Mercedes-Benz ups the ante with the unveil of the new C-Class, launch set to take place on 10th May
Mercedes-Benz has shaken up the executive sedan segment with the unveil of its fifth generation C-Class. Bookings for the luxury car are already underway for a token amount of Rs. 50,000/- while launch is set to happen on 10th May.
The luxury sedan has so far seen 37,000 homes here since its launch in 2001.
It will be offered in 3 variants – C200, C220d, and C300d and with the choice of 6 colours – Salatine Grey, Mojave Silver, High-tech Silver, Manufaktur Opalite White, Cavansite Blue, and Obsidian Black. Note that C300d will sport only the last 3 colours.
Designed taking inspiration from the S-Class and the recently facelifted E-Class, the new C-Class is 65 mm longer than its previous version with the wheel base also higher by 25 mm. There’s also 21 mm additional space in the cabin.
Customers can choose among 3 interior colours – Macchiato Beige, Sienna Brown, and Black, matched with either pored wood trim and aluminium inserts, or a metal weave trim.
The C200 comes powered by a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 201 HP and 300 Nm while the C220d and C300d are powered by the familiar 2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine each getting a different state of tune.
In the C220d, the engine puts out 197 HP and 440 Nm while on the C300, it puts out 261 HP and 550 Nm. Both the engines are aided by mild hybrid tech enabling an additional boost of 20 HP and 200 Nm when required.
Both the engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic with the C200 and C220d hitting the ton in 7.3 seconds while the top-of-the-line C300 achieving it a tad quicker at 5.7 seconds.
The luxury sedan sports a revised grille, shorter overhangs, sleeker LED headlamps with integrated LED drls, and new split LED tail-lamps. There are also what Mercedes calls ‘power bulges’ on the hood. The car runs on 19-inch alloy wheels and the blackened B-pillars complete the look on the side.
On the inside, along with more space, there is new age technology throughout including the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen taken straight from the S-Class that controls most of the car’s functions.
The infotainment functions can now also be operated by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel while there’s also a biometric scanner that could store data about 3 individuals for customised experience.
The touchscreen infotainment system also features ‘Hey Mercedes’ connected car technology while other features include sunroof, wireless charging, heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather upholstery.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to be launched at a starting price of Rs. 50.01 lakhs (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will rival the competitors – Volvo S60, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Jaguar XE.
