W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class launched,

Price from RM286k

Exactly 10 months after it was revealed to the world (and merely nine since it made its public debut), theW205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has arrived in Malaysia. The new compact executive sedan comes in two flavours for our market – the C 200 Avantgarde for RM285,888 and C 250 Exclusive for RM314,888 (both on-the-road, without insurance).

 

The available engine options for this “baby W222 S-Class” mirror those offered on thefacelifted W212 E-Class range – 2.0 litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder units, paired to a seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Power, of course, is sent to the rear wheels.

 

With 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque (same power but with 30 Nm more than the model it replaces), the C 200 gets from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds (0.5 seconds faster than before), on to a top speed of 235 km/h. Efficiency us up too, from 6.4 litres per 100 km (15.6 km/l) to just 5.3 litres per 100 km (18.9 km/l).

In the C 250, the same engine is boosted to 211 hp and 350 Nm, getting from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds (seven hp and 40 Nm more, 0.6 seconds quicker than before). Top speed is up by 10 km/h, now limited to 250 km/h. It’ll also average 5.3 litre per 100 km (18.9 km/l), with an ECO start/stop function standard on both models.

You can check out our in-depth car comparison tool on Carbase.my to see how the W205 C-Class fits in terms of engine outputs and performance against all of its closest rivals, in this case the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4,Infiniti Q50 and [color=#9900 !important]Lexus IS.

Both fully imported (CBU) from South Africa (with CKD models set to come later), the two models have distinctly different designs inside and out, owing to their own trim lines (Avantgarde/Exclusive). Two sets of faces are available like on the outgoing model, but this time it’s the lower variant that gets the more sporty treatment.

LED headlights (but not thefull-fledged adaptive system) are standard on both models, but the C 200 Avantgarde comes with a sports grille with a centrally-mounted star, while the C 250 Exclusive has Merc’s[color=#9900 !important]traditional grille and standing hood ornament. The latter has what Mercedes calls the Airpanel – active louvres that open or close (depending on cooling requirements) to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The louvres are closed in their default position when parked.

Further model differentiators include the front splitter/valance shapes, silver highlights on the (fake) lower intakes on the Avantgarde, wheel designs (both 17-inchers with run-flat tyres) and the exhaust/diffuser combination round the back (chrome lines on the Avantgarde, real exhaust outlets on the C 250 Exclusive).

They are quite different inside too, with the C 200 Avantgarde having a piano black centre console instead of the C 250 Exclusive’s wood decor. The former gets aluminium door trims (wood on C 250), while the latter has leather-covered dashboard and door panels, plus an analogue clock integrated into the centre cluster(the clock is only available in the Exclusive trim line). The seat rib pattern is unique to each trim line, while the C 200 Avantgarde has perforated leather on its steering wheel. Buyers can choose between black, grey or cream upholstery (depending on the chosen exterior colour).

Equipment-wise, both variants get the basic Audio 20 CD with Touchpad system, fitted with a Garmin MAP Pilot navigation system. This is linked to the free-standing tablet-like screen, which houses a 7.0-inch display – not the larger 8.4-inch unit that comes with the full COMAND Online package available internationally.

You also get an Agility Select Switch (affects the steering weight, throttle response and transmission maps), powered front seats with memory, rear (powered) and side (manual) window blinds, LED Ambient Lighting (with three colour options), auto lights and wipers, cruise control, reverse camera and Active Parking Assist (auto-park feature) on either model.

They’re not all the same, however. The C 200 Avantgarde gets an Agility Control suspension that’s lowered by 15 mm, compared to the C 250 Exclusive’s comfort setup. Both are passive systems, as the adaptive Airmatic suspension that has made its way on to the C-Class isn’t available locally. The Agility Control suspension selects one of two valve settings mechanically (non-active and non-driver selectable) depending on road and driving condition.

The range-topper also adds on a sunroof, Air Balance (active fragrancing, air ionisation) and proper keyless entry (over the C 200’s keyless engine start).

On the safety front, the W205 C-Class comes with seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee bag), Collision Prevention Assist Plus (partial autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, able to prevent rear end collisions at up to 40 km/h), Isofix anchors on the rear seats and Mercedes-Benz’s usual PRE-SAFE system.