag, ensuring close to linear power delivery. Also, augmented by EQ Boost, the already abundant engine torque allows for effortless overtaking manoeuvres, but, even so, the C220d feels more like a brisk cruiser on the road rather than a sporty sedan.
With slightly less torque, the C200 petrol benefits from the same EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which conspires to belie the true size of the engine as it performs as smoothly and effortlessly as would be expected from its bigger siblings.
Smooth Ride
Compliments of a balanced suspension setup, the seamless interchange between engine and auto transmission and the smoothness of the complete drivetrain, the driving experience in both models affirm a commendable smooth ride, even without the optional continuously adjustable damping and a sports suspension.
Indicative of what can be expected in the elevations towards full electrification, on a trailing throttle, the luxury sedan continues to glide effortlessly over the tarmac and toggling sportier settings to stiffen the suspension enables a moderately more dynamic and somewhat less buoyant ride.
This high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort is the most attractive trait in the new C-Class. The Driving Assistance Package also features additional functions for elevated comfort and safe driving while reducing driver workload. However, for those yearning for a more sporty and dynamic derivative, the AMG derivative, which has yet to make an entrance, is sure to satiate any desire.
Although our drive did not include any night driving, the new C-Class is equipped with LED High-Performance headlamps as standard. And, available as an option, Mercedes’ Digital Light is capable of a resolution of more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle. Talk about turning night into day!
Extra Nuggets
A fingerprint scanner is located in an ergonomic position below the central display, allowing users to log into MBUX quickly, conveniently, and securely. Augmented Video and a colour head-up display can be ordered as optional equipment. And to top it all, software updates can now be done “Over-the-air” (OTA), with software updates downloaded and installed in the background. Compared to the previous C-Class series, the latest generation of the Driving Assistance Systems offer additional and advanced functionality.
Last Word
Delivering a user experience and a vehicle interior that is notably more digitally and intelligently advanced than ever before, the 6th generation C-Class represents the next logical step to a digital and sustainable future for Mercedes-Benz.
Improved agility and stability, available via the optional rear-axle steering and the accompanying, more direct steering ratio at the front axle, makes this technology an absolute must-have.
The 6th generation C-Class boasts luxurious comfort, minimalist design, and innovative assistance systems. Coupled with typical Mercedes ride quality, refined road manners and modern, tech-rich interior (without the myriad of tech and trim options available), the new C-Class is set to emulate the success of its revered forebears.
Report by Ferdi de Vos & Wilhelm Loots | Images © Ryan Abbott & Mercedes-Benz South Africa
