All engines have been electrified, while the manual gearbox is now retired.
The W201 was introduced by Mercedes in 1982, as the precursor to the C-Class. It went on to be its most-sold series. The C-Class is now more than 10.5million strong after nearly 40 years of being on the market. It has seen six generations, including the original 190 series. A new generation is needed to build on the success of its predecessors, even though it competes in an SUV-hungry marketplace.
The German luxury brand isn’t wasting time. The sedan will be joined by the more practical wagon from day one. This is a move that is not likely to slow down. Although the C-Class’s exterior design isn’t significantly different from the previous model, Mercedes has made enough changes to make it feel new for 2021.
The new model follows the same sharper headlight design as the larger models, but has a more clean profile and fewer lines. While the US-spec model will have a choice of 18- or 19-inch wheels, its European counterpart will also be available with a smaller set of 17-inch wheels. The W206 generation’s rear end features two-piece taillights. This makes it the first C-Class model to feature this type of taillight, joining the more expensive EClass and SClass.
It looks more like a facelift than a new model from the outside. But once inside, it all changes. These images are not an error. They show the C-Class , and not the latest S-Class . This screen-heavy layout has been dropped from the Mercedes crown jewel.
North America will have the standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 11.9-inch touchscreen of the MBUX second-generation infotainment system. In Europe, lower trim levels will be able to use a smaller 10.25 inch driver’s display and a smaller 9.5-inch central screen. Because the wheelbase has been extended by 1 inch (25mm) it will make the interior more spacious. It now stands at 112.8in (2,865mm).
The new C-Class measures 2.5 inches (65 mm) longer than the old model and 0.5 inches (10 mm wider) more narrower. It also has a lower roofline which gives it a more sleek look. Because of the increased footprint, the C-Class has more headroom, elbow and shoulder space at the front and back. Passenger sitting in the rear also enjoys more legroom.
Practicality-wise, the sedan’s cargo capacity has remained the same at 17.9 cubic feet in the US and 455 liters in Europe. The wagon’s capacity is significantly larger with the long-roof model. It can hold 490 liters when the rear seats are up, and 1,510 liters when they are folded down. This represents a 30 liter increase in each case.
Let’s discuss the engines. They are all electrified, and each is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The US-spec model comes with the turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The C300 has 255 horsepower, 190 (kilowatts), and 295 poundfeet (405 Newton-meters) torque. It is also equipped with an integrated starter generator (ISG), which provides a temporary boost to 20 hp (15kW) and 200 Nm.
The rear-wheel-drive C300, as well as its 4Matic sibling, hit 60 mph (96 km/h), in 5.9 seconds. They also reached a electronically limited 130 mph (209 km/h).
C200/C200 4Matic gasoline models are also available for the European C-Class. They have a 1.5-liter engine that produces 201 horsepower (150 kW) as well as 221 lb-ft (399 Nm) plus the boost provided by the ISG. In both the sedan and wagon versions, the all-paw model can reach 62 mph (100 km/h), while the RWD models achieve the same feat in 7.3 seconds (sedan), and 7.5 seconds respectively (wagon).
The top speed of the AWD-equipped C200 sedan or wagon is 150 mph (241 km/h), compared to the velocity of the RWD sedan’s 153 mph (246km/h) and the wagon’s 149 mph (342 km/h).
The C180 base model will only be available in Europe with RWD. The 1.5-liter engine is dialed down from 167 horsepower (125 kW) to 184 lbft (250 Nm). The ISG contributes to an impressive sprint to 62 mph in 8.6 secs before the car reaches speeds of 144 mph (231 km/h), regardless of body style.
Mercedes will offer C200d and C220d on the Old Continent, as well as C220d 4MATIC and C300d mild hybrid diesels. The base model produces 161 horsepower (120 kW), and 280lbft (338 Nm) while the midlevel model has 197hp (175 kW), 325lb (440 Nm), and optional all-wheel drive. Finally, the top-tier diesel is available with 261hp (195 kW) & 406lb (550 Nm). The fastest of the bunch sprints in 5.7 seconds (+0.1s if the wagon is used). Its speed limit is 155 mph (253 km/h).
There’s more. Mercedes has also a C300e in Euroland. It is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, and an electric motor that produces a combined output 308 HP (230 kW), and 406 Lb-ft (556 Nm). The PHEV model has a 25.4-kWh battery that provides enough power to provide an electric range of 62miles (100 km), per WLTP.
The C-Class with a charger port is available in both body styles. It is the only member of this family that has air suspension. After repositioning of the battery pack, the PHEVs have a larger cargo capacity and a higher load floor.
Mercedes will add optional rear-wheel steering for the C-Class in order to reduce the turning circle by 17 inches (43 cm), to 10.64 meters (34.9ft). The rear axle’s steering angle is 2.5 degrees, which is four times less than that of the S-Class. The rear wheels steer in opposite directions to the front wheels at speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h). At higher speeds, the rear wheels will steer in the same direction as the front wheels.
The MBUX technology isn’t the only one that Mercedes has inherited from the big-boy S. Mercedes also uses the Digital Light system. Optional headlights project warning signs and guidelines onto the road ahead. They also provide superior illumination thanks to the use of 1.3 million micromirrors.
The new Mercedes C-Class will be available in the USA at the start of 2022. The new Mercedes C-Class will arrive in America at the beginning of 2022. Europeans can order the sedan or wagon now and then visit dealers to see the cars in person. Along with the C Class All-Terrain rugged sedan, the AMG C43 (or C53?) will be available. The C63 high-performance models will be followed by the AMG C43 (or is it C53?) with their hybridized four cylinder engines.