Mercedes-Benz C-Class – What you need to know

In the face of ever-increasing SUV sales, Mercedes-Benz continues to regenerate its iconic Mercedes-Benz C-Class premium mid-size sedan – once the brand’s biggest seller – that has now entered its fifth generation.

The W206 C-Class has kicked off with two models in Australia, the C 200 and C 300, which are longer, wider and sit lower than the previous W205 and are underpinned by an all-new platform adapted from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship.

Both offer higher levels of safety, entertainment and driver assist technology, a roomier interior and advanced new four-cylinder petrol engines with turbocharging and mild-hybrid assistance.

Higher pricing also comes into the equation.

So, let’s delve into the specifications to discover the right one for you.

Entry into the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class range is the C 200 that costs $78,900 plus on-road costs and has the following standard equipment:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Artico artificial leather upholstery
• Five drive modes
• Dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning
• Powered front sports seats
• 11.9-inch infotainment touch-screen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity

Non-metallic polar white exterior paint is standard on the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, while the other nine available colours attract a premium of between $1230 to $2384 depending on the finish you select.

As ever, there’s a long list of optional equipment available on the C-Class, with many of the most popular items bundled into option packages.

The Vision Package available for both the C 200 and C 300 includes memory front seats, a sliding sunroof, head-up display, traffic sign assist, MBUX multimedia system and augmented reality for the satellite navigation system. Cost is $3153 on the C 200 and $3800 on the C 300.

The Sport Package is only for the C 200 (at $1307) and gets you 19-inch AMG bi-colour alloy wheels, TIREFIT with electric pump in lieu of run-flat tyres and privacy glass for the rear side and rear windows.

Next is the Digital Light Package that’s only available with the Vision Package. However, if you do tick the box, you get digital lights with auto high beam assist plus. This one will set you back $1846 on a C 200 and $2400 on a C 300.

Then there is the Urban Guard Package. Available for both models it has an anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring. The cost is $1076 on a C 200 and $1400 on a C 300.

The best thing about the Edition C Package, exclusive to the C 200, is you don’t need to rummage deeper into your wallet as it’s a no-cost option. The only catch is it can’t be had with the Sport Package.

Edition C Package has the Avantgarde interior and exterior trim, 18-inch alloys, comfort front seats in a diamond pattern, gloss black console, floor mats, privacy glass for the rear side and rear windows and metallic paint.

As you’d expect, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is chock full of safety and driver assist tech, with both the C 200 and C 300 fitted standard with electronic traction and stability controls and no less than 10 airbags including a knee bag and centre front bag preventing head-clash between the driver and front passenger in the event of an accident.

Both models have autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot sensors, front, rear and side cameras, low- and high-speed forward collision warning and mitigation, reversing collision mitigation, and pedestrian avoidance with braking.

Active park assist with front and rear sensors, autonomous steering and graphic display front and back is standard on both variants.

In addition, there is lane keep assist and lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and driver fatigue and driver attention warnings.

There is also a new active radar cruise control that maintains a pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead on all roads, along with active lane change assist, speed limit assist, a 360-degree camera and adaptive high beam assist.

Take the step up to the C 300 and the Driver Assistance Package Plus comes into play, adding active steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, active stop and go assist with extended restart, and traffic sign assist which now reads overhead and temporary signs.

The C 300 also has rollover stability control.

To enhance the driving experience of both there are five drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

A portrait-oriented 11.9-inch LCD touch-screen infotainment system dominates the centre dash of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving access to the navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and AM/FM/digital DAB+ radio that’s piped through five speakers, as well as Bluetooth music streaming and phone connectivity.

The system can be activated by voice recognition, the touch-screen itself, a touch pad, and track pads in the steering wheel.

For added security a fingerprint scanner allows access to various profiles and the Mercedes me Connect app contains live traffic updates, parked vehicle locator and predictive navigation.

A car-to-x function sends out warning messages to other vehicles if there is a traffic hazard.

Complementing the infotainment screen is another 12.3-inch ‘free-floating’ screen for the driver instrument display.

Do you like the look and feel of leather seats? While the new Mercedes-Benz C 200 comes with Artico trim – a man-made faux leather upholstery – genuine leather is found in the C 300.

And only the C 300 comes with privacy glass on the rear side and rear window as standard to keep prying eyes from seeing in.

What about a leather-clad steering wheel? Both models have a Nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel, with audio, phone and cruise control functions as well as paddle shifts. The infotainment screen can be accessed via track pads inserted in the steering wheel.

Lifting the look of both models are the leather-look inserts in the dash.

Both models also have powered lumbar support in the front seats, shared arm rests in both rows and dual-zone air-conditioning.

Does the convenience of auto lights and wipers appeal? Choose either model as both come with light-sensing auto LED headlights with auto high beam, along with rain-sensing wipers as standard.

A hill holder is very handy, especially in stop-start traffic, and both variants have this feature along with an auto anti-glare rear-view mirror and anti-glare folding/heated door mirrors.

Self-opening and -closing boot lid? This handy button-operated feature is standard across the range too.

Alloy wheels are fitted on both models, 18-inch on the C 200 and 19-inch on the C 300, and both have body-coloured door handles, door mirrors and bumper bars.

A popular option on the previous-gen C-Class, the AMG Line exterior and interior packages are standard on both models and feature a diamond pattern grille, side skirts and rear bumper, exclusive trim floor mats and new sports seats with powered head restraint adjustment.

At launch, the new W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered with two engine choices.

In the C 200 it’s a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque.

The C 300 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 190kW and 400Nm.

Both feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for a boost in power and improved fuel economy.

Drive is via a nine-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.

There’s no doubt the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes the iconic nameplate into a new era with advanced technology and engineering.

The two large screens for the instruments and infotainment dominate the dash and take some getting used to, but operating them isn’t difficult.

The 1.5-litre turbo-four in the C 200 feels more than capable of moving the 1650kg easily and economically.

However, the extra urge from the C 300’s bigger engine is always welcome, as are the list of extra features you get for the additional outlay.

So, if it were me, I’d be slapping my hard-earned on the C 300.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost?
C 200 – $78,900
C 300 – $90,400
*Prices exclude on-road costs