THE fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class made its Philippine debut recently, sporting a brawnier physique achieved despite shedding off some excess poundage. The increase in size comes with the car’s move up-market. Now that the C-Class is no longer the “entry-level” sedan in the German luxury carmaker’s line-up—that role now belongs to the CLA-Class—the model has been endowed with features one would expect only in the more upscale Mercedes-Benz models.
Exterior styling of the C-Class, notably the headlights’ and taillights’ design as well as the car’s overall shape, are reminiscent of the S-Class flagship sedan’s. The upright grille and large front bumper inlets on the other hand resembles that of the E-Class’.
CATS Motors, the country’s importer and distributor of Mercedes-Benz, will eventually offer the C-Class with three engines and three design and equipment lines namely, the AMG, Avantgarde, and Exclusive but for now, only the C 200 AMG is on sale. This shouldn’t be much of an issue though as the AMG line is the sportiest among the three. Five-spoke AMG wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, studded sport pedals, and a lowered stance make this car truly drool-worthy.
The C 200 AMG is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-liter gas engine that is good for a modest 184 hp and an impressive 300 Nm of torque. Joining the engine line-up in the coming months will be the base 1.6 liter gas engine generating 156 hp and 250 Nm of torque that will see action in the C 180. The C 250 gets a 2.0-liter gas engine tuned to make 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It is interesting to note that all three engines generate their maximum torque at identical engine speeds of 1,200 to 4,000 rpm—which suggests that Mercedes-Benz engineers are quite obsessive-compulsive. All engines come with BlueDIRECT, the company’s third-generation direct injection system that boost performance while keeping fuel consumption and emissions low. The standard transmission across the range is the seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Zero to 100 figures are 8.5 sec for the C 180, 7.3 sec for the C 200, and 6.6 sec for the C 250. These three cars will top out at 223 kph, 235 kph, and 250 kph respectively.
Fans of Mercedes-Benz’s diesel engines need not fret as a source from CATS Motors hinted that a diesel engine might become available next year.
The C-Class’ cabin should make Metro Manila traffic a lot more bearable, thanks to a number of comfort and convenience features. One of these is the Air-Balance package that infuses the car’s interior with a number of fragrances available to suit one’s mood. Negative oxygen ions neutralize certain viruses, bacteria, and spores in the passenger cabin while activated charcoal filters prevent gaseous emissions and other pollutants from entering.
The Burmester Surround Sound system that is standard on the AMG lines along with the optional Audio 20 CD with Bluetooth connectivity is sure to provide an excellent soundtrack wherever the road takes the C-Class.
Navigation, telephone, audio, video, and internet functions are just a few strokes of the finger away thanks to a new touchpad with multi-touch sensor system and an optional COMAND Online control system with 8.4-inch display.
An engaging time behind the wheel awaits drivers of the new C-Class. The driver can choose from Comfort, ECO, Sport, and Sport+ to manage various powertrain and chassis characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will also appreciate the new head-up display that shows vehicle speed, speed limits, and navigation directions directly in the driver’s field of vision on the front windscreen.
The new C-Class is the first vehicle in its segment to come with an optional AIRMATIC air suspension. AIRMATIC also features all-round self-levelling for optimum ride comfort and handling regardless of vehicle load.
Of course, one of the biggest changes to the C-Class is the increase in its dimensions. With the car’s wheelbase gaining 80 mm compared to the previous model and an overall length that is 95 mm longer, legroom has grown significantly. Meanwhile, the 40-mm increase in the car’s width benefits hiproom as well as trunk space, which expands to 480 li.
Thanks to intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the bigger body shed close to 100 kilograms thanks to a diet that included generous servings of aluminum. This fourth-gen C-Class’ aluminium content has increased from less than 10 percent to almost 50 percent vis-à-vis its predecessor. The high rigidity of the body gives the car excellent handling; low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels; and outstanding crashworthiness.
Like all Mercedes-Benz models, the new C-Class comes with advanced safety features. ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and fatigue, is now standard. Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention in both parallel and end-on parking spaces while an optional 360-degree camera shows the vehicle and its surroundings from various perspectives, including a virtual bird’s-eye view,
In addition to three-point safety belts with tensioners and force limiters for driver, front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle’s occupants in an accident. These include combined thorax/pelvis sidebags for driver and front passenger, a newly developed windowbag, optional sidebags for the outer rear seats, and a kneebag for the driver.
Prices for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are P3.55 million for the C 200 Avantgarde, P3.88 million for the C 200 AMG, and P3.98 million for the C 250 AMG.