Engine, transmission and performance
We drove the C220 CDI variant of the new C-Class, powered by a 2143cc four-pot turbo diesel which did duty on the previous generation version of the car as well. In its newest iteration, this engine has been refined and made more powerful and efficient. Power and torque is rated at 168 bhp @ 3000 rpm and 400Nm respectively. Of those figures, the torque is produced at a ludicrously low 1400 rpm making the new C class extremely tractable with a strong low to mid range punch and a resultant fuel efficiency of an impressive 19.27 kmpl as per ARAI. Refined and sophisticated at low to mid revs, the engine gets a tad too noisy towards its upper band, and that’s where the power starts fading too.
The car comes equipped with a stop/start system as standard which is intelligent enough to figure it out when you’re stuck in a traffic jam and keeps the engine running when the car is being brought to a halt frequently.
While a 6-speed manual transmission is available in the international markets, for India, the C-Class, like all other Mercs will be available only with an auto box. Transmission duties are taken care of by the trusty old, buttery smooth 7G Tronic 7-speed auto, which of late, has been given a Plus suffix to underline the improvements it has received. We have always loved this transmission for its almost imperceptible silky smooth shifts, and the unit remains as likeable as ever for practical, real-world driving on the new C-Class as well. It may not be as lightening quick as some of the other transmissions employing a twin clutch setup, but it really can hold its own when it comes to performing seamless, imperceptible shifts which suit the character of luxury cars really well.
Performance is brisk, if not blistering with a claimed sub-8 second timing for the 0-100km/h dash and a top speed of 233 km/h. Redlined at 5000 rpm, the engine pulls cleanly from low revs and builds pace as a reassuring rate. There is a steady gush of torque flowing through the mill from lower to mid revs, endowing the diesel powered C-Class with an ability to handle overtaking manoeuvres with utmost ease. The blustery torque can be best felt between 2500 to 4000 rpm, though the linear nature of the engine doesn’t quite let the existence of those loopy pipes attached to the engine very evident.
The driver can use the AGILITY SELECT switch to choose between various modes including “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. The additional “Individual” option enables drivers to configure the steering and transmission to suit their driving style – though the suspension cannot be tweaked (more on this later). The C Class, via the ECO mode also keeps a tight check on the energy consumption by air-conditioning and limits its use to extract the maximum from every drop of the oil at its disposal.
The performance of the C-Class power-train, thus, is of a refined, linear and reassuring nature. It’s not a brown shot of Jagermesieter with Red Bull that brings a grin on your face almost instantly. It is, however, a frosty long glass full of authentic German Weissbier – frothy, sparkling and ever so refreshing, though it would never get you smashed.
Ride and handling
The New C-Class features a new 4 link independent front suspension with a 5-link rear setup. Fully decoupled from the spring strut, the front unit is tuned to endow the new C-Class with better lateral grip and a dynamic character. The rear 5-link setup on the other hand works towards delivering great straight line stability. The new C-Class, for the first time also gets the AIRMATIC air suspension as an option in the international markets. Unfortunately, though, the feature is not available in India, which explains the inability of the Agility control system to let you tweak the car’s suspension. For India, the ground clearance has been increased, along with a few other minor tweaks made to ensure the car takes in stride our ‘special’ roads without any hiccups.
From behind the steering wheel, the new C-Class feels like a bigger, self-assured car right from the word go. The car has grown in size, along with an increase in wheelbase and track, and the difference is very evident for the driver. The electromechanical Direct Steer System feels light in a middling way, but gathers weight rather well as the car picks pace. The steering feels sufficiently weighted and with its variable ratios for variable input angles is fairly precise and enjoyable for the class.
The suspension setup even after having been raised for the Indian version feels a tad bit on the stiffer side. While the stiffer springs have lent the C-Class a perceptibly more dynamic feel which includes more confidence around corners and decidedly superior straight line stability, it doesn’t quite have an all-absorbing, supremely supple ride quality. The car feels slightly edgy while handling rough surfaces. Pronounced bumps translate into vertical body movement for the car rather easily.
While it’s all still within the tolerable boundaries, the all new C-class was expected to surpass its predecessor in terms of absorption qualities, which, unfortunately it doesn’t quite do. Maybe an optional AIRMATIC suspension on this baby would have shown us what it’s capable of – but we are left a bit wanting with the car as regards ride quality as of now. The wind noise has been very well contained, though the stiff suspension lets the granular road surfaces be felt inside the cabin a tad bit more than ideal.
Verdict
In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, the C-Class has taken the game a level higher in terms of in-cabin luxury, trim and premium feel. The incomparably opulent cabin of the C-Class is enough to make most buyers in the segment lean towards it. It looks good, is incredibly efficient in the diesel guise and is significantly more engaging to drive than the model it replaces. For someone who’s looking for the best overall package in the segment, probably the C would have little or no competition.
It isn’t however the car with the most exciting engine; nor does it offer the best ride. If you’re looking for a focused driving tool in this segment, you have some better options. If you are, however looking for an all rounder with unmatched luxury inside the cabin, look no further, even if it costs you a few lakh extra.
Price as tested:
C-Class 220 CDI Sport: Rs 43 lakh ex-showroom
C-Class 220 CDI Style: Rs 40 lakh ex-showroom
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION | |
| Arrangement/no. of cylinders | Inline / 4 |
| Total displacement (cc) | 2143 |
| Max. engine output (bhp @ rpm) | 168 @ 3000 – 4200 |
| Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) | 400 @ 1400 – 2800 |
| Approx. top speed (km/h) | 233 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 kmph (s) | 7.4 |
| Tyres/wheels | 225/50 R 17 and 225/55 R 16 |
| Transmission | 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Length (mm) | 4686 |
| Width (mm) | 1810 |
| Height (mm) | 1442 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2840 |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1655 |
| Perm. GVW (kg) | 2135 |
| Luggage compartment capacity (l) | 480 |
| Turning circle diameter (m) | 11.22 |
| Fuel efficiency under standard test conditions (kmpl) | 19.27 |
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