· Everything about the C-Class must be C, for Captivating. Mercedes-Benz hopes that buyers of the entry-level sedan, will progress onto the E-class, and finally the S-class. The 2007-2010 models just weren’t that convincing. We come to see how the revised, face-lifted C-Class plans to ‘C’aptivate buyers.
· Design & Engineering:
Some may argue that the ‘New’ C-Class looks exactly the same as the old one (2008-2010). You’re right. Apart from replacing the projector headlamps with conventional, old-school headlamps, LED daytime running lights (and rear lights), along with the badge: BlueEfficiency. Apart from a few minor-changes, the differences are minimal, leaving me with almost nothing to write about.
· Interior
This is where the game changer is. The materials and styling of the dashboard from the previous generation C-Class were hardly close to what one would expect from the German luxury automaker—which is why everything on the 2011 model has been stripped out and replaced. The cabin is now drastically richer and more appealing, with a sense of avant-garde and character behind every detail. The accompaniment of black paneling, chrome, and soft leather finalizes the premium portrait. Starting with the cockpit, one notices that the steering wheel has been plucked from the new CLS, complete with plush leather and sports grip—not a bad thing at all. The dashboard is also stolen from the new E-Class, with a slight change in colouration, from the E-Class’s black ash dials, to a sleek platinum gray. The center console features the (once again) same COMMAND system from the E-Class. I particularly do not appreciate the colour of the silver-gray buttons, as they are almost impossible to read! At the rear, space and comfort are adequate, and about the same as the previous generation. The base model (C180, C200, C250) does not feature a Start/stop function, whereas higher-trim models, such as the C300, and C350 with 7G-TRONIC (seven-speed automatic, buttery smooth transmission) do. Though the interior of the new C-Class may not be as sporty as rivals (3-series, A4), it definitely surpasses all in terms of luxury and comfort.
· Ride & Handling
Powered by a range of engines, from the 1.6, and 1.8-liter BlueEfficiency engines, to the 3.5-liter BlueEfficiency engines, the new C-Class now appeals to a wider range of consumers. The base model, even manages to outrun the 2.0-liter BMW 3-series. At higher revolutions, the BlueEfficiency base engines still manage to maintain refinement, though non-stimulating. None of the trims set the roads on fire, but ace in handling, road cornering, along with ride comfort and cabin noise. In short, the new C-Class seems to be a straightforward, handling vehicle. The base models (C180, C200, C250), lack the renowned 7G-TRONIC transmission, and feature a 5-speed gearbox instead. This causes the gearbox to make a ‘clunky’ noise when shifting from reverse to drive, vice versa. Nevertheless, each gear change is optimized to its best.
· Verdict
Though none of the trims might blaze a trail, it definitely provides what most rivals cannot—stature, luxury, and refinement. Apart from old-school styling, the base model C-Class manages to ‘C’onvinces and ‘C’aptivate a wider range of buyers.
o Pictures from:
o http://cdn.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2012_mercedes_benz_c_class_images_007.jpg
o http://autocar-zone.com/images/2011/07/2011-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-C300-Sport-Sedan-Rear-Seat-Image-280x280.jpg
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