Posted in car review

The All-New Mercedes C-Class – Intuitively and exclusively revamped

 Published Date: 03/06/2020


The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or the “Baby Benz” as it is affectionately known, has been a favourite of entry-level luxury/sport saloon among buyers for years. More than just a small saloon, with a few three-pointed stars thrown on it, the C-Class provides the core strengths of the brand, such as cutting-edge safety features, lively performance, and a feeling of solidity.

All-New Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Style plays into the equation of the small Benz’s appeal as well, with the C-Class drawing inspiration from bigger Benzes. For the All-New Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the designers evolved the car’s look without resorting to experiment, while engineers and planners have equipped the car with all competitive tech conveniences and safety. The result is that the All-New Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the best picks in the hyper-competitive compact executive segment.

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Striking design
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class design marks a great departure from its predecessor’s looks. Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create progressive light and shade effects. In the side view a long bonnet, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhangs define the C-Class’s classic, well-balanced Mercedes-Benz saloon proportions.

Coupe looking profile

Large wheels emphasize the rear and communicate a stylishly sporty character. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard. LED Intelligent Light System is also available, which provide better illumination while improving the saloon’s front aesthetics. The rear lamp and brake light in the tail lights feature LED technology as standard. 

 

Comfortable front seats

Thrilling performance
The two petrol models more likely to make their way to Kenya are the C 180 and C 200. The All-New Mercedes-Benz C 180 now features a 1.6-litre 115 kW (156 hp) power unit with 250 Nm of torque. The C 180 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h takes 8.2 seconds. The C 200 135 kW (184 hp) power unit accelerates the saloon to 100km/h from 0 in 7.5 seconds. Torque is pegged at 300 Nm. The C 200 uses 5.3-litres of fuel per 100km while its less powerful sibling needs 0.3 litres less for the same distance. Both cars are equipped with an ECO start/stop function as standard. Paired with both engines is a six speed manual or the smooth shifting 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. 
 

Aggressive front

Smooth ride
The All-New Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a revamped suspension set-up. It provides for nimble and agile handling that makes driving a great pleasure on winding roads while also offering the highest standard of ride comfort in the segment. Alternatively, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the first car in its segment that can be fitted with an air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axles. The All-New Mercedes-Benz C-Class also comes with an electric parking brake as standard. This brake is released automatically when the driver ends parking mode with the aim of moving off. All models of the C-Class family feature the electromechanical Direct Steer system as standard for better manoeuvrability.  
 

Cockpit

Revamped interior
The interior design demonstrates a bold departure from the dull and unravelled interior found in its forefathers. In automatic vehicles a large one-piece centre console panel performs an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. On models with manual transmission the centre console is slightly steeper and features two separate trim elements in order to create ample space for ergonomic operation of the shift lever.

Classy interior

A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature across the centre console with a 7-inch screen. The innovative touchpad in the hand rest over the controller, on the centre console, marks a further evolutionary step developed in-house at Mercedes-Benz. A head-up display is also new to the C-Class. The system provides information on car speed, speed limits, and navigation instructions and displays messages from DISTRONIC PLUS. 

 

S-Class inspired rear

Verdict

The All-New Mercedes-Benz C-Class sets new standards in terms of performance and design in its segment. Thanks to its lightweight design concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms and new, economical engines, the All-New Mercedes C-Class establishes new benchmarks in its class. Many other innovations and interior touches underscore the saloon’s energising comfort and refined sportiness. In all, the perceived quality of the All-New C-Class feels like an ‘upgrade to a higher class of travel’. Prices for the Mercedes C-Class start at €33,558 for the C 180 in Germany.