WeeklySA_AdminBENEATH THE HOOD: Fifth generation model packs nine-speed auto transmission.
Benz C-Class? Well, the new C-Class just got a bit more of an aggressive expression with shorter front and rear overhangs. For both passenger comfort and luggage space the wheelbase has been stretched by 25mm to 2,865mm. Overall nose-to-tail length has increased by65mm, with Mercedes-Benz saying this was a biggest update ever with nearly 50 percent or over 6500 components being changed.
Gone is the six cylinder engines with the new range boasting four cylinder petrol and diesel motors all of which are boosted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. What is also remarkable is that both the newC180 and C200 now share the same turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine albeit in different states of tune. The C180 produces 125kW/200Nm and Mercedes-Benz says will hit the 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The C200 makes 150kW/250Nm and takes the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds. You might be wondering what’s beneath the hood of the flagship C300, and this is where you find a turbocharged 2.0-litre motor that delivers 190kW and 400Nm. Mercedes-Benz would like all to know that the C300 covers 100km/h in a swooshing 6.0-seconds while top speed is limited to 250km/h.
When it comes to the diesel variants, the C220d churns out 147kW/440Nm for a 0-100km/h dash of 7.3seconds. The C300d at 195kW/550Nm romps to100km/h in 5.7 seconds and its top speed like the C300 is electronically limited to 250km/h.
Word is out that in the not too distant future the C-Class range will see an addition of the C300e plug-in hybrid with same engine in the C300 but with a 25.4kWh battery that powers a 95kW/440Nm electric motor. We told in electric mode it offers up to 100km of driving. Inside, the ambience is what one has come to expect from a new Mercedes Benz, with numerous features “stolen’ from the current S Class. Electro gimmicks like voice assistant, augmented video, smart home functionality on the standard 9.5 inches touchscreen all conspire to make for a top class infotainment system.
Those lucky enough to have sampled the new offering however, were quick to bemoan that it is not as quick as some four cylinder rivals and has a small boot. But apart from nitpicking, the new C-Class continues to provide a classy design inside and out for a small waBenzi. And wait for it, the fifth generation C-Class is being manufactured right here in South Africa at Mercedes-Benz’s East London plant.
Final pricing is expected closer to the launch in the third quarter of the year.
