At the Wheel

Mercedes C-Class

A Snazzy Sedan

Mat Ranasinghe drives one of 2022’s most awaited cars in the luxury end of the segment

The W206 is the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class; and like the W205 before it, this car takes many of its cues from the flagship W223 S-Class – both in terms of styling and technology.

Between 1982 and 1993, the 190 series compact sedan by Mercedes-Benz was making waves in the segment. Its success was primarily due to its groundbreaking design with one of the best drag coefficients at the time.

And secondly, this was due to its strong motor racing presence. Even back then, there were a few hot models such as the 2.3-litre 16-valve and 2.5-litre 16-valve (Cosworth engines).

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz released the 2.5-litre 16 Evolution 1 (rated at 201 bhp) as a direct competitor to BMW’s M3. And 1990 saw an even more powerful Evolution II (rated at 230 bhp) in small numbers.

For the first time, the 1993 W202 wore the C-Class badge, which carried through until 2000 when it was replaced by the beautifully styled W203. While the W203 was uniquely attractive then and even today, it was also possibly the most unreliable C-Class to date.

In fact, it was so notorious that Mercedes-Benz made major changes when the W204 was launched – including moving production of the new model back to Germany along with several quality control measures that ultimately paid off.

The W205 came in 2014 and was replaced in 2021 by the W206. This new model is based on the MRA II Mercedes platform, which ironed out some of the MRA’s flaws including ride quality.

Its body shape has been simplified to stay in line with this marque’s corporate theme. Gone are the 205’s creased body panels – although the bulges on the bonnet give it an aggressive stance.

The front grille has tiny three-point stars embedded in it – similar to those found on EQ cars (except without lighting). An AMG-style front bumper makes it look sporty while LED tail lamps with lighted elements follow the teardrop cue found on the A-, E- and S-Classes.

Its interior – like the exterior – has been heavily influenced by the S-Class. The previous model’s iPad-like infotainment display atop the dash is gone and has been replaced by a flowing vertical screen that blends seamlessly into the centre console.

There’s a marked improvement in the fit and finish of the dash and interior trim panels over those found in the W205. Rear headroom and legroom have improved over the two previous generations.

There is an electrically operated tailgate but quite a few electronic gadgets are missing on the 2022 models due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage. Notably, these include the ‘kick feature’ for the boot lid; and for some markets – memory seat function, Burmester audio system and adaptive damper option.

The C’s cabin is a wonderful place to spend a long journey and you will find yourself as fresh as a daisy upon reaching your destination. Safety is top-notch with many of the features expected in higher classes being included along with an updated PRE-SAFE system.

Its suspension tune hits that sweet spot between handling and comfort to make it a proper driver’s car. The C300’s ‘4 pot’ is more than adequate to propel it along while overtaking on the motorway or twisty roads. Even the base engine (C180) has output similar to the previous generation’s C200.

All 6- and 8-cylinder engines have been dropped in favour of ‘4 pot’ electrically assisted power plants. Sure, you may miss that throaty V8 rumble of the old C 63 S – but the replacement AMG model will not be short on power or torque!

If you ever find yourself looking for a secondhand C-Class and find a W203 instead, turn around and walk away as fast as you can! However, the W206 will waft you and your passengers along in absolute comfort – or be a genuine driver’s car when called upon to do so. Needless to say, we highly recommend it!

MERCEDES C-CLASS

AT A GLANCE