In an era of crossovers and superminis, Mercedes-Benz is out to prove that compact cars still have a place on the road. The German automaker is introducing the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class for the 2022 model year, setting its sights on compatriots (and rivals) BMW and Audi.
This latest iteration comes in both sedan and estate guise, with a revamped design that aims to convey more sportiness. The changes are not just skin-deep though, as the C-Class adopts electronic wizardry from the more premium S-Class and packs a special surprise under the hood.
Exterior
Now on its fifth generation, the 2022 C-Class comes with reduced overhangs, courtesy of extensive tweaks on the Mercedes Rear Architecture (MRA) that underpins the outgoing model.
Both body styles of the new C-Class gain an additional 65mm in length at 4,751mm, as well as being 10mm wider at 1,820mm. The wheelbase now stands at 2,865mm, an increase of 25mm. Apart from extending cabin legroom, the new dimensions also grant an additional 30 liters of space on the estate for cargo.
The new C-Class showcases an updated exterior with cleaner lines
The fascia features two power bulges on the hood, which now looks a little longer with the cabin slightly recessed to the rear. A wider-looking grille is now flanked by a redesigned headlamp cluster consisting of full LEDs, inspired by the Mercedes E-Class. Even the rounded tail lamps have been ditched in favor of slimmer units.
Even the rear lamps have been slimmed down
Unlike the model it replaces, the new C-Class features a much cleaner profile, with the top crease practically eliminated to emphasize the shoulder line. Meanwhile, the roofline on the estate slopes a little earlier towards the rear. Wheel options span 17- to 19-inch alloys.
Interior
The biggest influence exerted by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class on the new C-Class is in the cabin, with the dashboard feeding directly into the center console, pushing the three middle air vents higher up on the driver’s sightline.
The interior sports a two-tone color palette
A two-tone gray and brown color palette is present on various surfaces such as the interior door panels and seats, with room for up to five occupants. The padded center armrest still employs a split-opening lid, albeit slightly reshaped.
Tech & Safety
For the first time, the C-Class now comes with a fully digital instrument panel, available in either 10.25- or 12.3-inch sizes.
Customers can customize both with Discreet, Sport, and Classic themes. Even the touchscreen head unit is offered in two dimensions, the standard being 9.5 inches and 11.8 inches for the bigger screen.
Controls are still oriented towards the driver
Powering the interface is a more powerful second-generation MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, also benefitting from over-the-air updates. The redesigned center stack removes the rotary dial, with most multimedia functions accessible through touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.
The new C-Class comes with a semi-autonomous driving system that can independently control functions such as acceleration, braking, and steering, all up to 209 km/h. A 360-degree camera system removes blind spots, while the radar cruise control can work in a variety of driving conditions.
Engine & drivetrain
Another first for the new C-Class is that 48V mild-hybrid powertrains are now standard across the range. The base 1.5L gasoline engine produces 168 hp and 263 Nm of torque, while an uprated version kicks up 201 hp and 300 Nm.
A bigger 2.0L is capable of 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
All 2021 C-Class engines now come with hybrid power
Three 2.0L diesel variants are also available, with outputs ranging from 161 hp to 261 hp, and up to 500 Nm of twist. At least two plug-in hybrid versions will also be offered, and one of them is reported to generate up to 305 hp and 550 Nm of torque.
All engines work in concert with a 9-speed automatic gearbox, which Mercedes claims are lighter and more efficient than the previous version. The 4Matic four-wheel-drive system is available for select models in the range.
Pricing
Pending the release of finalized prices, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is estimated to cost $43,000 (Php 2,093,455), with the 4Matic variant priced at $45,000 (Php 2,190,825). It’s expected to arrive in European showrooms by the middle of this year, followed by a speculated U.S. release in early 2022.
More auto industry updates at Philkotse.
Know more about Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 is a compact executive car that has been around in the German marque's lineup since 1993. Mercedes-Benz Philippines introduced the fifth-generation C-Class in August 2022. Pricing then starts at Php 3.89 million.
Under the hood, this luxury sedan uses a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline four-cylinder engine that can produce up to 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. The said engine then works in tandem with an electronic motor powered by a 48-volt power supply. A 9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic) transmission is used to send power to the rear wheels.
Dimensions-wise, the C-Class is 4,751 mm long, 2,033 mm wide, and 1,440 mm high. In the local market, this German compact executive car competes against the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS.
>>> New and used Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Launch
The C-Class Philippines was first produced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range. It used to be the smallest model in the Mercedes-Benz line-up before the arrival of the A-Class. In the Philippines, the nameplate was launched in 2014. Fast forward to 2022, Mercedes-Benz Phillippines launched the fifth-generation version in August 2022.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 boasts of its refined new silhouette that is created by a balance of edges and angles. Its body lines run from the sides to the rear and function as a wind cutter which provides improved aerodynamics.
For the local version, it comes packaged with the Avantgarde exterior. This provides in with LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED headlamps, a single louver grille, and a muscular-looking grille. It also rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Interior
Inside the C-Class Philippines is a refined and luxurious cabin decked in premium materials. The brand’s signature neutral color palette is blended with more modern details and features. Seats for the current C-Class are wrapped in high-quality leather and matched with an electronically adjustable driver’s seat for added comfort. Comfort is then provided with a Thermal automatic climate control system.
Other features found inside the new C-Class are Velour floor mats, a 64-color ambient lighting system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, folding rear backrests, and 4-way lumber support for the seats, among others.
Technology & Safety Features
Dominating the dashboard of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a 12-inch MBUX touchscreen display. For connectivity, it has wireless Apple CarPlaym, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB. The said head unit can also be controlled via voice commands.
For the driver, this luxury model is also kitted out with a 10.25-inch full digital gauge cluster. It displays the usual speed, tachometer, and trip meter, but it can also give media notifications among other things.
For safety, the all-new C-Class gets anti-lock braking, stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, plenty of airbags, a reverse camera, tire pressure monitoring, and several ultrasonic exterior sensors. Those are then backed up with seven airbags, active brake assist, acceleration slip regulation, a car alarm with interior motion sensor, blind spot assist, adaptive brake lights, attention assist, active pedestrian protection, cruise control with speed limiter, active park assist, etc.
Platform & Chassis
The C-Class uses the Mercedes-Benz MRA II platform. It shares this with the GLX, and its larger S-Class brother. As for its layout, it is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive model. It then uses a Sturt-type front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Braking for this model is handled by disc brakes for all four wheels. It also uses an electronic parking brake.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the new Philippine-spec C-Class is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine that works together with an electric motor. Together, this hybrid system can make up to 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a total of ten colors for the local market. These include Graphite Gray, High-tech silver, Manufactur hyacinth red metallic, Manufactur opaline white bright, Manufactur selenite grey magno, Mojave silver, Obsidian black, Polar white, Selenite grey, and Spectral blue.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers one of the most luxurious sedan interiors in the market today. For that matter, it is only matched by a few models. Maybe only by the larger S-Class. When tech is concerned though, some more affordable models can now match its kit. This is also true with regard to its safety kit. Power-wise, it is powerful for its size, though do note that there are peppier options within this price range.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 Price List
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 Avantgarde | ₱3.99 Million |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Pros & Cons
Pros
- Luxurious interior
- Decent amount of tech
- Plenty of safety features
- Elegant exterior
Cons
- Pricey
- Meant to cruise/not that sporty
₱ 3,390,000 - ₱ 5,690,000
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