So, you want to own a Mercedes Benz but cannot afford the S-Class.
We have been assured the next best thing is the all new MB C-Class with many design aspects, comfort and digitalisation taken from the flagship S-Class. The new baby merc has launched its 6th Generation C-Class after selling more than 10.5 million vehicles in more than one hundred markets globally since 1982 making the C-Class the most successful sedan in the Mercedes Benz range. The new model will be assembled at the East London plant in South Africa, one of three manufacturing facilities in the world the others being Beijing and Bremen.
Bigger, better, and sleeker with a length of 4 751mm, width of 1 829mm and increased wheelbase by 25mm to 2 865mm. Sporty bonnet with power domes accentuates the aggressive styling at the same time complementing the design lines which project a modern luxury automobile. Inside you immediately note the design inspiration is taken from the S-Class setting new standards of efficiency.
Launched in South Africa initially with the C200 and C200d derivatives, both sporting four cylinder units from the current Mercedes Benz engine family. The C200 delivers 150kW and 300Nm of torque and achieves fuel efficiency of 6.3l – 7.2l/100km. The C200d boasts 147kW and 440Nm of torque with fuel consumption at 4.1l – 5.2l/100km.
The Digital Light system is again taken from the S-Class producing LED high performance headlamps. Each headlamp, whose light is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors with a resolution of more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle. On board cameras and sensors detect other road users and the powerful computers evaluate the data with digital maps in milliseconds and give the headlamps the commands for optimally adapting the light distribution in all situations. This system provides optimal vision for the driver without dazzling other road users resulting in improved safety when driving at night.
The Avantgarde Line is equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels with more 18 inch and 19 inch options available to choose. The AMG Line has 19 inch wheels as standard and further 19 inch variations are available.
Rear-axle steering is available as an option making the vehicle more agile, dynamic, and reducing the turning circle by forty-three centimetres to 10.64 meters. This system improves handling stability, safety at high speeds, fast lane changes, and sudden evasive manoeuvres.
In the cabin the driver encounters high end digital intelligence with brilliant images on LCD screens. One of these features is a free-standing screen and appears to float in front of the wing profile and the expanse trim. Customers have a choice between standard 10.25 inch screen or an optional 12.3 inch version. The screens can be individualised with three display styles, Discreet, Sporty or Classic. Voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” is available to help the driver when making telephone calls or asking questions such as “Hey Mercedes where can the first aid kit be found”.
The new baby Merc is packed with technology and features, from fingerprint scanning to updated software downloads installed in the background. The car can save energy and “glide” with the engine switched off making it more efficient and cost effective to run.
In summary the new C-Class is a mini S-Class packed with safety, driver assist, and design features which are world class. A top end German marque priced under a million rand for the South African market in search of a reasonably priced luxury automobile.
Retail Price:
C200 R849 000
C200d R908 500
