Mercedes-Benz C200 2014 review

It’s not often that a manufacturer manages to develop a car that’s better in every significant measure than the model that precedes it, but Mercedes-Benz appears to have achieved such a feat with the new fourth-generation C-Class.  

Larger, lighter, safer, more efficient and refined, with improved interior space, value and performance, the new W205 C-Class arrives with similar promise to last year’s Mk7 Volkswagen Golf. 

The C200 and C250 petrol and C250 BlueTec diesel sedan variants are the first to arrive locally, which Mercedes had on hand at the Australian launch of the new C-Class this week.

A C300 Bluetec Hybrid and Estate wagon models will reach Australian showrooms in December, before the C200 BlueTec diesel touches down in the first quarter of 2015, ahead of the hot AMG C63 by mid-year.

DESIGN

Looking very much a scaled-down version of the still-fresh W222 S-Class at the top of the Mercedes sedan lineup, the new C-Class is set to shed the baby Benz tag forever. 

Like the current Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS, the new C-Class has grown in wheelbase by 80mm to 2840mm, helping it toward a 95mm increase in overall length. 

Key packaging gains include an extra 26mm of legroom for rear seat occupants, and a 30-litre increase in cargo capacity to 480-litres. 

This growth makes the W205 C-Class larger than all Cs before it – to the point where it’s larger than the mid-90s W201 E-Class in all dimensions. 

It’s still significantly smaller than the current W212 E-Class, but now a clear step up from the CLA sedan. 

Unlike the CLA, the new C-Class retains the classic longitudinal engine, rear-drive layout and rides on Mercedes’ new MRA platform. 

Thanks to a body structure that is now 48 per cent aluminium, the new C is around 40kg lighter across the lineup despite its larger footprint.

The interior is also heavily influenced by the new S-Class, with fresh organic shapes throughout. The dash design is dominated by central chrome air vents and a top-mounted multimedia screen that is controlled by Mercedes’ new touchpad scroll wheel combination in the centre console. 

PRICING  

The new C-Class range kicks off at $60,900 with the 2.0-litre turbo C200 petrol sedan, before rising to $62,400 for the 1.6-litre turbo C200 BlueTec diesel that will arrive in the first quarter of next year. 

All C200 models are equipped with Artico pseudo leather trim, satnav, DAB digital radio, keyless start, an automated parking system, LED headlights, 18 inch alloys and a choice of five different driving modes.

The C250 petrol sedan steps up to $68,900 and uses an uprated version of the C200's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The 2.1-litre turbo C250 BlueTEC diesel climbs to $71,400. 

All C250 variants add keyless entry, 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery and the Driver Assistance Plus package with steer assist on top of the standard features listed for the C200.

The range-topping C300 BlueTEC Hybrid will be priced from $74,900 when it arrives in December.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSION

Of the first models to arrive in local showrooms, the C200 petrol uses a 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and manages combined fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km.

The C250 petrol uses a 155kW/350Nm version of the C200's engine, but still manages the same 6.0L/100km figure. 

The C250 BlueTEC diesel comes with the 150kW/500Nm version of the 2.1-litre turbodiesel used in several Mercedes models, and is the efficiency leader for now with a 4.5L/100km official combined figure.

All new C-Class variants use a version of the previous model’s seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission with a switchable start/stop system.

SAFETY

A maximum five star ANCAP rating is no surprise, with dual frontal, side head chest and pelvis airbags along with a drivers knee airbag. 

Among an array of electronic aids is an autonomous emergency braking system and an active bonnet to help protect pedestrians on impact. 

DRIVING

Driving the new C-Class could well be like meeting your hero, but reality brings nothing to diminish expectations. 

Even in basic C200 trim, the C’s interior feels very special, with an elegant mix of piano black, stainless steel and alloy finishes trimmed in perforated Artico pseudo leather trim. 

To describe this trim as vinyl is unfair, as Mercedes has put a lot of work into emulating the experience of leather, without the cost or ecological concerns. It’s not quite as soft as high-grade leather, but it will have most passengers fooled.

Another key improvement is in the back seat, which is now a genuinely comfortable place for two adults, with space you’d usually expect only in an E-Class. 

The C200 petrol delivers more than enough punch for an entry model, and the C200 simply steps the performance up a notch. 

Both engines deliver their power in an effortless fashion thanks to their clever turbo setups, and are smooth and responsive throughout their rev ranges. 

The C250 BlueTec diesel continues with the creamy urge we’ve come to expect from this engine, but can’t match the refinement of the new petrol 2.0-litre. Unless fuel range is your top priority, the impressive figures of the C200 and C250 petrols deliver a more refined experience for less money.

The 18 inch wheels of the C200 do make for the best ride with the standard coil springs, but either 18s or 19s deliver a sportier ride than you’d expect from a non AMG C-Class, and a clear sign of Mercedes’ targeting of younger buyers. 

The optional air suspension does cosset at slow speeds with either wheel size, but tends to float at higher speeds more than the stable coils. 

Regardless of suspension package or wheel size, the new C’s enlarged proportions and weight-saving construction have resulted in a large sedan feeling of sure-footedness that is paired with a lightness and stability through corners you’d expect of a much smaller and lower car.

The previous model’s power steering was one of the first electric setups to duck criticism, and the new model is just as good too with good feel and consistent assistance.