2 September 2014
C for Classy
Open the driver’s door on any Benz and there’s an expectation that you’ll be welcomed by quality materials and finishes, classically elegant design and something of an all-round luxury experience. In short, you know you’re in for a treat.
The new C-Class, or to give it its internal designation, W205, is all that and then some. While it’s understated and steers well clear of being flashy, there are hints of hi-tech sophistication that you notice before you’ve even settled into the business class seat.
The ergonomically designed central handrest hovering above a controller and touchpad on the centre console, and the absence of anything resembling a lever to select gears, (that particular function being performed by a stalk on the right hand side of steering column as with all recent MB product) are just a couple of the little touches that let you know that this is a company that’s prepared to do things just a little bit differently.
The remote hand controlled 7 inch screen (or 8.4 inch if you opt for the COMMAND Online package), is a bit of a trap for beginners who might assume the screen is touch operated. But it’s easy to use, with Mercedes-Benz execs at the recent Melbourne launch claiming it’s safer than a touch screen as it’s operated by feel with no need to look down. Fair enough. It’s completely intuitive and makes navigating your way around the screen a doddle.
The touchpad also allows finger-tip handwriting, recognising numbers and letters in any language and has a pinch to zoom function, another intuitive feature that every smartphone and tablet user is familiar with today.
Bigger but lighter
Like most other 21st century cars, the C-Class has grown in proportion over the years, with the new one being larger in every dimension than a mid-nineties E-Class. At 4,686mm in length, the W205 is 95mm longer than the W204 it replaces; it’s also 40mm wider and with an additional 31mm of front seat headroom. The additional 80mm wheelbase gives rear seat passengers extra legroom too.
There’s an extensive range of model options; the C 200, C 200 BlueTEC, C 250, C 250 BlueTEC and C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. Initially we get the C 200, C 250 and C 250 CDI, and the C 200 BlueTEC and C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID will be on-ground from November. Estate versions will arrive at the same time and 4MATIC versions probably 18 months away.
The petrol versions are the 2.0 litre C 200 and C 250, with the C 200 producing 135kW/300Nm and the C250 putting out 155kW/350Nm. The 1.6 litre 100kW/300Nm C 200 BlueTEC, the 2.1 litre 150kW/500Nm C 250 BlueTEC and C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID of similar capacity and power output are fuelled at the diesel pump. All models in the range are equipped with ECO start/stop and are claimed to reduce fuel consumption by 10% over previous models, and all comply with Euro 6 emission standards.
Built on the new MRA (Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture) platform that will eventually underpin at least 10 future models, despite the added proportions and more equipment, the new C Class is around 40kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to 48% of the platform being constructed of aluminium.
Optional Packages include a Vision Package which includes a panoramic glass sunroof, LED lights with adaptive high beam assist and Head-Up Display; COMMAND Online Package which in addition to the afore-mentioned big screen has a sensational 590 watt Burmester sound system, 10GB music register, DVD player and internet access; a Seat Comfort Package, AMG Line Package and an Exclusive Package, which among other things includes Exclusive Leather trim in place of the already classy ARTICO upholstery.
First in class AIRMATIC suspension for best of both worlds
Mercedes-Benz are the first to offer an optional air-sprung suspension setup in this sector. The AIRMATIC system provides the best of both worlds in terms of luxury ride comfort and precise handling. The system continuously varies damping and considerably reduces tyre noise and vibration, something we’ve been critical of in other vehicles with large wheel diameter and run-flat tyres. Both are features of the C-Class but with the AIRMATIC system you wouldn’t know it from the driver’s seat, where even on course chip surfaces, intrusive cabin noise is kept to a minimum.
Five drive programmes ranging through Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport + and Individual can be selected by the driver to adjust throttle response, transmission characteristics and the suspension damping.
Engineers have designed a new 4-link front suspension which pays dividends through twisty back-country roads, providing agile handling and super responsive turn-in that’s more in keeping with a high performance sports car than a mid-sized luxury sedan. An improved 5-link rear set-up is said to ensure optimal rear wheel geometry, with outstanding straight-line high speed stability. Even on the most undulating rural roads there’s no hint of bump-steer.
Number 1 contender
It’s clear that Mercedes-Benz have their sights on the number 1 position in the premium sector in New Zealand; a position which they enjoy in Australia but has eluded them on our side of the Tasman. Having a worthy contender in the medium luxury segment will be critical to achieving success, and the new C-Class is more than up to the job.
It retains all the traditional expected Benz standards such as high-class build quality and refined luxury cabin ambience, but adds sporty styling, outstanding driving dynamics and lively performance, not to mention road-presence beyond that which the price tag would suggest and which will surely be the envy of the obvious rivals.
Pricing starts at $71,900 for the C 200 through to $94,900 for the C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID.