2015 Mercedes-Benz C220 Diesel Review

The Mercedes-Benz C-class is a bread and butter product for the German luxury car manufacturer here in India. In fact, till the recent launch of the CLA, the C-Class was the entry-level sedan from Mercedes and as with almost every other car they make, the diesel version has always been preferred by Indian audiences. The new C-Class, when launched a few months ago though was strangely launched only with a petrol engine, but now, Mercedes-Benz has also launched the much awaited diesel variant too.

Thankfully, the diesel looks identical to the petrol one down to the T. With its mini-S-Class styling and compact dimensions, there is no denying the fact that this is the best looking car in its segment. The interior too, adapted from the S-Class, is a treat with extremely high quality materials and a modern design with a huge central infotainment screen. So how does the added functionality that comes out of having a diesel engine help you? Well read on…..

Engine and performance: rating_3.5_rating

The Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI comes with a twin-turbo 2.1-litre, 4-cylinder engine that makes a healthy 170PS of peak power and 400Nm of peak torque. What does amaze us is how gradual and linear the power delivery of this rather aged engine still feels. The engine is mated to the 7G-Tronic seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox that has become somewhat of a standard feature in all Mercedes-Benz cars now. That said, the engine, and the C220 CDI in general does feel a tad bit noisier and rougher than some of its competitors. And although we would not call it unrefined, this 2.1-litre motor is known to be slightly on the louder side when it comes to idling and general performance.

Coming back to the gearbox, the C220 CDI gets paddle shifters like you get on the petrol but, as on most Mercedes-Benz cars, the transmission does feel slightly slower than expected. That said, the package does seem to be much improved compared to the older version of the same car.

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You can further fine tune the car’s behaviour further using the drive modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus which can be engaged by the Agility Select button on the centre console. Sport and Sport Plus, as suggested by their names sharpens the C-Class to make it more dynamic. Apart from the gear shifts, these modes also alter the car’s engine and steering dynamics, and disengage the Start/Stop system.

Ride and ease of driving: rating_4.0_rating

Aladdin would love the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Not because of how luxurious it feels inside, but because of how comfortable it is. Not only does it glide over road surface when you want a supple ride, it also firms up aptly when you have to throw it into a corner. The Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI also has an extremely well weighed steering, which inspires confidence in spades.

In fact, compared to competition, the Mercedes now probably has the best steering feel. This statement would never be valid half a decade ago, which by itself is a testament of the kind of work the German giant has put into the new C-Class.

Handling and Braking: rating_4.0_rating

As we mentioned earlier, the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI handles with a dollop of finesse. In fact, being rear wheel drive, the car’s weight is distributed evenly to the front and rear wheels giving the C-Class near perfect weight distribution. But then, since most C-Class owners would much rather be driven than drive, it does not really make much of a difference.

What does make a difference though are the brakes. With discs both on the front and on the back, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class stops as well or even better than it goes. Combined with the 225/70 R17 wheels and tyres combination, the C-Class is extremely well balanced both in terms of comfort and handling. In fact, it reminds us of some of the cars BMW used to make about a decade or so ago.

Price and fuel efficency: rating_3.5_rating

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is certainly more expensive than it has ever been but we think the price is justified. With prices starting at Rs 39.9 lakh (ex-showroom), it lines up squarely against the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Volvo S60.

The diesel obviously is also more fuel efficient than the petrol. And India being a diesel country, the C220 CDI will soon possibly end up being a car that Mercedes-Benz will sell with no trouble at all. We expect fuel efficiency figures to feature in the late teens for the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI diesel.

Verdict: rating_4.0_rating

The new C-Class diesel, as we mentioned in our original drive of the petrol version, is the new benchmark for this segment. It ticks the right boxes when it comes to design and performs as good, if not better than anything in this segment. The C-Class is also the newest car in its class and comes with an uber luxurious interior package which seals the deal for us.