Accessible News

Top storiesNew ZealandPoliticsBusinessEntertainmentSportsWorld

First drive review: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Monday, 15 November 2021

There's a new face for the C-Class but a lot more has been changed beneath the skin.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a new face and hybrid engines across all models.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a new face and hybrid engines across all models.
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model in its history. Still quite an important model to it then.
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model in its history. Still quite an important model to it then.

Despite the current dominance of SUVs, the C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling vehicle overall and as such stands as a very important model for the brand. This 6th-Generation model packs the groundbreaking S-Class electronics and has electrified engines across the entire range.

Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?

The new sixth-generation C-Class not only brings with it over twenty-five years of history and sales, but it is also fully dialled in with other members of the family. Taking inspiration from the likes of the A-Class, CLA, CLS and E-Class, it has shorter overhangs front and rear, a more angular front end and new light-cluster designs. What’s more, the bonnet features the twin power-bulges as seen on the new E-Class too.

The 11.9-inch touchscreen dominates the interior of the C-Class, just like it does in its bigger siblings.
The 11.9-inch touchscreen dominates the interior of the C-Class, just like it does in its bigger siblings.

**READ MORE:

* Road test review: Mercedes-AMG G 63 S

The seats are impressively comfortable and supportive.
The seats are impressively comfortable and supportive.

* Daimler's trucks, luxury cars to go their separate ways

* Mercedes' design boss: traditional design doesn't work for EVs

The C-Class has adopted a lot of styling cues from the larger E-Class and S-Class sedans.
The C-Class has adopted a lot of styling cues from the larger E-Class and S-Class sedans.

* Maybach goes electric with EQS SUV while Mercedes details EQB

**

As you would expect, everything is of a massively high standard inside the C-Class.
As you would expect, everything is of a massively high standard inside the C-Class.

Proportionally the 2021 C-Class remains very familiar, however, the roofline appears lower, more energised, more ‘in-motion’ and its character lines have been minimised in order to accentuate its shoulder line.

Despite sitting on a reworked version of the previous model’s Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, the new C-Class has a longer wheelbase (+25mm) and is longer overall by an extra 65mm, this in turn offers more passenger comfort although still not as roomy as the E or S-Classes.

The augmented reality navigation is just as impressive here as it is in the S-Class.
The augmented reality navigation is just as impressive here as it is in the S-Class.

As with all Mercedes models, the new A-shaped grille design differs depending on the trim level, with higher-specification cars gaining added chrome and bling, my glorious blue test model was the 220d (although we’re not getting the diesel engine in New Zealand) AMG Line Premium, so came with an open 3-pointed star mesh behind a ‘single wing’ Mercedes logo.

Added to this, 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels which looked amazing but gave me huge amounts of ‘kerb rash’ fear, AMG body-styling, privacy glass, LED lights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and twin chrome exhaust pipes.

The traditional C-Class proportions are still here, but it’s a bit bigger and a lot more high-tech.
The traditional C-Class proportions are still here, but it’s a bit bigger and a lot more high-tech.

The exterior improvements look excellent but get ready; the interior is even better.

I recently drove the new S-Class and was blown away by the technology that it possessed. Everything from augmented reality navigation to wing mirrors that know when you’re looking at them was packed into it, and the new C-Class comes with virtually all of this amazing tech too.

The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch digital screen that seems endless in its personalisation and configuration. If you want simple ‘just the facts’ you can, or maybe you want a sci-fi looking 3D warp look in front of you, the choice is yours.

Then there’s the huge, free floating, high-resolution 11.9-inch portrait-style central media display complete with the second-generation MBUX media system and ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant. What it has on offer in terms of apps and driver easing aids are way too many to list, but some highlights include augmented reality navigation that integrates with the outside cameras and superimposes street signs, Parking package with 360° camera, live music streaming and Apple/Android connectivity. It’s slightly angled towards the driver too, making it clear to view and simple to access.

All models have the parking package, with a reversing camera, along with heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging and my model also had the Driving Assistance Package Plus with active steering assist, and advanced Active Distance Assist function which does mess with the brakes a bit, traffic sign assist, lane assist, and other Mercedes advanced driving aids - there is a lot going on in this ‘junior’ executive saloon.

I won’t dwell too much on what was under the bonnet as my C-Class came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, but New Zealand will be getting the four-cylinder petrol-only versions beginning with C200 (152kW/300Nm) and C300 (192kW/400Nm) both will have an extra 15kW/200Nm available from the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. In fact whatever we get, all its engines will feature the mild-hybrid ISG technology.

Where did you drive it?

I spent a whole weekend behind the wheel of the new C-Class and felt very special indeed, driving around the rough and unkempt streets of Swindon (enjoying the raised speed bumps and multiple potholes) and out in the countryside towards Hungerford and Newbury with its tree-lined avenues and stunning old stone houses.

It’s as quiet as a churchmouse on the road and (in comfort) that mouse must be wearing slippers as its revised front four-link and rear multi-link suspension offers a silky smooth ride.

Its low front valance does mean you have to approach the aforementioned speed bumps with care but when free of the urban jungle (and in Sport) the firm, low ride is both agile and fun - yes even for a diesel.

The 48-volt belt-integrated starter generator allows the motor to ‘glide’ when not pushing down hard on the accelerator and offers extra boost when you are, the start-stop process at the lights or junctions is seamless, however, the new braking system that anticipates vehicle’s movements ahead takes a bit of getting used to.

The nine-speed automatic gearbox is now standard across all models and I, for one, wouldn’t grumble at that, it’s faultless in choosing the right gear at the right time and incredibly hard to surprise.

What’s the pick of the range?

Well, it won’t be this on in New Zealand, but engine aside, the C-Class is a bite-sized S-Class, with a sense of luxury, refinement and ultra-modern tech that’s impossible to miss.

From its floating door handles and floating infotainment screen to its jet-engine inspired air vents and high-gloss pinhead-style dash it’s truly a plethora of plushness. But it’s also ‘daily driver’ practical, it’s roomy enough for the family and compact enough to navigate even the narrowest of British side streets.

Simply put, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is seriously next level, and any version is going to be a good one.

Why would I buy it?

If you are in the market for probably the most advanced vehicle in the segment with a modern interior and enhanced exterior design, a mild-hybrid engine and groundbreaking technology then look no further.

Why wouldn’t I buy it?

Despite its increase in size, the rear is still quite confined, and the boot space is still smaller than the 3-Series. Also, the ‘predictive braking’ takes a little getting used to.