Verdict
Design | Consolation | Tech | Efficiency | Security | Gasoline Economic system | Pricing | FAQ
In a simply world, everybody would be capable to benefit from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The flagship for the German luxurious model and the harbinger of numerous new automotive applied sciences – seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones, stability management, adaptive cruise management, full LED lighting – is a dear factor, although.
And that’s the place the C-Class is available in. Obtainable for nearly a 3rd of the worth, the C-Class seems to be like its massive brother and normally isn’t too far behind when it comes to expertise, premium supplies, or match and end. Redesigned for 2022, the fifth-generation C-Class carries on the proud custom of its predecessors and within the course of makes a powerful case for the {dollars} of extraordinary clients who simply need a style of the great life.
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20 Pictures
Design
Exterior Coloration: Selenite Grey Inside Coloration: Black Wheel Measurement: 19 Inches
By way of exterior designs, the C-Class really outdoes the S, in my humble opinion. It’s extra naturally proportioned, the 187.0-inch physique presenting a longish hood with a sporty dash-to-axle ratio. The entrance finish wears squat headlights, whereas the fenders seem stretched taut over the physique. In again, squinty taillights mimic the S-Class, however the rear of the automotive – from fenders to deck to bumper – are pert moderately than bulbous. This can be a good-looking, compact sedan.
The cabin is sort of as pretty because the S, too, at first blush. The C-Class carries the identical show association in the identical locations, and broadly matches the S-Class’s supplies above the beltline. The sprint on my tester wore delicate black leather-based and pinstriped wooden that’d be the envy of every other automotive within the phase, whereas cheaper, tougher plastic appeared decrease and out of the eyeline. Piano black trim on the middle console is extra acceptable on a $44,000 compact than a $100,000 flagship, however I’d nonetheless moderately see the C-Class’ good-looking wooden as an alternative.
Consolation
Seating Capability: 5 Seating Configuration: 2 / 3 Cargo Capability: 12.6 Cubic Ft
I’m a sucker for the C-Class’ seating place. I’ve spent ample time with the third, fourth, and now fifth-generation fashions they usually’ve all matched up on this approach, with a low hip level, a supportive chair, wonderful sightlines and a superbly positioned steering wheel. Life is much less good within the again, though the Mercedes has barely extra legroom than its chief competitors.
Trip high quality and noise, vibration, and harshness are nearly as good as this phase will get, though it’s price noting my AMG Line tester wore 18-inch wheels and Pirelli Sottozero winter tires moderately than the 19-inch alloys and Goodyear Eagle F1s which might be customary with the sporty package deal. There’s little wind noise, both, owing to the slipper 0.24 drag coefficient.
Know-how & Connectivity
Middle Show: 11.9-inch Touchscreen Instrument Cluster Show: 12.3 Inches Wi-fi Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: Sure/Sure
The C-Class, just like the S-Class, carries the newest and biggest model of the MBUX infotainment system. Vibrant, vibrant colours on each the middle touchscreen and digital cluster, together with wonderful responsiveness from the latter, make this a stunning system to cope with every day. The augmented actuality features within the navigation and head-up show have obtained blended responses from my colleagues, however I am keen on their help after I’m in international territory. My tester additionally carried a Burmester 3D encompass audio system, though it is without doubt one of the model’s extra unremarkable efforts – good factor it solely prices $650.
The one fly within the ointment are the touch-capacitive controls on the steering wheel. They’re clumsy, accepting left and proper swipes as up or down inputs. Mercedes older controls won’t have regarded as elegant, however they have been much more predictable.
Efficiency & Dealing with
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 Output: 255 Horsepower / 295 Pound-Ft Transmission: 9-Pace Computerized
Like nearly the whole lot else within the class, the C-Class’ turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is a stunning little powerplant. There’s little lag off the road and a powerful surge of torque even because the engine pace will increase. The nine-speed computerized gearbox stays the heck out of the best way, fortunately, nevertheless it’s additionally deeply uninteresting when utilizing the smallish paddle shifters. The transmission merely doesn’t reply shortly sufficient (clients that care about such issues ought to examine the AMG choices).
Regardless of the presence of sportier choices, the C-Class is a fascinating sufficient steer. The AMG Line provides customary 19-inch wheels and aggressive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, though they really feel pointless in a mainline Mercedes product (my tester wore seasonally acceptable Pirelli Sottozero winter rubber on 18-inch wheels). If you would like correctly aggressive dealing with, the C43 seems like a extra full package deal. Even with the non-standard Pirelli tires, although, the C300 tolerated sporty driving with fast reflexes and predictable physique motions.
Security
Driver Help Stage: SAE Stage 2 (Arms-On) NHTSA Ranking: Not Rated IIHS Ranking: High Security Choose Plus
Whereas the C-Class has nearly the whole lot wanting Mercedes’ new Drive Pilot degree three system, the automaker’s determination to cost additional even on the range-topping Pinnacle trim is a disappointment. At $1,700, the Driver Help Package deal is a one-stop store, a minimum of.
The total suite works extraordinarily whereas on street, too, activating on the press of a button and responding readily to lane intruders or gradual visitors. Computerized lane modifications are a enjoyable celebration trick, too, though they’re there extra to assist the motive force than permit them to take their arms off the wheel and say “Hey, watch this” (not that I did such a factor).
Gasoline Economic system
Metropolis: 23 MPG Freeway: 33 MPG Mixed: 27 MPG
Pricing
Base Value: $43,550 + $1,050 Vacation spot Trim Base Value: $48,550 As-Examined Value: $63,440
The C-Class joins the remainder of the Mercedes lineup by including plenty of trims. Costs begin at $44,600 (together with a $1,050 vacation spot cost) for the bottom C300 Premium, climb to $46,850 for the mid-range Unique, and finish at $48,550 for the Pinnacle featured right here. A 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is out there on all trims and provides $2,000 to the worth tag.
However whereas there are trim ranges now, the C-Class retains a prolonged choices sheet. The Selenite Grey automotive I reviewed had an as-tested value of $63,440. Yeah, $13,000 in choices is nothing to sneeze at, however a minimum of discovering financial savings is straightforward. I’d dispose of the AMG Line Night time pack, which prices $3,050 for sportier wheels, a firmer suspension, and a extra trendy physique whereas additionally mandating $1,650 in leather-based upholstery. Minimize the $1,000 panoramic sunroof, and that’s almost $6,000 saved. The Driver Help pack is a straightforward “sure,” although, and the augmented actuality navigation is nearly as good as the rest in the marketplace. Neither prices greater than $2,000.
This is how the C300 Pinnacle stacks up in comparison with the competitors.
