2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Revealed, Does It Spell Trouble For The 3-Series?

The reveal of the new-generation 2022 C-Class shows the importance Mercedes gives to the model in a world that is increasingly moving toward SUVs and also how significant a role the crown jewel of its lineup plays in defining its entire range of cars.

That is because, the exterior design instantly reminds one of the S-Class. The model comes with LED headlights, a neat grille with the Mercedes logo in the centre and a rather wide air dam.

A character line flows from the front fender to the tail lights that are 2-piece units, a first for the C-Class. The wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches and at the rear, there are twin exhaust outlets and a large bumper.

As an optional extra, the 2022 C-Class can be had with the Digital Light system that projects guidelines and warning symbols onto the road up ahead.

While the exterior might not seem very special, the interior of the luxury sedan more than makes up for it.

Inspired by the cabin of the new S-Class, the C-Class’ dash houses 2 screens, a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 11.9-inch touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system pinched from the S-Class. Lesser trim levels get slightly smaller displays.

There is a new steering wheel (2 styles), new air vents and seats inside the car that now has increased interior space be it headroom, elbow room, shoulder room or legroom.

That is due to it being 65 mm longer, 10 mm wider and having a 25 mm longer wheelbase than the model it replaces. It also has a lowered roofline.

Boot space stands at 455 litres for the European model (507 litres for the US version) and there is also an estate available right from the get-go for those who want more practicality.

If there was a surprise that the 2022 Mercedes C-Class reveal disclosed, it was that all the engines of the car are complimented by an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that provides temporary power boost.

The European C-Class range starts with the C180 which has a 1.5-litre petrol motor making 167 HP and 250 Nm of torque. Then comes the C200/C200 4Matic models with the same engine, but with 201 HP and 300 Nm of torque.

Diesel models start with the C200d (161 HP and 380 Nm) and include C220d/C220d 4MATIC (197 HP and 440 Nm), and end with the top-spec C300d (261 HP and 550 Nm).

In addition, Mercedes also has a PHEV model called C300e that has 308 HP and 550 Nm from its 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor combo. This particular model has a 25.4-kWh battery pack that enables it to travel 100 km on electric power alone.

All the models come paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and as an optional extra, the luxury sedan can be specced with rear-wheel steering as well. Of the lot, expect the C200 and C220d models to come to India.

Available for sale in Europe from March, the C-Class family will further grow with the arrival of high-performance models, but they too will be 4-cylinder petrol hybrids.