Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz has launched the C43 AMG in India for Rs 98 lakh (ex-showroom). The C-Class is Mercedes' luxury sedan offering in India that sits between the A-Class and E-Class. Prices for the car start from Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) and it is offered in two broad trims with multiple powertrain options. Recently, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the CLE coupe and cabriolet, which will replace the coupe and cabriolet versions of the C-Class and E-Class sedans in the carmaker's lineup.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most well-known cars produced by Mercedes-Benz. It used to be the Mercedes-Benz entry-level sedan prior to the launch of the A-Class sedan. The C-Class is a compact luxury sedan, sitting in the same segment as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

 It is offered with both, petrol and diesel engines, including the performance-focused Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC.

Looks

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is also called the baby S-Class since it looks like a smaller version of Mercedes-Benz’ biggest sedan. The design is a smart blend of sporty and classy and depending on the version you choose, Mercedes-Benz makes minor styling changes to tweak the personality of the car. For example, the C 200 and C 220d look a lot more subtle while the C 300d, offered with the AMG Line styling package, looks more aggressive and sporty. Only the AMG-Line gets 18-inch alloy wheels while other models get 17-inch wheels.

One thing is certain, the C-Class has a strong road presence. Even in colours like white and silver, it looks luxurious without being very flashy in design.

Interior

Where the C-Class truly delivers its magic is with the interior, which you can have finished in black, beige or brown. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class’ interior looks the most jaw-dropping in its segment. Like the S-Class, there are jet engine-styled AC vents, a large boat-inspired dashboard panel and the large touchscreen infotainment system sits in the middle.

While the design of the C-Class’s interior is impressive, there’s also a lot of attention to detail to little things like the metallic clicks you’ll hear while adjusting the AC vents or how the 64-colour ambient lighting fills up the entire cabin and can make driving at night an especially amazing experience.

The C-Class is also a better car for backseat-owners than ever before. The car is larger in size compared to the model it replaced. So now, there is a space for a 6ft tall passenger to sit behind someone of the same height. Of course, if owners decide to push the front passenger’s seat all the way ahead, they can stretch out and relax. 

However, users over 6ft tall may want more headroom in the backseat. Additionally, the seat base is not very long so underthigh support is average too; and you will feel this even if you’re not very tall. That aside, there are amenities like a mobile phone holder, cupholders, rear sunshades and an electric sunshade for the rear windshield, but no charging ports in the rear row. You can, however, use one of the type-C charge ports that are located under the front armrest.

Technology

The touchscreen infotainment system in the C-Class offers excellent resolution and while the amount of data available is large, you likely won’t need more than 3-4 days to get familiar with all of its menus and options. Aside from wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the car also supports the “Hey, Mercedes” voice command system that you can use to adjust different features, including the AC and on-board navigation. 

The C-Class also gets a split panoramic sunroof, electric adjustment for the front seats, electric steering adjustment, wireless phone charger and a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster that has multiple display styles, such as Sport, Understated, Classic and a navigation display.

Boot Space

The C-Class’ boot space is large enough for one suitcase and some small soft bags. While it is certainly capable of fitting more, the spare tyre is also placed in the boot which hampers the available storage space significantly.

Drive

The standard C-Class is offered with 4-cylinder petrol engines. There is the C 200 that gets a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 204PS of power and 300Nm of torque, the C 220d, powered by a 2-litre diesel engine making 200PS of power and 440Nm of torque and the C 300d that makes 265PS of power and 550Nm of torque. All of these engines come paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a good daily commuter owing to the smoothness of its engine and transmission, the noise insulation and comfortable suspension. One thing that does require care though is the ground clearance. The C-Class is a low-slung sedan and it does scrape over oddly-shaped or large speed breakers. Additionally, the C 300d’s ride comfort feels a little stiffer than the C 200 or C 220d owing to its sportier setup and bigger wheels.

Verdict

The C-Class is a compact luxury sedan that wows you with its interior design and tech. While owners may use it to be driven around by a chauffeur, to truly appreciate what the car is capable of, you should drive it yourself.