The Electrification Of A Success Story

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a story of success for the three-pointed star, with over 2.5 million units sold since 2014 of the current generation. Not resting on its laurels, the latest edition is an extensive revamp that forges ahead for a new generation of buyers with efficient electrification of powertrains and a digitally connected personal universe that is touted as a future-proof comfort zone.

In lessening its carbon footprint, the new C-Class introduces a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) variant that now doubles its electric range up to 100km. Mercedes-Benz is going “Electric First”, aiming to have half of the model range electrified by 2030.

With distinct trickle-down technology from the S-Class and looks of the E-Class, the latest C-Class iteration is a blend of sportiness and modern luxury. Exhibiting dynamic proportions, the sporty bonnet with powerdomes accentuates a sense of forward motion alongside elaborately sculptured body surfaces with minimum lines. While the brand’s hallmark radiator grille characterises the front, the Avantgarde line features chrome surrounds, distinguishing it from the AMG line’s diamond grille with the three-pointed star design in chrome. The precisely detailed interior of the tail lamps sharpen with a day and night appearance sharpens the rear visual of the car.

Considerably larger, the new C-Class dimensions have increased for front and rear comfort. Inside, modern luxury sees the dashboard’s wing-like section with flattened round vents resembling aircraft engine nacelles. Adjustable ambient lighting adds to the sophistication of the tech-like interior. Driver focused, the dashboard and central display are tilted towards the driver, with the free-standing 12.3-inch LCD screen setting the driver display apart from traditional cockpits. Vehicular functions are controlled via the large floating central display’s touchscreen.

More digital and intelligent, the second generation MBUX infotainment system’s hardware and software have made great strides with greater connectivity, the ability to access various smart home functions, and also allows for over-the-air software updates.

Hey Mercedes is the increasingly intelligent voice assistant, now more interactive and capable of learning, it’s able to recognise individual occupants by their voices.

With music a large part of the driving experience, music streaming services like Spotify and Tidal are fully integrated into MBUX infotainment, with seamless access and intuitive operation via “Hey Mercedes”, steering wheel touch controls, or on the central display.

Under the hood of the C-Class sits an efficient turbocharged 1.5 litre powertrain engineered to be so smooth that the start/stop function is almost imperceptible when transitioning from gliding with the engine switched off to strong acceleration under engine power. The C 180 variant with the 125 kW/ 300 Nm engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.3 sec and tops out at 231km/h, while the C 200 with a power rating of 150 kW/ 330 Nm hits the century mark in 7.4 sec with a top speed of 246km/h.