Middle schooler no more

The new Mercedes C Class sacrifices some of the dynamics of the outgoing model for a longer wheelbase and premium materials

December 10, 2014 05:45 pm | Updated 05:45 pm IST

Mercedes Benz C 200

Mercedes Benz C 200

MERCEDESBENZ C 200

PRICE: Rs 42 lakh (est, exshowroom, Delhi)

L/W/H: 4686/1810/1442mm

WHEELBASE: 2840mm

ENGINE: 4 cyls, 1991cc, turbo-petrol

Power: 181bhp at 5500rpm

Torque: 30.59kgm at 1200-4000rpm

GEARBOX: 7-speed auto

TYRES: 225/50 R17

Mercedes-Benz’s announcement that 2014 would be its ‘Year of Excellence’ has been followed up by the carmaker churning out release after release, nearly one every month. It started with the stately new S-class in January and now, towards the end of the year, it has introduced the all-new C-class. While the C-class used to be the smallest Mercedes sedan here, now, with the launch of the CLA 45 AMG and the upcoming CLA sedan, that is no longer the case.

When you first see the new car, the resemblance to big brother S-class is quite evident. There’s the familiar curved roofline, chrome detailing, a tapering tail and heavily creased sides. But it does look sportier, especially with the stubbier boot. The difference in size becomes clear when you get closer.

Resemblances to the big S are quite evident on the inside too. Fit and finish are superb, and set a new benchmark for this segment. However, the design of this cabin makes it look ‘younger’. There’s a thick vertical slab of wood veneer on the central console, into which are embedded three richly finished, circular, brushed metal AC vents. Above this, the entire width of the dash is nicely recessed, and from it sprout the dial cluster and the COMAND infotainment screen. The hooded instrument binnacle houses its dials in two deep-set pods now, but the sporty but flat-looking dials aren’t in keeping with this car’s more luxurious character. The high-res multi-info screen between them holds a lot of functionality.

The 8.4-inch main COMAND screen on this car uses quality graphics and animations and gets a touchpad in addition to the click wheel. So navigating it is now much, much easier.

Visibility is pretty good from the driver’s seat, especially since there's a wide range of electric adjustment, including an extendable seat squab for more thigh support. The big, winged front seats are electric, with a memory function and offer great support. The new steering wheel feels solid to hold and looks quite classy too, with big buttons and a round central boss.

One major complaint with the previous C-class was the poor space in the rear seat. With the longer wheelbase, this issue has been seen to and now, the rear is even wide enough to seat three abreast. The new C-class has been launched with a petrol motor with a diesel expected sometime next year.

Under the hood is the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, direct injection turbo-petrol engine as the E-class and it comes mated to the carmaker's seven-speed torque convertor gearbox. It's a very refined unit and is hardly heard unless revved hard, which is when it emits a rather sporty snarl. With the full 181bhp and 30.6kgm developed as low as 1200rpm, this motor is very responsive. The mid-range is also punchy, making overtaking easy and the 7G-Tronic gearbox is also improved.

The C-class also has Merc’s new ‘Agility Select’, which has five settings – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. However, since the suspension is non-adjustable on the Indian car, these settings only affect the engine, gearbox, steering, air-con and engine stop-start function. We checked the different modes and found Comfort best suited to everyday driving.

Now, the ride and handling of the old C-class was brilliant and the hydraulic steering gave it an accurate, mechanical feel. The new C-class is a very stable highway car. The new steering doesn’t give as much feedback as the old one, but it's a whole lot more responsive. This, along with the new chassis, has made the new C a lot more agile than before. So while it no longer feels as solid and balanced as the old car, the new one feels a lot more lively and entertaining to drive.

The new C-class delivers a proper luxury experience with its ample equipment list, stylish design, well-built cabin and its responsive engine. And while the old car’s balance and stability were important, they won't really be missed by most owners in light of the more agile new model.

It is quite an expensive proposition right now, priced at Rs. 40.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the initial lot which are imports but this is an issue the carmaker will hopefully address with a diesel powered version and local assembly soon.

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