Here’s Everything That’s New In The Next-gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class

After being spied on multiple occasions, and previewed in pre-production form, Mercedes-Benz recently took the wraps off the sixth generation of the C-Class sedan. At a glance, it may just seem like a simple evolution, but a lot has changed with this generational update. 

Evolutionary Design

On the outside, the C-Class retains the predecessor’s overall silhouette, but has styling elements that are more in line with modern Mercedes-Benz models. Up front you get a sharper set of headlights with LED DRLs, and a new grille with the three-pointed star mesh. Its side profile is cleaner than before, and gets new two-piece tail lights at the rear, a first for the C-Class.  So you could say this evolution looks more like a major facelift than a generational update.

Bigger Than Before 

The 2022 C-Class has gone through a growth spurt, with the sedan being 65mm longer, 10mm wider and the wheelbase being extended by 25mm, thanks to a lower roofline. This has also led to an increase in elbow room by 22 mm at the front, 15 mm in the rear, 13 mm more headroom and 35mm more knee room.

Digital Interiors

If you were bummed about the exteriors not getting enough of an upgrade, the cabin should change that. No, this isn’t exactly the S-Class, but the C-Class has taken a clear inspiration from its more premium sibling. The main highlight of course is the large centre touchscreen infotainment system with the latest MBUX infotainment system. It can be opted in either 10.25-inch or 11.9-inch configurations. This is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster . 

Other features include a Burmester audio system, a head-up display projecting information nearly 15ft ahead of the car, and over-the-air updates.

Electrified Powertrains

The biggest overhaul in the C-Class is under the hood. Gone are the V6 and V8 engines, replaced by four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with a 48v mild-hybrid system as standard. The petrol engine lineup starts with the C180 and C200 variants which are powered by a 1.5-litre motor. The most powerful variant makes 204PS and 300Nm. The C300 is a 2.0-litre engine that pushes 258PS and 400Nm. The 1.5-litre C200 can do 0-100kmph in 7.3 seconds, whereas the C300 does it in 6 seconds. Top speeds are rated at 240kmph (C200) and 250kmph (C300). 

The diesel engine lineup consists of the C220d and C300d trims that are powered by 2.0-litre engines. The former makes 200PS/400Nm whereas the latter delivers 265PS/550Nm. 0-100kmph is achieved in 7.3 seconds (C220d) and 5.7 seconds (C300d), with top speeds of 245kmph (C220d) and 250kmph (C300d).  

There’s also a plug-in hybrid C300e variant that will make its way to the lineup later. It combines a 197PS/320Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 127PS/440Nm electric motor. Juiced up by a 25.4kWh battery pack, the C300e offers a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) claimed range of 100km.  All engines will be paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. This also extends to the spicer AMG models that will be introduced later.

Under The Skin

Like the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is offering optional rear-axle steering for the C-Class. The rear wheels turn upto 2.5 degrees, to reduce turning circle and aid stability at speeds above 60kmph. 

Back home, the current-gen model is priced from Rs. 41.31 lakh to Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom India). The next-gen model is likely to make it to India by 2022. It will take on the Jaguar XE, BMW 3 Series, and the facelifted Audi A4.