Mercedes-Benz C Class 'Edition C': First Drive

Mercedes-Benz, known for its large luxury saloons in the 70s and 80s decided to do the unimaginable and launch a small entry-level saloon in 1982 to meet the ever growing needs of the global middle class. This new entry-level saloon, christened the 190E was smaller than its larger brethren making it both efficient and easy to drive. Being smaller in dimension also earned it the nickname ‘Baby-Benz’. The 190E (where E stands for Einspritzung, or Fuel Injection) model used the Bosch Jetronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection to deliver fuel as compared to a traditional carburetor, which also made the 190E a more powerful alternative for people looking for a sporty but reliable sedan. The 190E did roaring sales in Europe and was succeeded by the C-Class family that we have fondly grown to love today. Although technically, the ‘C-Class’ moniker wasn’t used till 1993, Mercedes considers the 190E family to be the beginning of the C-Class family tree. To commemorate 10 Million (1 Crore) C Classes sold from its conception over 30 years ago, Mercedes-Benz India launched a new variant of it’s successful C-Class, aptly named the ‘Edition C’ in India. We take it for a short spin to see what this special edition holds for us.

Exterior Design

Although the Edition C looks like just another C Class, a second glance reveals a different story altogether. The Edition C sports the AMG styling package that makes the C Class look much sportier than its usual executive avatar. The large air intakes in the front combined with the ‘Avantgarde’ spec grille in gloss black with chrome accents gives the C Class Edition C sporting appeal. The larger bumper intakes also house a distinct LED cluster that doubles up as a part of Mercedes’ daytime running lights. The new darkened headlamps, inspired by the ones available on the C63 AMG enhances the looks of the front end making the Edition C more special than a regular C Class.

The rear bumper too gets the same AMG treatment as the front does with a built in diffuser and a sportier look with a chrome exhaust tip tying up the look. The Edition C also features a set of 17-inch AMG wheels with a machined aluminum and gloss black two tone finish. Although the wheels Mercedes has equipped the Edition C with are not as spectacular and sporty as the regular 5-spoke AMG rims that were on the C250 that came equipped with the AMG sport pack, these two tone rims look more mature and classier lending themselves well to the Edition C’s appeal.

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The Mercedes-Benz C Class in Edition C guise does lose it’s trademark panoramic roof, getting a basic sunroof as standard instead. This special edition Mercedes-Benz C Class does get a unique ‘Edition C’ badge on the front fenders finished in an attractive black and red combination coupled with a well-finished chrome surround. The Edition C may well look like every other C Class at first glance but all the sporty touches added most certainly make it stand out from the crowd giving it a certain appeal in its own right.

Interior Design

The first thing you notice as you step into the C Class’s inviting cabin are the sporty new seats. With seats that have been inspired by the C63 AMG, the Edition C’s cabin gets a generous dash of sportiness. The seats, lined with a blend of leather and Alcantara, with a unique blue/grey stitching combination gives a subtle hint of exclusivity adding to the Edition C’s special appeal. Other special touches include the multifunction steering wheel wrapped in premium Napa leather with similar grey stitching.

The C Class in general though is showing its age with its older centre console and conventionally placed gear selector as opposed to new generation Mercedes cars and SUVs that have had their gear selector stalks moved to steering column. The infotainment screen too looks much smaller than the likes of cheaper Mercedes-Benz offerings like the A and B Class. That said, there is a certain sense of quality that exudes out the cabin that is missing in the other cheaper offerings. The Edition C is certainly a tad bit more appealing due to the sporty touches offered.

Engine, Performance and Handling

The Mercedes C Class Edition C is based on the highly acclaimed C220 Diesel platform. There are no mechanical changes to the 2.2 Litre 4-cylinder diesel and it produces the same 173PS of peak power and 400Nm of peak torque. The Edition C has enough power to put a big smile on one’s face while sipping incredibly little fuel due to its highly efficient fuel management systems.

The Edition C also gets Mercedes-Benz’s fantastic 7G-Tronic dual clutch gearbox but lacks paddle shifters, which we think are an essential feature for a car of this stature. The Edition C and the C Class in general feel fantastic to drive due to its conventional and well-balanced front engine-rear drive configuration, that ensures good weight distribution.

The Mercedes-Benz C Class Edition C also rides phenomenally well at higher speeds but with clear and obvious sporting pretentions from the well-balanced chassis. However, the C does get a little jittery at lower speeds due to stiffer suspension. The 17-inch wheels coupled with the 225/45 R17 tyres are perfect for the Edition C and offer phenomenal grip on both tight and twisty bends and on much faster highway cruising speeds. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz C Class has certainly grown from a luxurious barge with mediocre handling to a car that offers a damn near perfect blend of the best of both.

Our Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz C Class is a fantastic package overall. The Edition C is an addition to that already good package but priced at Rs.39.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the additional features seem to make the price look a little steep. That said, exclusivity sure comes at a price and Mercedes-Benz will be making only 500 of these ‘Edition C’ badged cars for India. Although the likes of the C250 CDi offer more value for money, the Edition C will soon be an important part of the Mercedes-Benz C Class heritage.