Class Comfort |
Since its introduction 40 years ago with the launch of the so-called “Baby Benz”, the 190, in 1982, more than 10.5 million C-Class vehicles have been sold in more than 100 markets around the world – with South Africa becoming a significant contributor to the growing global Mercedes-Benz production network for the C-Class.
This is somewhat ironic since the 190 wasn’t initially available in South Africa, with only a few runout W201 units allocated to the country when the plants in Germany started ramping up for production of the new C-Class. The first locally produced W202 model rolled off the line in East London in 1994, setting in motion a legacy of C-Class production that now spans close to three decades.
The W203 to W205 followed, and the local MBSA production facility grew in both stature and reputation, winning the JD Power quality awards for six years in a row – truly cementing the status of the East London plant as a world-class production hub.
In 2018, the plant was earmarked as a major contributor in the manufacture of the W206 C-Class and received investment to the tune of R13 billion. This included the construction of state-of-the-art paint and body shops, upgrades to the assembly shop – now featuring more than 500 high-tech robots – and logistic warehouses in a project spanning 100,000 m2.
The new paint shop in the highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly facility reduces energy consumption per vehicle by 25%. Other energy efficiency measures, technologies and processes will see the plant save more than 16 MWh in energy every year, making it completely carbon neutral.
Viewed against this background, the importance of the new W206 model for Mercedes-Benz South Africa cannot be underestimated. Yet, the planned launch programme was scuppered by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and while the new C-Class is already available at local dealers, the media introduction had to be postponed.
Luckily, we were fortunate enough to be offered a short first drive opportunity with the new C-Class – the latest iteration in the chronicles of quality cars built locally in the spirit of yeyethu (meaning “it is ours” in Xhosa) – over the December holiday period.
It Starts With Two
Besides East London, the new C-Class is also manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Cars plants in Bremen and Beijing. And while derivatives such as the C300d 4Matic will be assembled locally for export, the only two models currently available here are the C200 and C220d, both with four-cylinder units from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family.
In terms of styling, the latest C-Class has more rounded, flowing lines than its predecessor, with a curved roofline reminiscent of the new S-Class that slopes graciously to the rear to give it a coupé-like appearance. The body lines have been reduced to further accentuate the so-called ‘catwalk line’ (shoulder line).
Its appearance is further enhanced by a wide track and flush-fitting 18 to 19” wheels. The rear-end design is typical Mercedes-Benz, with the design of the tail lamps offering an unmistakable day and night appearance. Based on the modular MRA2 platform (also underpinning the S-Class), the new C-Class is also bigger than its precursor (65 mm longer and 10 mm wider, with a 25 mm longer wheelbase that is 4 mm lower).
All W206 C-Class models (C180, C200, C300, C200d, C220d, C300d and the C300e and C300de plug-in hybrids) are equipped with petrol or diesel engines incorporating an integrated starter generator (a 15kW electric motor) and a 48-volt electrical system.
The 1.5-litre M264 petrol engine in the C200 model boasts power delivery of 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque, and this model is available in a limited debut edition known as Edition 6 (only 400 units) with numerous visual accents to underline its exclusivity, including two distinct colours – Spectral Blue and Selenite Grey.
The Edition 6 also comes with AMG Line trim, AMG 19” wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and Agility Control. It will be available on Agility Finance from R9,999 per month, subject to terms and conditions.
A New Kind of Comfort
Getting into our test car – a grey C220d – the first thing I noticed was the clean and uncluttered fascia, devoid of any protruding buttons and switches, except for a starter button and rotary headlight dials. The shift to digitalisation was also apparent in the central display, with vehicle functions controlled by touchscreen.
Like the S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) with information displayed on an imposing tablet-like screen, capped by three round air vents and a digital instrument panel with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).
The rest of the sumptuous cabin is classic C-Class, with lavish portions of soft-touch trim, elegant bright-work detail and comfortable seats with stitched leather, fusing tradition and tech. At start-up, the soft, uneven clatter of the OM654 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is barely audible, and its initial irregular beat soon disappears.
Once warmed up and on the move, the vibrations quickly disappear, and the revised, highly tuned four-cylinder common rail motor, delivering 147 kW and 440 Nm of torque, is exceedingly refined and highly responsive – in no small part due to the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system.
In the W206, EQ Boost comprises a 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful integrated starter motor (ISG) supplementing the combustion engine’s operation under acceleration (with up to 15 kW and 200 Nm of torque) and cruising conditions. It also reduces engine strain, improves fuel efficiency, and harvests kinetic energy from braking and coasting.
This additional boost is palpable on pull-off, as the combination of mild electric assistance and low-speed compressor spooling negates any turbo lag, ensuring close to linear power delivery. Also, augmented by EQ Boost, the already abundant engine torque made overtaking manoeuvres a breeze, but even so, the C220d felt more like a brisk cruiser on the road rather than a sporty sedan.
Smooth, Fluid Ride
This experience was enhanced by the C-Class’ unbelievably smooth ride (even without the optional continuously adjustable damping and a sport suspension) thanks to a balanced suspension setup, the seamless interchange between engine and auto transmission and the smoothness of the complete drivetrain.
On a trailing throttle, the compact sedan just kept on gliding effortlessly over the tarmac, which is indicative of what to expect from the next steps towards full electrification. Toggling sportier settings to stiffen the suspension made it feel slightly more dynamic and somewhat less floaty.
This high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort are the most attractive traits of the new C-Class. Its Driving Assistance Package also features additional functions for more comfortable and safe driving and to reduce driver workload. However, if you fancy something sportier, you’ll have to wait for the AMG derivatives.
The C-Class’ highly configurable digital instrument binnacle and 11.9″ screen for the MBUX system work quite intuitively. A simple interface, swift processor, and large icons make scrolling through the MBUX sub-menus easy, and the “hey Mercedes” voice assistant module proved fascinating. It can even explain vehicle functions and recognise occupants by their voices!
Last Word
Stuttgart claims a combined fuel consumption of 4.6 l/100 km for the C220d, but the best we could manage in our limited time with the newcomer was a still-impressive 5.3 l/100 km. The fifth-generation C-Class represents the next logical step on the road to a digital and sustainable future for Mercedes-Benz.
Coupled with a sleek and contemporary design, smooth ride quality, refined road manners and a modern, tech-rich interior for just under a bar (without the myriad of tech and trim options available), the new C-Class is set to emulate the success of its revered forbears.
Report by Ferdi de Vos | Images © Ryan Abbott
