2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
With the new C-Class from Mercedes, the battle with the Audi A4 and the 3-Series from BMW for market share is entering a new round. The four-cylinder diesel is already impressive.
By Thomas Flehmer
The C-Class and its predecessors are the bestsellers in the Mercedes range. "Baby-Benz" and "Butcher Mercedes" were the nicknames with which the entry-level models from Stuttgart were dubbed in the past century. In the meantime, the Stuttgart group succeeded in joining the A- and B-Class, the C-Class already represents the upscale ambience in the company, which is fighting for market share with the Audi A4 and the 3-series BMW. The C 220 CDI Avantgarde we drove was able to convince.
Small turning circle
The most powerful four-cylinder in the diesel engine range simply brushes aside the last prejudices. The diesel, boosted by 20 hp to 125 kW / 170 hp, is extremely agile. 400 Nm, which are already applied at 2000 rpm, help to achieve a strong pull. The 1585 kilogram sedan needs 8.5 seconds to sprint to 100 km / h. This means that the 1585 kilogram sedan is not a sports car, but it is an ambitious one. In addition, a really small turning circle of 10.8 meters helps to change direction quickly.
The maximum speed on the motorway is 230 km / h. Up to 180 km / h, driving on the expressway appears more like cruising, only from 200 - 210 km / h do you have to hold the steering wheel more firmly in your hand. The performance is therefore completely sufficient for every normal consumer. In addition, the consumption is also quite friendly. Mercedes specifies 6.1 liters. During the test period it was a little more than eight liters that the Mercedes demanded for 100 kilometers.
Easy handling
In return, the occupants can make themselves very comfortable, at least in the front seats. The seats are comfortable and give a lot of support. The fittings and switches on the center console are clearly arranged. Nothing seems overloaded here. Operation is also very easy via a controller located on the center tunnel or via the standard multifunction steering wheel.
While the people in the front seats can enjoy the full Mercedes ambience, the occupants in the rear are somewhat more cramped despite a wheelbase of 2.76 meters. No more than two people - be they young people or adults - should settle there. So-called seat giants could also have problems with the headliner.
Coupé-like design
This is because this tilts a little further back than its predecessor, which has been sold more than 1.4 million times since its introduction in 2000. This is due to the design. The new C-Class has approximated the shape of a coupé and therefore looks much more attractive than before.
In addition, the Stuttgart-based company is giving more space to the deserving needs of the individual buyer groups. For classically conscious buyers, the star of the “Elegance” version is emblazoned on the bonnet, while the “Avantgarde” equipment line we run has integrated the trademark into the radiator grille.
Unfortunately, useful assistants are only optional
Both lines have good safety equipment in common. Seven airbags are available as standard, the headrests work according to the Neck-Pro system and catch the heads more quickly in the event of a rear-end collision. Flashing brake lights indicate dangerous situations from 50 km / h. ABS, ESP and the like are required.
The Pre-Safe-System is available on request for 330 euros, which can recognize dangerous situations at an early stage and mitigate or avert possible consequences of an accident. Unfortunately, the useful safety assistants are not yet installed as standard, so that the entry-level price of 34,212 euros for the “Classic” equipment line is not very meaningful.
Scratching the 40,000 mark
The equipment variants “Avantgarde” and “Elegance” cost 1680 euros. The Intelligent Light System is in the list for 1225 euros, the three-zone automatic air conditioning for 585 euros. A navigation system with the equally helpful “Linguatronic” voice control starts at 1960 euros.
Even the small selection catapults the C-Class to the 40,000 mark. A very long catalog is available for those who still want to order various amenities. However, the occupants can enjoy sufficient comfort beforehand.
