This is probably the most important model in the range! At least in terms of the number of cars sold. The C-class is a kind of best-seller at Mercedes. Since 1982, when the 190 was launched, the family car with the star has seduced more than 10.5 million buyers worldwide. That's quite a track record! It's been the best-selling Mercedes in the range for the past 10 years. Before being replaced again this month, the current C-Class was produced at 2.5 million units (station wagons and sedans combined), a score identical to that of the very first C! This means that the C-Class has stood the test of time with unwavering serenity. At nearly 40 years old, five generations, the C-class has once again changed its skin, its elegance, its technology, but it is happy to mock its "green" detractors, since it still offers a diesel engine. Yes, its heart of the range. An engine which, like the petrol, is now associated with a light 48V hybrid.
Victory for the diesel, by a large majority
Let's face it, Mercedes doesn't neglect anything. Especially not its customers. The C-Class still appeals to 70% of its public thanks to fuel oil. So why deprive such a strong demand, generally from heavy mileage consumers who don't want to stop every 300 kilometers to refuel or put their fingers in the socket!
That's why Mercedes offers, alongside a classic "petrol" model, a diesel engine: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder developing 200 bhp (220d), consuming only 4.9 liters per 100 km, and emitting only 130 grams of CO2/km thanks to the contribution of a light hybridisation, a 48V starter-alternator. This system allows you to gain, if necessary, 20 additional horses, to reduce polluting emissions while lowering consumption by nearly 0.70 l / 100 km, when you adopt a flowing driving.
In fact, all the C-Class engines will be equipped with a light hybrid, whether they are light or sporty (and the next AMG will not escape!). Frankly, in these times of excessive car ecology, of electrification at all costs, for good or bad reasons, of pseudo "diesel witch hunts", Mercedes insists, and is entirely right to insist.
Why not continue to offer a diesel car when there is a large majority of applicants? Driving 1,200 km without filling up is still of interest to many people. Cars have to be sold. In any case, they are standardized, which means that they meet the anti-pollution standards imposed by Brussels. This does not prevent the manufacturer with the star from being present on all markets with a 100% electric offer, thanks to its EQ range, from making the apology of the rechargeable hybridisation, gasoline, and diesel too (now the only manufacturer), from producing a large number of "gasoline" models, and from making its sports cars a vector of image and performance, thanks to AMG.
Small S-Class in spirit
So I chose the one that sells the most... The C-Class 220d. It had been a long time since I had driven a "diesel" car. And I have to admit I was bluffed by its pleasantness. If only the particles emitted were not so harmful! However, the progress made is real. Quiet, energetic, alert, this 2.0-liter engine hides its pedigree well. And we must admit that the new C-Class has succeeded, also aesthetically, in its sixth generation.
It looks like an S-Class, obviously smaller. But the overall look, its soothing presence, simple lines, no false notes, precise proportions, immediate class, without ostentation, give this C220d a frank and proud appearance. It must be said that its "AMG Line" (as opposed to the "Avantgarde Line" and "Business Line"), creates a certain dynamism. The C is 9 cm longer in AMG Line (6 cm for the two other finishes) than the previous model. Its front grille is new, its front bumper is specific and nicely openworked. I particularly like its double hood bosses. Its headlights are more refined and the chrome is still present on the sides.
Its more sensitive stern is finely designed with better integrated lights as well as the double exhaust outlet. Nevertheless, the very nice 19-inch wheels are still a little too hard on comfort. Ah, the aesthetics!
A classy interior
It's not necessarily the perceived quality of the interior that is most appealing. But it is. The mix of materials, the carbon, the very nice air vents, the thick and overstitched leathers, are of good quality. The plastics are good too, but don't look too far down, on the lower part of the cabin, they appear less graceful, far from flattering the eyes. When you look up, the perfectly executed dashboard becomes particularly attractive. The first, located behind the steering wheel, is a horizontal 11.9-inch screen that focuses all the driving information, with three possible instrument panels: "classic", "discreet" and "sport".
The other screen, hyper generous, touch, more vertical and in the center of the debates (12.3 inches, 30 cm), makes evolve the MBUX infotainment towards a 2.0 generation... Artificial intelligence in spades! For the first time, you can configure your driver profile to your liking! How do you start it? With your index finger, the fingerprint of your finger. A first, like unlocking your mobile!
The user can preset his driving position, choose his atmosphere (64 colors), his radios, his position, his seat, his connections, his phone contacts... In short, everything he wants to personalize. As many possible settings as users!
The navigation, large and colorful, invites itself, like the S class, in the "head up" vision, but without augmented reality, well present nevertheless on the large central screen. The technological universe of this car, quite intuitive, remains functional and practical. We're moving upmarket.
And the suitcases in all this? Well, the new C-class still has a well-made trunk with 450 liters of storage space.
To drive? Fun! With good lateral grip
The C-class will soon receive, as an option, steered rear wheels. Is this really necessary? Probably for the sportier models. Here, the C-class already offers an excellent lateral grip in the winding parts. This is surprising for a very comfortable wagon. Almost no understeer. The steering is very good. Precise and consistent. You almost forget that it's a rear-wheel drive. The driveability remains flawless, and it's correctly transferred to the rear wheels alone thanks to a functional torque of 440 Nm. It must be said that the C-class gives the change in behavior.
With 200 hp powered by diesel, it is not very fast, especially at higher revs, but it provides the essential, well supported by a variable damping. However, prefer the more homogeneous "comfort" mode, when the wagon is paired with 19-inch wheels. The "dynamic" mode is not far from the "end of the wood". The roughness goes up in the buttocks. A little too firm.
On the other hand, I found the braking on these hilly roads in the Pyrenees to be average. Not very efficient, lacking consistency, overall sluggish, spongy on the attack of the pedal, and quite heterogeneous. In short, not very pleasant to use but that can be explained: A double effect assistance. The electronic assistance intervenes in a first time to ensure the electric regeneration of the small hybridisation. The second, to brake! To be reviewed. But the performances are there: 7,3 s to touch the first 100 km/h, with, at the end, a maximum speed of 245 km/h.
Balance sheet
There's still the price. The new C class starts at 49550 euros with a gasoline engine (Avantgarde line). In diesel at 52500 euros. But with this pretty AMG Line it will be necessary to provide a check to 55900 euros. We will remember that the C-Class will see its station wagon variant arrive at the same time. The 4Matic versions a little later. A coupe and a convertible are planned in the catalog. The AMG versions, fortunately also!